4 Driver Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

If you're aiming to hit the road with a new driving job, the timing is just right. The demand for drivers is booming, especially with the trucking industry facing a significant shortage and e-commerce fueling the need for more delivery drivers.

Whether you’re a seasoned CDL driver, a reliable delivery pro, or an impeccable Uber chauffeur, showing off your skills and experience in the right way can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to build a resume that stands out to employers. From highlighting your spotless driving record to showcasing your customer service chops, we’ve got the tips you need to steer your career in the right direction.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• How to write a driver resume that sets you apart from the competition
• How to format your driving resume that’s packed with industry-specific skills and certifications
• A driver resume sample you can take and custom-tailor to your own experience
• Ways to make your resume score high with applicant tracking systems (ATS)
• What to keep in mind when customizing your resume for different job opportunities

If the driver's resume is too broad for you, take a look at other driving-related guides we have:

• Transportation Operations Manager Resume Example
• Traffic Manager Resume Example
• Transport Manager Resume Example
• Truck Driver Resume Example
• School Bus Driver Resume Example
• Delivery Driver Resume Example
• Uber Driver Resume Example
• Amazon Delivery Driver Resume Example
• Pizza Delivery Driver Resume Example
• Bus Driver Resume Example
• Forklift Driver Resume Example
• CDL Driver Resume Example
• Driver Cover Letter Example

Driver resume sample

Here’s an example driver resume that you can adapt to your own needs. With the Enhancv resume builder, you can have it done within a few minutes.

The right driver resume format

When it comes to creating a resume for a driving job, choosing the right format can make a big difference. For most drivers, the chronological resume is often the best choice. This format is perfect for those with a solid work history because it lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job. It’s great for showcasing a stable employment history and career progression, which is exactly what employers want to see from experienced CDL drivers or those with a long track record in the industry.

However, depending on your experience and the job requirements, you can also consider the two other resume formats.

• The functional resume: If you’re new to driving, changing careers, or have some gaps in your employment history, the skills-based resume might be the way to go. This format focuses more on your skills and qualifications rather than your work history. It’s a good way to highlight your abilities, such as a clean driving record, excellent customer service, or any specific certifications you have, without drawing attention to any gaps in your job timeline.
• The combination resume: It’s a strong option for those who have a mix of solid experience and relevant skills. This hybrid format allows you to underline both your skills and work history. It’s a versatile choice that lets you emphasize your competencies while also showing a stable and progressive employment background. This makes it suitable for various driving roles, from delivery pros to professional chauffeurs.

So, whether you’re an experienced long-haul driver with years on the road or a new pizza delivery driver entering the field, choosing the right resume format can help you get noticed. Below are a few more factors to consider when deciding on your document layout.

Resume designs

• Template: If you want your resume to highlight your driving experience alongside your technical skills, consider using a double-column template. This allows you to present your driving history and relevant certifications in one column, and your technical skills and additional qualifications in the other, creating a visually engaging layout.
• Margins: Keep your resume margins between 0.5 and 1 inch. This ensures the document is clean and uncluttered, demonstrating your ability to organize information—an essential skill for any driver.
• Colors: Choose resume colors that reflect a professional tone without being overwhelming. Neutral tones like greys or blues can add a touch of professionalism while keeping the look sleek.
• Fonts: Select clear, ATS-friendly fonts, sized between 10 and 12 points. Sans-serif fonts like Arial, Exo, or Lato are common and easily readable.
• Length: Aim for a one-page resume unless you have extensive driving experience and certifications that require more space. Prioritize relevant information that directly supports your candidacy for the driving position.

Resume header

• Contact information: Start with your name, job title, and location. Ensure your resume header is professional and features a reliable email address.
• Links: If applicable, include a link to your LinkedIn profile or a personal website showcasing your certifications and driving accomplishments. This can help demonstrate your qualifications and achievements.
• Resume photo: Generally, it’s best to omit photos to maintain focus on your qualifications and avoid potential biases.

File format and naming

• Proofreading: Remember to run your resume through our AI-powered resume checker which can spot anything from spelling errors to style inaccuracies.
• File format: Always save your resume as a PDF to preserve the layout and formatting across different devices.
• Naming convention: Name your file professionally; for example, ‘FirstNameLastNameCDLDriverResume.pdf’.

Have you already got a resume? Why don’t you see how it scores on our checker?

Next, take a look at the must-have resume sections you need to include in your resume.

Recruiters read between the lines of your resume sections to better understand your unique skill set, accomplishments, and what unique value you bring about. When evaluating drivers’ applications, they prioritize the following:

Now that we have the essentials covered, let’s move on to the most extensive section on your resume — your driving experience.

How to write a driver resume experience section

The resume experience section allows you to tell your professional narrative. To make it really impressive, however, keep in mind the following guidelines:

• Curate only relevant experience items to the role and include the company, description, and dates; all followed by up to six bullets per experience item.
• Each experience item should feature tangible results of your actions — if you can include a number or percent, this will further highlight your aptitude.
• Make sure you're using action verbs when listing your responsibilities;
• Within the description for each role, you could summarize your most noteworthy and relevant achievements.

Now, look at a real-world driver job description that we’ll use to custom-create experience entries.

First, take a look at a bad experience entry.

This experience section is so bland and generic that any recruiter would think, ‘So what?’ It lacks specific details and achievements, making it difficult for potential employers to grasp the impact and scope of the candidate's responsibilities. Simply stating ‘driver’ as a job title leaves recruiters guessing about the applicant's profile.

Now, let's look at an improved version of the same experience entry.

The improved version of the experience section really stands out for several reasons:

• Clear job title: By specifying ‘Supply Chain Driver,’ it immediately gives recruiters a clear picture of the role, unlike the vague title "driver."
• Action verbs: Using strong action verbs like ‘managed,’ ‘prepared,’ ‘performed,’ conducted,’ and ‘participated’ makes each responsibility sound proactive and impressive.
• Quantified achievements: The bullet points are packed with specific, measurable results, such as ‘optimized inventory utilization by 15%,’ ‘ensured timely delivery with a 98% on-time rate,’ and ‘increased efficiency by 20%.’ This shows exactly how the candidate made a difference.
• Implied soft skills: The candidate showcases critical skills for the job. For example, preparing and scheduling deliveries for over 200 products weekly and maintaining a high on-time rate showcases excellent time management. What’s more, influencing purchase order collection through relationships demonstrates great interpersonal and persuasive skills.
• Keyword inclusion: The experience entries mainly consist of keywords from the job posting. Whether it's skills, qualifications, or job duties, ensure you add the ones you genuinely have to your resume. This approach helps your resume pass ATS scans more easily.

Overall, this revamped entry paints a vivid picture of the candidate’s experience. More importantly, you do it by tailoring the work history section to the demands of the specific job. It’s what you call a targeted resume.

What follows next is another way to add value to your driver resume— by including quantifiable metrics for your professional achievements.

How to quantify impact on your resume

When you're writing the experience section of your driver resume, be sure to highlight specific achievements and responsibilities. Instead of just listing your duties, talk about how many miles you drive per year, the types of vehicles you operate, and any safety recognitions you received. Mentioning these details shows potential employers that you’re experienced, reliable, and accomplished in your field.

See some more examples of how you can do this here:

• Include the total number of miles driven safely without incidents to demonstrate reliability and safety.
• Specify the average number of deliveries made daily or weekly to highlight efficiency.
• Mention the percentage of on-time deliveries to showcase punctuality.
• Indicate the reduced delivery time achieved through optimized routes to show problem-solving skills.
• State the number of vehicle inspections performed and the percentage of maintenance issues identified to emphasize attention to detail.
• Note the total number of clients or businesses served to illustrate customer service experience.
• Include the fuel efficiency improvements made in terms of percentage to demonstrate cost-saving measures.
• Mention any training or certification programs completed, including the number of hours invested, to show commitment to professional development.

How do I write a driver resume with no prior experience

The driver shortage in the United States remains a significant issue, with vacancies expected to reach 160,000 by 2030. Commercial truck drivers are the most in-demand group, and the sector has made substantial efforts to provide quality training for entry-level drivers looking to join various fleets.

So, don’t let your lack of experience hold you back. If you have a strong sense of responsibility and adventure, all you need is a standout resume. Here’s how:

• Go for a functional or hybrid resume: When you’re just entering the job market, a reverse chronological resume will make your lack of direct experience more noticeable. So, choose a format that focuses on skills, rather than employment history.
• Resume objective: First-time professional drivers should choose a resume objective instead of a summary. It emphasizes your motivations and career goals in a concise format, ideally no longer than three sentences.
• Highlight relevant skills: Even if you don't have a lot of driving experience, emphasize skills like reliability, time management, and attention to detail. If you've had jobs in other fields, underline transferable skills like customer service, logistics, or maintenance.
• Include training and certifications: Mention any driver training programs or certifications you've completed, such as a CDL.
• Showcase safety awareness: Emphasize your commitment to safety by mentioning any safety training or protocols you're familiar with.
• Use action verbs and metrics: Describe your experiences using strong action verbs and try to include any quantifiable achievements, like consistently meeting deadlines or maintaining a perfect driving record.
• Tailor your resume to the job: Make sure to include keywords from the job posting to help your resume get past ATS)
• Emphasize physical fitness: Highlight your ability to handle the physical demands of the job, such as loading and unloading cargo. Mention any sports achievements or activities, like being part of a school football team, to demonstrate your physical capability and stamina.
• Show willingness to learn: Demonstrate your eagerness to learn and grow in the role, which is crucial for entry-level positions.

Remember, even if you don’t have much to say on your resume, it’s more important to say it right. Tailor your sections to the job description and underscore skills and experience that are relevant to the driver position you’re applying for.

How to list driver skills on a resume

Think of your driver skills like Jason Statham in The Transporter– precise, reliable, and always getting the job done no matter the challenge. Just as Statham's character ensures every delivery is handled with expert care and efficiency, your skills demonstrate your commitment to excellence on the road.

As you see, these are just a few of the soft skills required for a professional driver. They’re as important for your application as practical skills because, after all, you’d work with people.

When including them in your resume, try to not simply list them as separate words, but integrate them into various sections of the resume. For instance, instead of merely saying ‘time management’, consider saying ‘Preparing and scheduling deliveries for over 150 packages weekly and maintaining a high on-time rate’.

Here’s an essential list of the most wanted soft skills for drivers.

Hard skills, on the other hand, can be placed in a separate skills section. This would make them easier to scan and allow hiring managers to quickly assess your fit for the job.

Here’s a look at the practical skills needed for a top-notch driver's resume:

Next, let’s dive into another crucial resume section—your driver certifications and training background.

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

While specific degrees may not always be required from professional drivers, mentioning relevant training, certifications, and any additional courses can demonstrate your readiness and commitment to the job. This information can also help you stand out to employers looking for well-rounded candidates, especially if you’re applying for a company or a bus driver position.

Below is a short list of the most common certification programs you can add to your resume.

It's best to feature all job-relevant certifications in a separate section on your resume. List the certificate title, the issuing institution, and the expiration date if applicable.

As for your educational background, only include it if your degree is closely related to the driving profession or if you had any major successes while studying. Look at the example below to see how an education section on a driver’s resume can look.

Our final stop among the must-have sections on a driver’s resume is the resume summary.

How to write your driver resume summary or objective

A driver needs a resume summary to drive (pun intended) their message home effectively. A well-crafted summary can set the tone for the rest of the resume, showcasing your professionalism, reliability, and relevant expertise.

Your driver summary should quickly highlight your key qualifications, skills, and experiences at the top of the resume. Below is an example of what not to do.

This summary is so generic that the only thing this candidate will ever drive is recruiters up the wall. It’s too vague, lacks specific achievements, and fails to highlight unique skills or experiences.

Now, look at the improved version of this bus driver resume summary:

This brief overview is a win. It helps capture the attention of hiring managers and makes it easier for them to see why the candidate is a good fit for the job. Here’s why:

• Specific experience: Highlights over 10 years of dedicated service in metropolitan bus driving.
• Quantifiable achievements: Mentions a 99% on-time rate and zero accidents.
• Skill proficiency: Demonstrates mastery of GPS equipment and handling of over 500 passengers daily.
• Recognition: Showcases prestigious awards, such as 'Driver of the Year' twice, emphasizing excellence and reliability.
• Effective language: Uses strong, descriptive language that clearly communicates expertise and achievements, making the candidate stand out.

Resume objectives are more suitable for candidates who are just joining the workforce or transitioning from a different sector. The main difference between an objective and a summary is the focus. An objective compensates for limited direct experience by emphasizing your career goals and values.

Look at this limo driver resume objective which you can adapt on your own document.

Now that we have all the essential resume sections covered, you might want to include a bonus section. Extra sections provide a more comprehensive view of your qualifications and help you stand out to potential employers.

 Some other sections for your driver resume

When putting together a driver resume, there are a few additional sections you might want to consider to really make it stand out.

• Awards and recognitions: If you've been honored with 'Driver of the Year' or any other accolades, this is the perfect spot to showcase those achievements.
• Professional affiliations: If you're a member of any driving or logistics associations, listing them here can highlight your commitment to the profession.
• Language skills: This can be a big plus, especially if you'll be interacting with a diverse customer base.
• Volunteering: This section can also demonstrate soft skills like reliability, teamwork, and community involvement, which are attractive qualities to potential employers. If you’ve volunteered your driving skills for community events, charity drives, or other non-profit activities, it shows your commitment to helping others and can underscore your driving experience in a positive light.

Key takeaways

Securing your ideal driving job starts with crafting a compelling resume. In this guide, we’ve covered how to build a resume that stands out to employers. Here’s a quick recap of the key points:

• Driver resume format: Choosing the right format can make a big difference. For most drivers, a chronological resume works best, but a functional or combination resume might be better if you're new to the field or have gaps in your employment history.
• Tailoring your resume: Customize your resume for each job by including keywords from the job description. This helps your resume pass ATS scans and shows recruiters you have the skills they're looking for.
• Driver skills and certifications: Underline specific hard skills like GPS navigation, route planning, and vehicle maintenance, as well as relevant certifications like CDL, HME, and TWIC. Soft skills like time management and customer service are equally important.
• Driver resume summary: A well-crafted resume summary or objective can set the tone for the rest of your resume, quickly highlighting your key qualifications, skills, and experience.
• Real-world examples: We provided sample resumes to illustrate how to present your experience, skills, and achievements in a way that catches the eye of hiring managers.