How to get started as a truck driver

Transport goods and cargo between locations by driving trucks and heavy vehicles.

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.

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

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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.

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

Skills and experience employers are looking for

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How to get started as a truck driver
HR Licence

HC Licence

MR Licence

MC Licence

Forklift Licence

Construction Induction White Card

Truck Driving

Punctual

Drivers Licence

Self Motivation


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Is Truck Driver the right role for me?


Job market trends for Truck Drivers

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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 , ...

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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

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Source: SEEK Role Reviews

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How much do truck drivers make?

Salary: $45,000 to $60,000 Depending on the company and with a safe driving record spanning several years, a driver can potentially earn upward of $70,000 or more. Drivers willing to train for extra endorsements and accept increased risk or time spent in remote areas can push their earnings much higher than average.

What pays the most in truck driving?

Ice Road Truck Driver When it comes to trucking jobs, ice road truckers earn the most on a pay-per-season or time-period basis. As the job title implies, ice road truck drivers are responsible for transporting loads over pure ice during the winter months.