Automatic driving license

[OK LOG HEAD]

Just a quick question would Royal mail recruit drivers only with a automatic license? Or have they got to have a manual license?

[Jb1969]

Manual driving license is required.

[TopperGas]

Just a quick question would Royal mail recruit drivers only with a automatic license? Or have they got to have a manual license?

If the DO you are applying to work only uses EV's they may consider an auto only licence, although you may need to speak to the COM directly otherwise HR may just reject an online job application?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Just a quick question would Royal mail recruit drivers only with a automatic license? Or have they got to have a manual license?

The short answer is no, Royal Mail typically does not recruit drivers with only an automatic license. Even in 2026, a full manual UK driving license is almost always an essential requirement for the job.

While it seems strange given their push toward electric vehicles (which are automatic), there are a few practical reasons why they still insist on a manual license:

Why do they require a Manual License
Mixed Fleet: Most delivery offices still have a "mixed fleet" of vehicles. Even if your specific route is assigned an electric van, the office needs the flexibility to put you in a diesel manual van if the electric one is being serviced or fails to charge.

Breakdown & Hire Vans: If your van breaks down, the "spare" vehicle or the one provided by a hire company is very often a standard manual van. If you can’t drive it, you can’t finish your round.

Operational Flexibility: Managers need to be able to move staff between different routes and vehicles at a moment's notice. Having a driver restricted to a single vehicle type creates a "logistics headache" for the depot.

The Current Situation (2026)
Job Postings: If you look at current Royal Mail job listings for "Postperson with Driving," you will see "Full UK manual driving license" listed under the Essential Criteria.

Automatic Rejection: Because the recruitment process is often automated, ticking "No" to the manual license question usually results in an immediate application rejection before a human even sees it.

The Exception: The only way to work for Royal Mail without a manual license is to apply for a non-driving role, such as a Mail Sorter at a Mail Centre, or a walking-only postperson role (though these are becoming rarer as most "postie" jobs now include a driving element).

What can you do?
If you are serious about a career with Royal Mail, the best path is to take the "upgrade" driving test to get your manual certification. It usually only takes a few lessons to get used to the clutch if you are already a confident driver.

[OK LOG HEAD]

Thank you for the advice much appreciated

[Acca Dacca]

Heres a question related;

If you are already employed as a postperson with a non driving contract - could you drive Royal Mail electric vehicles if you later got an automatic license?

I guess the answer is no but surely its preferable having an automatic license holder who can drive electric than a non driver.