So, you’re interested in becoming a delivery rider? Well great news, in this new blog I’ll be answering some of the most frequently asked questions to provide you with plenty of useful information to get you started and on the road!

For most delivery services you will need the following:

• Proof of your right to work in the UK
• Be over 18
• The correct insurance (we'll cover this a little later)
• A smartphone 
• A reliable and working vehicle 
• UK bank account

• Ride

I don’t just mean the motivation to get up and go. As you’ll be spending the majority of your shift out on the roads, you’ll need to be confident and capable in the saddle – not only for your safety and wellbeing but for others too.

The correct licence and a good driving record will be a great start too.

• Concentration

It’s no secret that delivery riders are required to travel long distances by riding back and forth between restaurants or pick-up locations each shift, therefore you’re going to need to be able to concentrate and keep your mind on the road.

It’s more than likely you’ll be travelling more miles and for longer than you would when riding in your spare time. If you’re only used to travelling shorter distances, I’d recommend doing a few longer practice runs so you can get used to how it feels and focus on watching the road. If you don’t then the physical sensations of riding all day may take you by surprise and that will do no one, especially yourself, any good.

• Communication

We know you’ll be spending the majority of your time behind the handlebars but, from liaising with customers and members of your team to managing orders, delivery riding comes with a need for good visual and verbal communication.

• Attention to detail 

Planning your routes so you’re on time and taking care of your vehicle both come under paying attention to detail. If these are not taken into consideration it could stop you from completing your rounds and lead to complaints, so you’ll want to make sure everything is in working order and this leads me nicely onto my new point...

• Customer service

Interacting with the customers at each drop-off point is a big part of the service. You’ll want to be friendly as no one wants to re-use a company if the riders are rude. 

Whilst out you may also face confrontation from an unhappy customer because their delivery is late. Having the skills to handle a situation like this with care is another big element of the job.

It depends on the company you are applying for but, in this day and age, the majority of applications will go through their website and be submitted online. You’ll then be contacted and made aware of the next stage if you’re successful, as with any job application. 

You’ll need Fast Food Delivery which includes all aspects of Social, Domestic and Pleasure use as standard.

• Social, Domestic and Pleasure (SD&P)

Most motor insurance covers you for social, domestic and pleasure use. This is using your bike for your own everyday personal activities, excluding commuting to work.

• Fast Food Delivery

This is the term you’ll hear thrown about the most when looking into delivery insurance as this is the insurance use you will need to actually deliver.

It’s designed to cover a variety of vehicles used for delivery and is the step-up from business use insurance (which, unfortunately, can’t be used for delivery riders as it’s more restrictive and could invalidate your insurance).

Lexham Insurance's Delivery Rider insurance scheme is designed to offer rates for delivery riders, whether food, parcel, grocery, or courier.

It will differ for each specific company, so once you have secured a position you can enquire further, but the general rule of thumb for delivery drivers is that you get paid for each delivery you make per shift. But as I said, you’ll be able to go over the finer details with your manager/boss once you begin work.

Again, this will differ for each company but, as it’s a widely discussed topic, companies generally ensure all staff gets 100% of their tips. You will have to enquire with your company to see how you receive them though as this will also differ but, typically they are paid at the same time as everything else.

Whether that be because of the pandemic, or you’re worried about road safety, as long as you take the necessary precautions you will be taking a step in the right direction to protect yourself.

As I mentioned earlier, make sure you are confident on the roads and ensure you’re concentrating at all times, so the worst doesn’t have a chance to occur. If you are a bit concerned why not read our guide on 9 ways to stay safe on your motorcycle or scooter.

Deliveries have had to adapt because of COVID-19 so you’ll see contact-free drop-offs and pick-ups, be encouraged to use hand sanitiser more regularly, social distance, clean bags used before, throughout and after your shift and mask up when facing a customer or colleague directly.

To add to this, you’ll also want to make sure you’re wearing the correct protective kit. Some delivery companies may even provide you with items such as reflective jackets, backpacks, helmets and phone mounts however, this is something you will need to discuss as it won’t be the same everywhere.

But even if they don’t always, always, always make sure you are wearing a helmet that's in good condition and something reflective (especially at night). It’s equipment like this that could just save your life! We have a helmet guide that will provide you with some tips to help you choose the right one. Though, to ensure you’re safe from your head to your toes, we would always recommend all-round good quality safety clothing such as jackets, trousers, gloves and boots.

Do you have any other questions? Drop a comment below or message on social media and we’ll get back to you.