How to Become a Removal Driver in the UK

Becoming a removal driver is a realistic route into self-employment for anyone with a clean licence, a suitable vehicle, and the willingness to work hard. There are no formal qualifications required — but understanding what the job actually involves and what you legally need in place will save you a lot of pain.

Do you need a special licence?

For most removal work, a standard category B (car) licence is sufficient. The exception:

• Vans up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW): Category B licence — this covers Luton vans, most transit vans, and similar
• Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes GVW: Category C1 licence required. Most sole-trader removal drivers won't need this unless operating larger lorries.

In short: if you're operating a standard Luton van or transit, your existing car licence is fine.

What insurance do you need?

Three types of insurance are essential for professional removal work:

• Commercial vehicle insurance — your personal car/van insurance will not cover you for carrying goods for hire or reward
• Goods in Transit insurance — covers customers' belongings if damaged or lost during the move
• Public Liability insurance — covers damage to property or injury to third parties on the job

Operating without these isn't just financially risky — carrying goods commercially without commercial insurance may also invalidate your standard van insurance entirely.

Do I need to register as a business?

Yes. As soon as you start earning from removal work, you must register as self-employed with HMRC. This is straightforward and free — register through the HMRC website and file a Self Assessment return annually. Keeping good records from day one makes tax time significantly less painful.

What equipment do I need to start?

The minimum to start professionally:

• A reliable van (Luton van for full house moves; LWB transit for smaller jobs and man with van work)
• Furniture blankets / moving pads
• Sack truck and furniture trolley
• Packing straps and ratchet ties
• Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, Allen keys) for furniture disassembly

How do removal drivers find work?

The main channels:

• Job platforms: We Got The Move lets you browse and bid on real customer jobs with zero commission — you keep 100% of what you quote. Free to join.
• Google Business Profile: A free listing that makes you visible in local "man with van" and "removal driver" searches
• Referrals and reviews: Early jobs done well generate word of mouth. Every positive review builds trust with future customers.
• Local advertising: Facebook groups, community boards, and local Facebook Marketplace all generate leads for smaller jobs

What can you realistically earn?

Starting out, expect £150–£350 per job for smaller moves. As you build reviews and experience, house moves paying £400–£800 become more achievable. A driver doing 4 jobs per week consistently can gross £30,000–£50,000 per year, with experienced operators with Luton vans and strong reviews earning more.

Tips for building a reputation quickly

• Respond to every enquiry quickly — customers go with whoever replies first
• Arrive on time, every time — punctuality is the most-cited positive in removal reviews
• Ask every satisfied customer for a review
• Be clear in your quotes — no hidden fees, no surprises
• Carry the right equipment and know how to use it safely

Create your free driver account on We Got The Move — browse live jobs immediately, zero commission, takes less than 2 minutes.