If you're looking for a new job in today’s competitive market, here is what you need to do: use every opportunity you have to showcase to a prospective employer that you have the skills and experience needed to succeed in that job.
However, it's important to know that one size doesn't fit all. Relevant skills and experience will differ depending on the positions you're targeting.
Unlike skills and experience, additional information, such as info about a driving license, is optional and depends on the job requirements.
If you want to put a driving license on a resume, first think about the reason behind it and how to best present it. If this information is critical for the job, you must add it to your application correctly.
Otherwise, you may miss your shot with a potential employer.
Read on to find out:
Are you in a rush? Jump straight to the examples of the driving license information on resumes.
By the way, if you want to perfect your resume, you should also check these blog posts:
Ready? Let's dive in.
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Do you have to add your driving license to a resume?
In resumes, some of the most common and relevant elements include contact information, work experience, and education.
However, since the purpose of a resume is to inform employers about your job-related skills, these mandatory sections often need to be expanded and tailored to the target job.
Some optional information that can be added are a professional summary (also called a personal statement), publications, certificates, awards, memberships, extracurricular activities, licenses, and job-specific strengths and skills. Yet, each of them should be added only if relevant in the context of a specific job application.
Referring to the driving license, whether or not you should add a driving license to your resume depends on the job you’re applying for.
Generally speaking, the information about driving license is not a mandatory part of a resume unless you’re looking for a job that requires driving skills and a valid license.
Why is a driving license important for some jobs?
A driving license is an official identification card issued by the government to allow the license holder to operate a vehicle. In most countries, it is a legal requirement for a person to have before they can legally drive any sort of vehicle on public roads.
If you are applying for a job that requires vehicle operation or transportation of goods, including couriers, taxi drivers, or delivery services - adding this information is critical, as this is a paramount requirement for the job.
For jobs like these, putting driving license on a resume is necessary. Without this information, chances are that a recruiter or hiring manager will not consider you for the role.
When to add driving license to a resume?
Since many positions require a driver's license as part of their responsibilities or duties, whether for transportation purposes or other work-related concerns (such as picking up supplies or visiting branches in a region), demonstrating that you have a valid driver's license will help you come across as a qualified candidate.
If you're applying for such jobs, putting the information about your driving license on your resume is a must.
Some specific positions and career paths that require having a driver’s license include:
delivery services like FedEx, UPS, or DHL;
courier drivers;
private chauffeurs;
taxi companies;
drivers at trucking and transport companies.
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Alternatively, if travel is a part of your job, the driving license information on a resume is also critical. These jobs may include:
travel agents;
tour guides or tour operators;
regional sales managers.
Otherwise, if you're applying for other roles and home- or office-based jobs, putting a driving license on resume is not necessary.
Where to add your driving license
The position of the driving license information on your resume depends on why you're adding it—or, better yet—the positions you're applying for.
a. Applying for driving jobs
If you're applying for a driving job where having a license is a must, there are a couple of options for you.
First, you can add this information to the very top of your document—to your resume headline.
Second, if you hold special driving licenses, such as a commercial driver's license to operate heavy equipment or large vehicles, you can also list this information in the "Core competencies," "Key strengths," or"Key qualifications" sections. {They all show the same thing. It's up to you to choose how to name it.)
In both cases, this information should be positioned above your employment history to help you demonstrate your driving abilities early on.
In general, if driving skills and qualifications are a must, it is best to put them onto your resume as soon as possible–whether you’re new or experienced in the transportation and driving industry.
Wherever you decide to present this information, the most important thing is that a hiring manager sees this information clearly, without having to guess or assume that you have a valid license.
b. Applying for jobs that require mobility
If you're applying for other positions where traveling is critical to success in this position (e.g., sales representative), you can choose whether you want to place the information about your driving license in the qualifications overview (as above) or at the tail end of your resume.
If you opt for the latter option, add it to the "Additional Skills" section of the application that comes after the work experience and frequently at the very bottom of a resume. Note: You can also name this section "Key strengths" and use it to list your hard and soft skills, including job-relevant strengths. Want to see this in action? Head to this list of must-have resume strengths with 150+ examples.
c. Applying for jobs that don't require driving
If driving is not required for a position you're targeting, you can skip the information about the driving license. Hiring managers won't look for this info, as it's unnecessary for successful job performance.
However, if you prefer to include it, you can also put it under the "Additional Skills" section, as in the previous example.
This section should be placed at the very end of a resume:
Wherever you decide to add this information, remember that it should be easy to find it, especially if it's crucial for the job. Resume design is key in making your resume well-structured and easy to read. Check out these resume design tips that will help you stand out.
What to write about your driving license?
To be considered for a job that requires a license, it's important to add all relevant information. Luckily, this information is pretty straightforward.
In short, you should add your category or type of license with the expiration date, and optionally, a safety record.
Here are a few more tips:
If you have multiple licenses from different jurisdictions, put all of those on your resume.
If your driver’s license is from a foreign country, put the issuing state or province and license number in addition to where it was issued.
Also, if necessary, include any specialized training received (such as a commercial driver's license).
If you have a clean driving license, i.e., you don't have any penalty points for dangerous driving, it may be beneficial to add this info.
If you're currently facing any type of issues with your license (e.g., suspension or points), address them and put the end date for these issues.
What not to write about your driving license?
Be careful about sharing sensitive information, such as social security numbers, ID numbers, or credit card numbers.
Your driver's license number is also a sensitive piece of information, so be mindful about disclosing it.
Since you never know for sure where your resume may end up or who may read it, it's better to leave the number off your resume.
Don't worry. You will have a chance to share it in the later stages of the hiring process with employers interested in your application, as they will ask about it in an interview or as part of a background check.
Driving License on Resumes Examples
UK Driving License Example
USA CDL Driving License Example
EU Driving License Example
Conclusion
A driving license is optional information on a resume.
This information is put in different places depending on the type of job you're applying for. If driving is a requirement, put it at the top or bottom of your resume, preferably before work history information.
For other jobs that don't require mobility or driving skills, put this information under 'Additional Skills' to avoid cluttering up your resume with unnecessary details.
What's Next?
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Ana Colak-Fustin
Hi—I'm Ana! A recruiter, HR consultant, and founder of ByRecruiters.com. My career advice and job search tools have been featured in Yahoo News, The Muse, Jobscan, A Better HR Business, and other global media. Over 8,000 professionals have used my resume templates to land new jobs and power up their careers. Ready to join them? Your success story starts here.