In 2025, there are a variety of jobs that require a driver’s license. While most candidates possess the required academic qualifications, skill levels, and experience required, they can miss out on a job they’re otherwise qualified for because they don’t have this form of identification.
A license requirement may be more common than you think, both within the transportation industry and outside of it. Read this guide to discover the different career opportunities available to you.
What Are Jobs That Require a Driver’s License?
A job that requires a driver’s license may have travel, transportation, or driving at its core. For example, delivery drivers, chauffeurs, bus drivers, taxi drivers, and truck drivers are professions that you cannot perform without a driver’s license.1
Starting in 2025, California introduced a new law that limits when employers can make a driver’s license a mandatory job requirement.2 This update means companies must show that driving is an essential part of the role. In practice, jobs such as police officers, paramedics, and truck drivers will still require valid licenses, while desk-based or remote roles can no longer list a driver’s license as a default condition. This change helps ensure that license requirements are tied directly to a job’s real-world responsibilities rather than used as a general screening tool.
Working professionals outside of the travel and transportation industries can also benefit from having a driver’s license. Commuting to and from work with a personal vehicle can make life easier in some areas. Even just having a driver’s license for verifiable identification can be extremely helpful and streamline the hiring process when applying to jobs that require U.S. citizenship, although not lawfully necessary in California.
Jobs That Require a Driver’s License in 2025: At a Glance
The following list outlines average annual salary data that has been verified on ZipRecruiter as of October 2025. As such, information is subject to change.
If you want to know what in-demand jobs require a driver’s license, then read on. We explore what options are available, how much they pay, and what you will need to land these in-demand jobs. You can start your application for employment today and find potential employers online.
| Job | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Tow Truck Driver | $47,733 |
| Car Sales Executive | $62,526 |
| Truck Driver | $56,348 |
| Delivery Driver | $38,383 |
| Police Officer | $62,148 |
| Chauffeur | $52,983 |
| Paramedic | $54,832 |
| Bus Driver | $41,198 |
| Refuse Collector | $41,191 |
| Taxi Driver/Rideshare Driver | $43,925 |
Jobs That Require a Driver’s License: In-Depth Look
Tow Truck Driver
Tow truck drivers haul disabled or improperly parked vehicles to destinations such as repair shops, tow yards, or car dealerships. They may also respond to emergency calls. To qualify, you typically need a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and, for heavier trucks, a commercial driver’s license. Employers also frequently require training on the use of winches, lifts, and towing equipment.
Car Sales Executive
Car sales executives are responsible for selling motor vehicles to customers. They enquire what their customers’ needs are and identify the type of vehicle that can meet their demands. Car sales executives will then take the customer out on a test drive.
Truck Driver
Truck drivers are responsible for the transportation of goods from one location to another. They are in high demand, earn competitive salaries, and have a good work-life balance. If you want to transport goods across state lines, then you need to be at least 21 years old.
Delivery Driver
Delivery drivers pick up items from warehouses, distribution centers, or stores and bring them directly to customers, typically under time constraints. For smaller vehicles, a standard driver’s license is usually enough; larger trucks or hazardous materials deliveries may require a CDL and special endorsements.
Police Officer
Police officers protect the community and citizens. They enforce laws and respond to emergency calls and are responsible for patrolling areas that typically have criminal activity. Because they must patrol, pursue, perform traffic stops, and respond quickly to incidents, most law enforcement agencies require a valid driver’s license as a baseline qualification.
Chauffeur
Chauffeurs drive clients from one place to another. Typically, they follow specific routes and may have to stop at multiple destinations. This career path will require a good driving history and excellent interpersonal skills.
Paramedic
Paramedics respond to urgent medical calls, provide life-saving care, and transport patients to medical facilities. Because they must drive ambulances under time pressure, most roles require a valid driver’s license (and often EMT/paramedic certification). Rapid response capability and safe driving skills are essential.
Bus Driver
Bus drivers operate passenger buses along fixed or scheduled routes, pick up and drop off riders at stops, and enforce safety measures. They must navigate changing road and weather conditions and often complete pre- and post-trip inspections. In most U.S. states, drivers must hold a CDL with a passenger (P) endorsement.
Refuse Collector
Refuse collectors drive along fixed routes to collect trash and recyclable materials and transport waste to disposal or recycling facilities. They may manually lift or place bins into the truck’s lift systems. Then, they take their collections to the appropriate location, for instance, recycling centers and landfills. In many jurisdictions, driving and operating large refuse vehicles requires a CDL and relevant endorsements.
Taxi Driver/Rideshare Driver
Similar to chauffeurs, taxi and rideshare drivers transport passengers to their destinations safely and efficiently. They assist with loading luggage and maintaining vehicle cleanliness and safety. A valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and familiarity with local routes are essential. Some cities require additional permits or background checks, so check the local laws within your state.
Where to Find Jobs That Require a Driver’s License and Pay Well
Once you know what type of job you want and you have acquired the requisite training, it’s time to search for a job. Below, we list our top recommendations for where to find jobs that require a driver’s license.
Indeed
Indeed is a reliable and well-established resource when it comes to job opportunities. If you are new to an industry, this job board can provide you with estimates of the average national salary.
Glassdoor
Glassdoor is a job search and review site that provides both novice and experienced professionals with all the necessary information about each role. It also provides you with salary amounts for specific roles as well as career opportunities in different locations. You can easily set up job alerts to be informed of new job opportunities.
ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter is an established site that helps you find different employment opportunities. It provides you with access to significant information, like a specific company’s perks and benefits. You can also find the average salary for different jobs that require a driver’s license.
Ready to Start Your New Career?
Having a driver’s license will allow you to explore a wide variety of employment opportunities, such as a tow truck driver, a car sales executive, and a delivery driver. Sites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter will be key when it comes to searching for your job. Make sure you set up email alerts so you know when new job opportunities are available.
Jobs That Require a Driver’s License FAQ
How much do courier drivers earn?
Courier drivers earn an average annual salary of about $41,579 per year as of October 2025, according to Glassdoor.13 Depending on the company you will work for, you may receive a host of benefits and packages such as health insurance and a 401(k).
What training do you need to become a chauffeur?
To become a chauffeur, you will need to undertake a driver training course. You may also take a specialist course with a personal training provider.
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What other skills do I need to get a job that requires a driver’s license?
Additional skill requirements will depend on the job you apply for. For example, paramedics will not only need a valid driver’s license, but they will also need to be CPR certified, EMT certified, and licensed.
Do I need a college degree to get a job that requires a driver’s license?
No, not all jobs require a college degree. However, having a college degree can sometimes give you an edge over the competition. Make sure you read the job description and requirements before applying so that you are not wasting your time interviewing for jobs that you don’t qualify for.
Sources:
1 https://nrs3pl.com/requirements-become-truck-driver/
2 https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB1100
3 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Tow-Truck-Driver-Salary#Yearly
4 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Car-Sales-Representative-Salary
5 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Truck-Driver-Salary#Yearly
6 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Delivery-Driver-Salary#Yearly
7 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Police-Officer-Salary
8 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Chauffeur-Salary#Yearly
9 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Paramedic-Salary#Yearly
10 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Full-Time-Bus-Driver-Salary#Yearly
11 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Refuse-Collector-Salary#Yearly
12 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Rideshare-Driver-Salary#Yearly
13 https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salaries/courier-driver-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm
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