How to Write a Tanker Driver CV That Gets You an Interview?

Crafting a targeted CV is the critical first step to securing a tanker driver position. A successful application hinges on clearly demonstrating your specific licences, such as the ADR certificate, and showcasing the unique skills required for transporting sensitive materials. This guide provides a step-by-step framework to build a professional tanker driver CV, complete with a template and an example.

What is the Best CV Format for a Tanker Driver?

Your choice of CV format sets the stage for how a hiring manager perceives your experience. The goal is to present your qualifications in the most logical and impactful way.

• Chronological CV: This is often the most effective format if you have direct experience as a tanker driver or in a similar HGV/LGV role. It lists your work history in reverse-chronological order, immediately highlighting your relevant driving background and career progression. This format allows you to quickly showcase your knowledge of safety protocols and experience with sensitive materials.
• Functional CV: If you are new to tanker driving but possess the necessary certifications (like an ADR licence) and transferable skills, a functional CV may be preferable. This format emphasizes your skills and qualifications upfront, rather than your employment history. It’s useful for career changers or those with gaps in their work history.
• Combination CV: This hybrid approach balances both your skills and your work experience. It’s suitable if you have some relevant experience and want to draw extra attention to a specific set of advanced skills.

Based on our assessment experience, a chronological or combination format typically yields the best results for driving roles, as employers prioritize hands-on experience.

How Do You Structure Your Contact Information and Professional Summary?

The top of your CV must be flawless and professional to make a strong first impression.

Contact Information: Place your name, phone number, professional email address (e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com), and your city in the header. Ensure all details are accurate and up-to-date. An unprofessional email address can jeopardize an otherwise strong application.

Professional Summary: This 2-3 sentence section is your elevator pitch. It should concisely state your years of experience, key certifications (e.g., "LGV licence holder with a valid ADR certificate"), and your career objective. For example: "A safety-conscious HGV driver with 5 years of experience and a full ADR licence (Classes 3, 5, 8), seeking a tanker driver position to apply expertise in the secure transport of hazardous materials." Write confidently but avoid exaggeration.

What Experience and Achievements Should You Highlight?

When detailing your work history, focus on responsibilities and achievements that are directly relevant to tanker operations. Use strong action verbs and quantify your results where possible.

• For Current/Past Driving Roles: Describe duties like conducting pre-trip safety inspections, planning efficient routes, adhering to strict delivery schedules, and ensuring compliance with transportation regulations (e.g., Driver CPC requirements).
• For Non-Tanker Roles: If your experience is in other driving fields, emphasize transferable skills. For instance, mention experience with long-haul journeys (demonstrating stamina), customer-facing delivery (showcasing communication skills), or handling high-value goods (highlighting responsibility and attention to detail).

Instead of just listing duties, frame them as achievements. For example, "Maintained a perfect safety record over 200,000 miles" is more powerful than "Drove a lorry."

Which Licences and Certifications are Non-Negotiable?

Tanker driving is a highly regulated field. Clearly listing your mandatory certifications is arguably the most important part of your CV.

List these qualifications in reverse-chronological order, including the issuing body and expiry date. Hiring managers will scan for these immediately.

How Can You Effectively Showcase Your Key Skills?

The skills section allows you to reiterate your core competencies. Tailor this list to the specific job description.

Technical Skills: ADR Regulations, Vehicle Maintenance, Tachograph Management, Route Planning. Soft Skills: Concentration, Attention to Detail, Physical Stamina, Problem-Solving, Time Management.

Aim to include 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant skills. If a job advertisement specifically mentions a skill like "defensive driving," ensure it is included in your list.

To build a CV that stands out, follow this structured approach: prioritize a clear format, lead with your essential certifications, and quantify your experience. Using the template below as a guide will help you present yourself as a qualified and safety-aware candidate.

CV Template

[Your Name] [Phone Number] | [Professional Email] | [City, Postcode]

Professional Summary [Dedicated and safety-focused tanker driver with [Number] years of experience. Holder of a valid [LGV Licence] and [ADR Certificate, list classes]. Proven record of [mention a key achievement, e.g., on-time deliveries or excellent safety compliance].]

Experience

[Job Title] | [Dates of Employment] [Company Name] | [City]

• [Action verb] + [what you did] + [result/outcome]. Example: Executed rigorous pre-trip vehicle inspections, ensuring 100% compliance with ADR safety standards.
• [Action verb] + [what you did] + [result/outcome]. Example: Safely transported [type of material] across [region], consistently meeting tight delivery windows.
• [Action verb] + [what you did] + [result/outcome]. Example: Maintained accurate digital driver logs and delivery documentation.

[Previous Job Title] | [Dates of Employment] [Company Name] | [City]

• [Action verb] + [what you did] + [result/outcome].
• [Action verb] + [what you did] + [result/outcome].

Skills

• Technical: ADR Transport Regulations, Vehicle Diagnostics, Route Optimization
• Professional: Hazard Perception, Fatigue Management, Customer Service

Education & Certifications

• [Certification Name], [Issuing Body] - [Year]
• [Certification Name], [Issuing Body] - [Year]
• [Degree/Qualification, e.g., GCSEs], [School Name] - [Year]