How long does it take to become a trucker

What's it like to be a Truck Driver?

Truck Drivers carry cargo from one place to another. They work with dispatching companies to get assignments. Sometimes Truck Drivers work independently, but they often work for trucking companies.

Tasks and duties

• Taking receipt and delivering loads of cargo or product.
• Operating the truck, obeying all road safety regulations.
• Completing documentation relating to trips, such as logs, delivery dockets and timesheets.
• Logging any safety incidents.
• Checking the cargo throughout the trip.
• Communicating with the dispatcher regarding trip and cargo status.

Read less

Truck Drivers plan their routes, keep logs of their trips and inspect the cargo they’re carrying throughout the trip.

How to become a Truck Driver

You’ll need an unrestricted, state-issued drivers’ licence for a period of time before progressing to a licence class that will allow you to drive a truck.

1. Obtain a driver's licence from the licencing authority in your state.
2. Establish a good driving record, and decide what class of vehicle you would like to operate.
3. You can complete a Certificate III in Driving Operations (TLI31216) through TAFE or a local private institution. This course will teach you fatigue management, which is often looked on favourably in this occupation, as there can be long hours of continuous driving.
4. There are truck driving training courses available at private training colleges throughout Australia. These courses range from beginners right through to more experienced.

Explore related qualifications

SEEK users who have worked as a Truck Driver have studied these qualifications.

Skills and experience employers are looking for

Hi there, have any of these? Add your skills directly to your SEEK Profile.

HC Licence

MR Licence

MC Licence

Forklift Licence

Construction Induction White Card

Truck Driving

Punctual

Drivers Licence

Customer Service

Skills listed in your SEEK Profile

Based on your skills, here are some roles to explore

Roles where your skills are commonly valued by employers.

Sign in and add skills to your SEEK Profile, to see roles that match your skill-set

Did you find this helpful?

Upskill with an online short course

Get instant access to online training for these in-demand Truck Driver skills

Is Truck Driver the right role for me?

Job market trends for Truck Drivers

Latest Truck Driver reviews

Latest reviews from 122 Truck Drivers surveyed on SEEK

I am 61 years old but still active and like physical work , I am much smarter since l have started to drive trucks , l have learnt so much and still learning and loving it . I recomend it to anyone , I will retire driving .

Reviewer's Qualification

I did have Dangerous Goods and a fork lift ticket but I only have , MC licence

Organisation size

Small (1-19 employees)

Specialisation

Multipul types of work , but at the moment I am delivering and picking up General Freight .

The good things

I have been driving trucks for over 43 years and love it , I got into it because it was easy at that time , as I was kicked out of school and you didn't have to be smart to drive , as I loved driving ...

The challenges

Reversing in grocery docks , some are down laneways , around a bend that you have never been before , tight places , or under ground car parks , busy places like the city or most areas are busy now , ...

Read more

I enjoy truck driving because you are always learning as you go

Reviewer's Qualification

Certificate I in Plant Operations (Heavy)

Organisation size

Medium (20-199 employees)

Specialisation

Manufacturing

The good things

Tour the country and get paid for it

The challenges

Every problem can be overcome and to achieve this is rewarding to me

Read more

Explore similar careers

Read more from SEEK