How to Kick off Your Career As a Truck Driver
Posted on: 24 October 2017
Do you consider yourself to be something of a loner, but nevertheless a self-starter, as well? If so, you may be eyeing a life on the open road as an Australian truck driver. This type of occupation will certainly allow you to see this vast country and to get the feeling that you're your own boss, but first of all you have to get the right type of licence. What is involved?
Licence Categories
To begin with, ask yourself what type of vehicle you want to drive, as this will determine how long it's going to take you to get the appropriate licence. Different states have different requirements, but you have to have held some type of licence before you can become a truck driver.
At the lowest level, you may be looking at a light rigid licence, which allows you to drive small trucks and buses and to qualify here, you need to have held an ordinarily car licence for at least one year. If you want to go for a heavy rigid, then you will need to have been driving a car for at least two years, or have held the lowest truck licence for at least one.
Perhaps you fancy the idea of piloting a road train across country and if you want this most stringent form of licence, you need to get a heavy rigid first and hold that for 12 months. Note that you can practice your driving, so long as you are accompanied by a qualified instructor in these categories, but you cannot get your licence until the corresponding date threshold has been passed.
Driving School
Before you apply for a new licence, it's likely that you will want to practice in controlled environments and should look for a heavy vehicle driving school that is nearest to you. There are a large variety of these across Australia, but check each one out first to see if it will cater for your needs.
Making Application
Once you're happy, you can apply in person at the road authority in your home state. They will check your identity and qualifications and want to make sure that you understand all the theory involved with this type of occupation. You may also have to undergo a medical examination if you're a certain age and will in any case have to fill in details about your medical fitness.
Practical Assessment
While you must set aside time to fully understand all your theory, your biggest hurdle is likely to be the practical assessment. To take this, you're going to need to hire a truck and instructor and will need to be adept at driving this truck before you attempt the assessment. Sometimes, your trainer is not allowed to sit with you during the assessment and an independent expert has to be brought in, instead. When you are putting together your budget for this entire project, make sure that you know all the relevant costs in your jurisdiction.
Taking the First Step
Start off by talking with your nearest driving school, so they can fill you in on all the important details.
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