What to consider when becoming a truckie in Australia

Did you know that Australia is quickly running short of truck drivers and the decline in this industry is forecasted to continue throughout the next decade? It’s been projected that between 2010 and 2030, truck freight will double and with one in five working drivers already at retirement age, this makes trucking a very viable niche for sustainable employment now and in the foreseeable future. Source: The Age May 2016 

It can be a bit daunting and time consuming breaking into the industry, but with demand certain to grow the elbow grease will be well worth it.  

Here are some steps to get your wheels rolling:

Requirements & Preparation 

You will need a Light Rigid Driver’s Licence or higher to drive most commercial trucks in Australia but in order to upgrade to the next licence class, you’ll need to check the requirements for each State. In order to obtain a LR, MR or HR licence, you must hold at least a P2 licence and in the instance of a HR licence you must have it for at least two years. To move up to a HC licence, you must have held a MR or HR licence for at least one year. 

So bear in mind that it will take at least four years to go from no license to obtaining your final HC license.  

The difference in licence refers to the carrying capacity and axles numbers:

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With over 500 schools listed in the Australian Driver Trainer Association, finding a heavy vehicle driving school in your vicinity shouldn’t be a problem. Individual state road authorities publish material that you will need to know for your theory test. You will receive this material when enrolling with your driving school and learning this information will be essential in passing your theoretical and practical assessment tests.

To find out more. check out our blog on how to easily move up a truck licence.  

Applying & Testing

All licencing is administered at state level and conducted in person. All states will put your theoretical knowledge to the test, you must pass a Roads and Maritime driving test or undertake HVCBA and you must pass an eye test.  Be prepared that some states may also require you to do a medical certificate to ensure you are physically fit to drive. 

One of the most challenging and expensive aspects of learning to drive a heavy vehicle is the practical assessment phase.  When you sign up with your driving school, they’ll train and assess you (except in NSW where your trainer is not allowed to do this).  If not using a school, it can be quite expensive to hire an instructor as well as a truck. 

Registering & Finding a job

The final step is the most challenging part of your journey to become a truck driver, especially if you are looking for a job independently and without the prior backing of a trucking operator.  Ensure you have covered off the following points:

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Don’t’ give up! Remember every driver on the road today got their start somewhere…