Can you get a Skilled Worker visa for a job in “other drivers and transport operatives not elsewhere classified”?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa for a job in “other drivers and transport operatives not elsewhere classified” (SOC 8239).
You might be able to work in the UK on a different visa. Compare UK work visas.
Based on the UK Immigration Rules and the Skilled Worker visa guide on GOV.UK. This is a summary, not advice about your own situation.
The rules in detail
SOC 2020 code 8239 (Other drivers and transport operatives not elsewhere classified) is listed as not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes in Table 6 of Appendix Skilled OccupationsT6 · 29 Oct 26.
Source: Appendix Skilled Occupations and eligible occupations and codes, GOV.UK.| Occupation | Other drivers and transport operatives not elsewhere classified |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker eligibility | Ineligible |
| Going rate | Not applicable |
| Appendix table(s) | Table 6 |
| Immigration Salary List | No |
| Temporary Shortage List | No |
| SOC 2020 group | 82 Transport and mobile machine drivers and operatives › 823 Other drivers and transport operatives |
Job titles under SOC 8239
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Other drivers and transport operatives not elsewhere classified
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (6)
- Bus inspector
- Marshal (transport)
- Operations assistant (freight handling)
- Test driver (motor vehicle mfr)
- Transport supervisor
- Yard foreman (road transport)
What the job involves
Job holders in this unit group monitor the activities of bus drivers, conductors and other road transport depot drivers, undertake various tasks related to water transportation, and perform other transportation tasks not elsewhere classified in minor group 823: Other drivers and transport operatives.
Typical tasks
- Checks that vehicles run as scheduled, monitors number of passengers travelling particular routes and makes recommendations for improvement of services
- Organises relief and replacement crews as necessary, ensures compliance with regulations regarding the carrying of passengers and luggage, and submits reports of any irregularities
- Checks that goods have been correctly loaded into vehicle, monitors and records information from tachograph, and arranges for servicing, refuelling, cleaning and repair of depot vehicles
- Operates and maintains lighthouses and navigational lights in harbours, and assists in mooring craft
- Operates and maintains locks, opens and closes moving bridges across inland waterways and docks, and measures depth of water in canals, rivers, etc. to determine possible dumping or dredging sites
- Guides horses or ponies and drives horse drawn vehicles to transport goods and passengers
Typical entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic entry requirements. Training is provided both Off and on-the-job. In some areas relevant vocational qualifications are available at level 2 and 3.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 8239
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa for a job in “other drivers and transport operatives not elsewhere classified”?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa for a job in “other drivers and transport operatives not elsewhere classified” (SOC 8239). SOC 2020 code 8239 (Other drivers and transport operatives not elsewhere classified) is listed as not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes in Table 6 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.
What is SOC code 8239?
8239 is the SOC 2020 code for Other drivers and transport operatives not elsewhere classified. Job holders in this unit group monitor the activities of bus drivers, conductors and other road transport depot drivers, undertake various tasks related to water transportation, and perform other transportation tasks not elsewhere classified in minor group 823: Other drivers and transport operatives.
What job titles use SOC code 8239?
GOV.UK lists: Other drivers and transport operatives not elsewhere classified.
Sources
- Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes (GOV.UK, updated 29 April 2026)
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations (GOV.UK, updated 29 October 2026)
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker (GOV.UK, updated 29 October 2026)
- ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups
Compiled by SWC Editorial Team from the sources above. An information summary, not immigration advice. Report an error on this page.