How to Be Restaurant Delivery Driver - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 2, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Restaurant delivery drivers have to face a number of challenges on a daily basis, such as long working hours, inclement weather conditions, navigating unfamiliar areas, and dealing with difficult customers. As a result of these challenges, restaurant delivery drivers often experience fatigue, stress, and a lack of job security. In addition, inadequate pay rate and lack of health benefits can lead to financial insecurity. Therefore, it is important for restaurant delivery drivers to be aware of their rights in the workplace, and to take measures to ensure their safety and wellbeing while on the job.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle. Depending on the restaurant, you may need to have a clean driving record and proof of auto insurance.
Contact local restaurants and inquire about delivery driver job openings. Ask for an application or fill out the one available on the restaurant's website.
Complete the application and submit it to the restaurant or its hiring agency. Be prepared to provide a resume and references.
Attend an interview with the restaurant's hiring manager or a representative from the hiring agency. Be prepared to answer questions about your driving experience, customer service skills, and availability.
Pass a background check and drug test. Some restaurants may also require that you provide proof of a valid driver's license and auto insurance.
Study the restaurant's delivery policy and procedures. You may need to memorize the delivery area, understand special instructions for each order, and become familiar with the restaurant's menu.
Familiarize yourself with the restaurant's delivery technology, such as an app or GPS device. Many restaurants use technology to track deliveries and ensure that orders arrive on time.
Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and always carry food delivery supplies, such as an insulated bag, ice packs, napkins, utensils, and condiments.
Collect payment for orders when necessary and have change on hand for cash transactions.
Deliver orders promptly and adhere to all safety protocols while driving.
Follow up with customers after delivery to ensure satisfaction with their order.

The delivery driver job is becoming increasingly important in the restaurant industry, as more customers opt for delivery services. This has caused a surge in demand for qualified delivery drivers, as restaurants strive to keep up with their customers' needs. To be an ideal and competent delivery driver, it is important to have a valid driver's license, a reliable vehicle, and excellent knowledge of the local area.

having good customer service skills, a friendly attitude, and the ability to remain organized and efficient during deliveries are all essential qualities. By possessing these qualities and meeting the necessary qualifications, delivery drivers can ensure that customers receive their orders on time and without any issues.

You may want to check Restaurant Floor Manager, Restaurant Supervisor, and Restaurant Valet Attendant for alternative.

Job Description

Greet customers upon arrival at restaurant and confirm delivery orders.
Prepare food items for delivery according to restaurant standards.
Load delivery items into vehicle and transport safely to customers destination.
Follow designated delivery routes and abide by all traffic laws.
Collect payment for orders upon delivery and provide change if necessary.
Accurately record customer order details.
Ensure all food items are delivered in a timely manner.
Maintain a clean and organized vehicle.
Report any customer complaints or issues to the restaurant manager.
Assist with other tasks as needed, including stocking and cleaning.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Good customer service skills
Ability to read and follow maps/GPS
Knowledge of local roads and speed limits
Familiarity with restaurant menus
Dependable and punctual
Ability to lift and carry heavy loads
Good communication skills
Ability to work efficiently under pressure
Ability to take initiative and problem solve
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Being a restaurant delivery driver requires a special set of skills. The most important of these is the ability to remain organized and efficient while handling multiple tasks at once. Being able to plan effective routes, navigate unfamiliar streets, and keep accurate records of deliveries are all essential components of being a successful restaurant delivery driver.

a driver must also be able to effectively communicate with customers in order to ensure that orders are accurate and delivered on time. Furthermore, a restaurant delivery driver must possess good customer service skills in order to maintain customer satisfaction. Having these skills allows the driver to provide a top-notch service that keeps customers coming back to the restaurant.

As a result, restaurants are able to reap the benefits of having a skilled and reliable delivery driver on staff.

Restaurant Salad Maker, Restaurant Beverage Server, and Restaurant Delivery Person are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have delivering food?
What is your approach to dealing with customer complaints?
How would you handle an unexpected delay in delivery?
What makes you an ideal candidate for this position?
Do you have a valid drivers license, and what is your driving record like?
How comfortable are you navigating unfamiliar areas?
Are you familiar with the safety protocols for food delivery?
Are you able to lift and carry heavy items?
What are your hours of availability?
How would you prioritize deliveries if you have multiple orders to deliver at once?

Common Tools in Industry

Vehicle. A vehicle for traveling to restaurants and delivering orders to customers. (Example: Car, Bike, Truck, etc. )
GPS. A Global Positioning System to help navigate to delivery destinations. (Example: Google Maps, Waze, etc. )
Smartphone. A device for receiving and responding to customer orders and inquiries. (Example: iPhone, Android, etc. )
Delivery Bag. A bag for storing and transporting food orders. (Example: Insulated food bag, reusable grocery bag, etc. )
Cash Register. A device for collecting payments at the time of delivery. (Example: Square Reader, PayPal Here, etc. )
Point-of-Sale System. A computerized system for managing customer orders and payment. (Example: Clover, Shopify POS, etc. )
Credit Card Reader. A device for accepting credit and debit card payments. (Example: Square Reader, PayPal Here, etc. )
Communication Device. A device for staying in touch with customers and delivery staff. (Example: Two-way radios, smartphones, etc. )

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
International Foodservice Distributors Association
National Association of Delivery Drivers
National Association for Foodservice Equipment Manufacturers
National Restaurant Association Education Foundation
National Grocers Association
International Franchise Association
American Culinary Federation
National Association of Convenience Stores
Pizza Industry Council

We also have Restaurant Dishwasher, Restaurant Catering Server, and Restaurant Bar Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Courier. An individual who transports goods or documents from one location to another.
Vehicle. A means of transportation, such as a car, truck, or van, used to deliver food from restaurants to customers.
GPS. Global Positioning System, a satellite-based navigation system used to track the location of a vehicle and determine the fastest route for delivery.
Delivery Route. A predetermined set of addresses and locations for a delivery driver to follow in order to complete their deliveries in the most efficient manner.
Delivery Order. An order placed by a customer to have food delivered from a restaurant or other food establishment.
Payment Processing. The process of accepting payments from customers, such as credit card payments or cash payments, and ensuring that the appropriate funds are transferred to the restaurant.
Customer Service. The practice of providing excellent customer service to ensure that customers are satisfied with their experience and that their orders are delivered in a timely manner.
Food Safety. Practices and procedures that must be followed to ensure the quality and safe handling of food products during delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become a Restaurant Delivery Driver?

To become a Restaurant Delivery Driver, applicants must have a valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and proof of insurance. They may also be required to pass a background check and drug screening.

What types of payment do Restaurant Delivery Drivers accept?

Restaurant Delivery Drivers generally accept cash, credit cards, and contactless payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

How much can a Restaurant Delivery Driver earn?

The amount a Restaurant Delivery Driver can earn depends on the number of orders they deliver, mileage reimbursement rates, and other factors. On average, a Restaurant Delivery Driver can earn between $10 - $20 per hour.

What safety precautions should a Restaurant Delivery Driver take?

Restaurant Delivery Drivers should take safety precautions such as wearing a face mask, following social distancing guidelines, and regularly sanitizing their hands and delivery items.

How do Restaurant Delivery Drivers communicate with customers?

Restaurant Delivery Drivers communicate with customers via phone calls and text messages to inform them of delivery updates. They may also use a delivery tracking app to provide customers with real-time updates about their order.