How to quickly find your first job as a lorry driver as a starter

Choosing a new direction brings a sense of excitement. You know you want to drive. Long days, being alone on the road, freedom. But without experience, that first step can seem bigger than it really is. Luckily, you can start today by finding lorry driver vacancies. There are plenty of companies looking for starters. In these places, you learn the trade in practice, with colleagues there to guide you. By searching smart and responding specifically, you can make the switch to your new profession in no time.

Companies that are open to beginner drivers

Not every transport company requires years of experience. Many employers are actually keen for motivated new drivers they can train themselves. Large logistics firms, distribution centres, and fresh produce suppliers increasingly work with training schemes. For example, here you might start as a co-driver or on a fixed local route. This way you get to know the job in a safe environment. In practice, this means you might start in shop distribution or regional transport. You have responsibility straight away but also the space to grow.

Some employers offer an in-house training course where you’ll learn everything about loading, unloading, route planning, and customer service. These places are ideal if you’ve just obtained your Category C or CE licence. You get structure, support, and often a dedicated mentor who helps you get started. Think of supermarket distribution or daily deliveries where you return home each day. That makes it easy to combine with a family or other commitments.

How internships or apprenticeships open doors in transport

If you’ve just left school or are starting as a career changer, you have a better chance through a work-based learning placement. Many logistics companies work with work-and-learn programmes (BBL-trajecten). Here, you work four days a week and attend school one day a week. You get paid and immediately gain work experience. This is a valuable way to enter the profession without risk. Even if you already have a licence but no work experience, an internship period can be the solution. Some companies let you join for a few weeks first. If that goes well, you can stay on afterwards.

It shows that you are motivated and take the profession seriously. Companies are happy to invest in people who genuinely want to make the move. It also helps if you already know something about the industry. Think of basic knowledge of tachographs, rest periods, or loading techniques. You can easily learn these things online or in a short course. By doing so, you show initiative and make a better first impression at job interviews.

Where to find vacancies with no experience required

There’s a lot online, but you need to know where to look. Job sites sometimes provide little detail about guidance or entry-level options. It’s better to search through agencies that specialise in the transport sector. IQ Select is one such company. They work throughout the Netherlands and have daily contact with companies seeking new drivers. What sets them apart is that they focus on permanent positions. Not just odd jobs or temporary work, but long-term collaboration.

You don’t just get a vacancy but also advice. They think along with you, introduce you to suitable companies, and guide you through the application process. Sometimes, they even arrange for you to shadow for a day. That’s especially nice when you’re just starting out. You can ask questions, get a feel for the atmosphere and decide for yourself if it suits you. In addition, they often have access to vacancies you won’t easily find online. They know the market, understand where staff are needed, and can react quickly.