What are the working hours for a driver?

Jobs as a driver are a dime a dozen. That's why the working hours for drivers can be very flexible, because from full-time to part-time to night shift, there are many different working models, depending on what is needed in the respective industry. So if you're looking for a job with a wide range of possible assignments, you've come to the right place!

There's a lot to do in driver jobs in Full-time 

Jobs for full-time drivers are usually very stressful, because they are on the road all day and have to concentrate on their surroundings. At the same time, they are not allowed to exceed the legally prescribed driving times that one is allowed to do at a stretch, and they have to keep the prescribed breaks. Especially delivery and courier drivers who work full time have a certain number of packages or deliveries they have to manage in one working day, which can lead to a lot of stress and time pressure. By the way, a class B driver's license is not enough for all full-time driving jobs, because truck or bus drivers need a specific license, which they have to refresh again and again and additionally they have to follow very strict driver times like driving and rest periods.

This speaks for courier drivers part time

If you want a more flexible, less stressful work schedule, you should take a job as a part-time driver. Here there is the option of either working less than 40 hours at full hourly pay, or taking on a driver job on a mini-job basis, but earning no more than €450 per month.

Jet through the streets on the side, with a part-time job as a driver

Especially for students and full-time employees, a part-time job as a driver is very tempting, because the flexible working hours can be combined very well with other activities, but also for retirees a delivery job can be a meaningful task. After the main job, it is easy to earn a little extra for a few hours in the afternoon or on the weekend. Overall, however, with this additional side job as a courier driver, you should not exceed the maximum working week of 48 hours, which is specified in § 3 of the Working Hours Act (ArbZG). It is therefore advisable to work a maximum of 8 hours in addition to the full-time job.

Little money, but a lot of free time: A mini-job as a driver

Drivers or courier drivers who accept jobs as temporary help usually work on a 450-euro basis, also known as a mini-job, which means that no more than €450 may be earned in a month when paid the minimum wage. This small amount does not have to be taxed and is therefore particularly popular with students, pupils, pensioners and parents who want to have more time for their children.

By the way: Since 01.10.2022 the increased minimum wage of 12 € applies, which is why the 450 € job is now actually a 520 € job. So a mini-jobber can look forward to more money in the future!

Earn money as a driver with a job even on weekends

Many people who work part-time as drivers do their job mainly on weekends. Those who work on Sundays often even get paid more than on any other day of the week. However, most courier drivers who have weekend jobs work mainly on Saturdays, because mail and parcels are not known to be delivered on Sundays.

For night owls: Supplements for courier drivers on the night shift 

Courier drivers are also needed at night when, for example, supermarkets are already expecting the new delivery of groceries for the next day at the crack of dawn. For this, there is usually even a salary supplement of 25 to 30% of the regular gross hourly wage! However, according to the law, no one is allowed to work permanently at night, which is also valid for driver jobs. However, it is allowed as single night shifts that do not exceed a certain number of working nights per year, but then with alternating shifts and enough free rest days in between. A courier driver who occasionally works the night shift for the night express service can therefore pursue his activity unmolested and accumulate good dough on the side!

Always on the go: drivers on standby

Some drivers also have to be very flexible and ready to go on the spur of the moment. This applies in particular to laboratory drivers and other drivers who transport sensitive organic material such as tissue samples, blood reserves or even donor organs for pharmacies and hospitals. In the event of an emergency, a driver must quickly and reliably deliver important medications to the patient as quickly as possible, because sometimes it's a matter of life and death! Being a driver for hospitals and laboratories is therefore a very responsible, and sometimes hectic job, where a mission can be imminent at any time. Stress is therefore part of everyday working life, especially here.

FAQ

What does a driver earn?

On average, a driver earns a monthly salary of €2,709 gross.

What are the requirements for a driver?

Anyone who wants to become a driver must be able to cope particularly well with stress, have a good sense of direction, have good local knowledge and, above all, be a safe driver. A class B driver's license is also at least a prerequisite!

What driver jobs are available?

Drivers are needed in many different industries, which is why there are many different jobs for this career field. The most typical jobs for drivers are courier drivers for laboratories, pharmacies and hospitals, transfer drivers for car dealerships or mail and parcel delivery drivers.

‍