As an RAF Driver, you will operate many vehicle types, from cars and minibuses to cranes, articulated trucks, coaches and specialist vehicles (such as aircraft refuellers) to ensure RAF personnel, equipment and commodities are in the right place at the right time.
WHY JOIN THE RAF RESERVES
The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.
THE ROLE OF A RAF DRIVER
RAF Drivers are required to drive and operate a wide range of general and specialist vehicles, from Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCV, which include cars, minibuses and coaches), to both rigid and articulated Large Goods Vehicles (LGV) and mobile cranes; you will also refuel aircraft using tankers, clear runways using specialist de-icing vehicles and move specialist freight with complex trailers. It will be your responsibility to make sure that RAF personnel, equipment and vehicles get to the right place, at the right time to meet Defence's operational output. You will be driving or operating on exercises, operational deployments, on and off airfields throughout the world, both on roads or rough terrain.
You will drive an array of different passengers (including VIPs), LGVs containing equipment, which will include hazardous materials using the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) qualification you gained during your Initial Trade Training. Within your first few years, you will probably be detached overseas from a few days, up to several months.
As a specialist and professional vocational driver, you will be expected to maintain the highest standards of dress, deportment and driving technique. You must work as part of a team, whilst having the capability and confidence to work and make decisions independently. Full training and support is available to RAF Drivers throughout their career
INITIAL TRAINING
Your training will start with a Basic Recruit Training Course consisting of 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This training course will prepare you for service life in one of the most respected military forces in the world; it is also designed to help you tune into the military environment and way of life. As well as military training, you will learn about the core values, code of conduct and history of the RAF, as well as its unique lifestyle.
SPECIALIST TRAINING
Your next step will be to undertake a selection of Basic Driver Training Courses; these courses could comprise Large Goods Vehicle Category C (ridged truck), Category C + E truck and trailer combination (either drawbar or articulated), and/or Category D Passenger Carrying Vehicle (Coach up to 54 seats).
You will also undertake the military ‘White Fleet’ package and General Service Vehicle Module 1 & 2 driver packages including driving off road, learning convoy procedures and the military art of camouflage and concealment for vehicle activities.
In addition, you will study to earn the ADR Licence (Vocational Training Certificate for the carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) administered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
These courses will give you a basic understanding of your role as a driver, which include transport procedures and regulations, vehicle loading and the handling of passengers and cargo. Successful completion of some of these courses will assist you in completing your Professional Workplace assessment, and in subsequently achieving promotion to Air Specialist Class 2.
PAY
Daily rate starts at: £46.91 +benefits
APPLICANTS MUST
LOCATIONS
501 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire
502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim (No current vacancies)
504 Sqn, RAF Wittering, Cambridgeshire (Extremely limited vacancies)
505 Sqn, RAF St Mawgan, Newquay
600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex (No current vacancies)
605 Sqn, RAF Cosford, Shropshire (Extremely limited vacancies)
606 Sqn, RAF Benson, Oxon
607 Sqn, RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire
611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale, Merseyside
614 Sqn, Cardiff, (Extremely limited vacancies)
For more information about the role and details of our application process click apply.
