In Australia we often read in the media about how to become an accountant or lawyer but we don’t really hear stories about how to become a truck driver.
There are a few things you need to know if you are planning to become a truck driver.
First and foremost as you are driving all the time it’s absolutely imperative that you have a clean driving record. This will help you with truck insurance and help you get contracts and employed by trucking firms.
If you’ve got a clean driving record then you might want to make sure you have a TAFE Certificate 2 minimum or higher.
In order to drive a truck in Australia you need to ensure you meet the licencing and registration requirements. This means you will need to obtain a heavy vehicle truck driving licence.
Once you’ve done these things then the next step is to ensure you know how to maintain a truck and have a basic understanding of mechanics. This will come in handy if your truck breaks down and you need to carry out urgent repairs. It will also improve your employability because if something goes wrong while you’re on the open road you will be able to resolve the issue quickly, which will also highlight your problem solving skills.
Before you start applying for truck driving jobs decide what type of truck driving you want to do. The list is endless! Below are a few occupations to get you thinking:
- Carrier of Soil and Gravel - Earthmoving
- Tow Trucks & Car Carriers
- Carrier of General Cargo Freight
- Crane Trucks
- Livestock Carrier
- Dangerous Goods Carrier
- Logging Carrier
- Furniture Removalist
Once you’ve decided on the type trucking occupation & where you want to drive a truck then if you meet all the driving record requirements you will be ready to undertake either TAFE training or a traineeship. TAFE education isn’t mandatory however it will help you when you start applying for truck driving jobs as it will show that you are serious about career in truck driving.
Before you do though research truck driving wages in Australia to see what you’re entitled to.
Once you are ready to get into the trucking industry and have your new truck lined up to purchase, give Truck Insurance Brokers a call to discuss various insurance options for your new exciting venture.
