It depends on the type of work. Some employed roles hand you a van and the fuel card with it. Most self-employed driving — the flexible, higher-rate kind — assumes you provide your own vehicle. Here are your options, the costs to weigh, and what makes a van ready for delivery work.
When a van is provided
If you take an employed (PAYE) driving job with a courier firm or a retailer's own fleet, a company van is usually included — you turn up and drive. The trade-off is the one we cover in employed vs self-employed driving: fixed shifts, set routes, and a lower headline rate in exchange for not having to find or fund a vehicle.
When you need your own
Most self-employed and owner-driver work expects you to bring a vehicle. In return you get the flexibility — you choose your shifts and your area — and the higher rate. You don't have to buy one outright, though; you have a few routes:
| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Own it (buy) | Regular, ongoing work; no monthly tie-in | Upfront cost; you cover repairs and depreciation |
| Lease / contract hire | Spreading cost; a newer, reliable van | Monthly commitment; mileage limits and end-of-term condition |
| Flexible van rental | Trying it out, or short-term/seasonal work | Higher per-week cost; confirm it allows courier use |
If you're testing whether driving suits you, a flexible weekly rental that explicitly permits courier work is the lowest-commitment way in. If you know you'll do it regularly, owning or leasing usually works out cheaper per mile.
The non-negotiable: the right insurance
Whichever route you choose, the van must be insured for hire and reward — standard van insurance won't cover you to carry goods for payment, and using it anyway can void a claim. If you rent or lease, check the agreement allows delivery/courier use and that the insurance matches. We explain all of this in hire and reward insurance for delivery drivers.
What makes a van "courier-ready"
- Plated at 3.5t or under so a category B licence covers it — see what licence you need
- Reliable and MOT-valid — downtime means missed shifts and lost income
- Enough load space for the work (multi-drop parcels vs larger goods)
- Hire and reward insurance (plus goods in transit if clients ask)
- Clean, secure load area — you're responsible for the goods until they're delivered
Is it worth the cost?
The van is your biggest running cost, but it's also a claimable business expense — either through the mileage rate or actual running costs — which softens the blow at tax time. Factor the weekly cost of the vehicle into your sums when you compare a self-employed rate against an employed one with a van thrown in.
Getting started with FlexiDriver
FlexiDriver is for self-employed drivers, so you'll need access to a suitable van insured for hire and reward. Once your vehicle and documents are verified, you can pick up van and multi-drop shifts in your area. New to it all? Start with how to become a self-employed driver or start your registration — it takes under a minute.