Australia is known for the numerous opportunities that it offers foreign workers, especially truck drivers. With a booming economy and the demand for skilled workers rapidly growing, the country is actively recruiting truck drivers. Therefore, if you’re a foreigner wondering how to become a truck driver in Australia, you’re on the right page.
Do you love driving and traveling? If so, then you should consider applying for a truck driver job. As a truck driver, you will use your solid driving and time management skills to transport commercial or personal goods across the country. However, it could be inter or intra-state.
Furthermore, if you become a truck driver in Australia, you will be open to lots of benefits and opportunities.
Oftentimes, this profession can be so enriching for the passionate explorers, as each journey is to a different location. Ensure you delve more into this role as it will help you decide whether it’s right for you or not. Becoming a truck driver in Australia is not difficult, however, you must work with the right information.
In this article, we’ll discuss what a truck driver is and outline their key skills and responsibilities. As well as explore the step-by-step guide on how to become a truck driver in Australia.
Interested? Let’s dive in!
What Is A Truck Driver?
A truck driver is an individual responsible for transporting goods and items by driving a truck. And by doing so, they earn a living among other benefits. As a truck driver, you will have to constantly travel to and from retail and distribution centers or manufacturing plants to make deliveries of various products.
Furthermore, they can transport a variety of items, ranging from raw materials to livestock, depending on their employer’s specialized business. Though working as a truck driver, you’ll have flexible schedules, which means you may work any hours of the day/night. Despite this flexibility, the career is such a demanding one that requires spending a lot of time on the road.
All truck drivers are required to have a clean driving license along with unique, truck-specific qualifications from a registered training organization. With this, the employer will be rest assured that the truck drivers are competent in driving heavy-duty vehicles. Now, let’s discuss the four steps to becoming a truck driver in Australia. Scroll down!
How To Become A Truck Driver In Australia
Below are the four steps on how to become a truck driver in Australia. Read on to learn more!
1. Obtain A Driver’s License
The major requirement needed to work as a truck driver is to have a clean driving license. If you have no driving violations, especially in the last three years from your point of application, then you’ll likely secure a job easily. The class C term refers to the regular driving license for truck driving. Therefore, obtaining a truck license will require you to have a class C license for a minimum of one year before you apply.
2. Obtain Your License Qualification
To determine the truck that you can legally drive, there are five different qualifications. However, the most famous of the qualifications is to complete a Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment. Most of the registered truck driving training organizations usually conduct the HVCBA test and you can check their official website to apply for this qualification.
Oftentimes, Roads and Maritime Services accredits an assessor to conduct these tests under various driving conditions. This is to ensure optimal road safety and truck knowledge. Listed below are the qualification categories. Scroll down!
- Light
- Medium
- Heavy
- Heavy
- Multiple
3. Take Any Additional Tests
If you want to obtain these driving qualifications, you will have to take additional tests. These tests usually include testing your eyesight and road safety knowledge. However, prospective employers in the trucking industry may likely have their unique tests and regulations as part of their application process.
Routine testing may occur in light of any advancements or conduct changes within truck driving. To receive professional hands-on training from experts, you can apply for a truck driving apprenticeship.
4. Apply For A Full-Time Job
Once you have gained the necessary qualifications, you’ll be able to apply for a full-time job. You should also try searching for jobs online to find position openings for truck drivers. In
addition, you can link up with recruitment agencies or contact trucking companies directly via phone call or email.
Responsibilities Of A Truck Driver
The major responsibilities of a truck driver may vary based on how long their journey is. Generally, the start of a journey is when the truck driver helps the loading crew to safely pack the goods into the back of the truck. In a case where the truck is new to the driver, they will examine the truck to be sure it meets safety operating standards.
Each delivery has its strict deadlines and drivers usually plan their route to minimize delays. Also, as a truck driver, you will need to constantly check weather conditions and traffic levels before starting your journey. The daily duties of a truck driver also include filling out paperwork. This requires drivers to sign off trucks, confirm deliveries, and keep a record of their road trips.
What Skills Do Truck Drivers Need?
Below, we have compiled a range of skills that you may want to develop to become a successful truck driver in Australia. Scroll down
1. Communication
To become a truck driver, you must have strong communication skills for efficient interactions with loading crews and customers. It’s also essential that you deliver great customer service as you represent your employer or company. In addition, you must engage in professional, polite, and helpful communication as it reflects well on you and your company.
2. Time Management
One of the primary responsibilities of a truck driver is to deliver goods to the correct destination at the right time. If you possess good time management skills, it will enable you to accurately estimate how long a journey might take. While also factoring in external effects that can cause delays, such as weather and traffic. As such, you can reach a destination on time without causing yourself extra stress or compromising your road safety.
3. Stress Management
Unforeseen circumstances may easily come up when driving a truck, which can put your patience and problem-solving skills to the test. Some of these circumstances include road accidents, truck maintenance issues, and road closures. Therefore, if you can effectively manage your stress, it will help with your problem-solving and mental health.
It keeps you focused on the road and you’re more likely to deliver the goods on time. Additionally, you should try exercising daily and practice breathing exercises to improve your stress management skills.
4. Fast Reflexes
As a truck driver, you will need to have fast reflexes for road safety. If you can respond quickly to other drivers, adverse weather or unforeseen road closures can ensure your goods make it to their destination on time. Playing sports, eating healthily, and getting enough sleep are all ways you can enhance your reflexes.
5. Focused
Having great focus is essential for being a safe and successful truck driver, where your concentration varies between driving, conversations, and mapping. Remaining focused on the road ahead while balancing other tasks is efficient and time-effective. A lack of sleep and nutritious food can greatly affect your ability to focus, impacting your safety as a truck driver.
Visa Options To Become A Truck Driver In Australia
The shortage of skilled truck drivers in Australia has become a significant concern. As such, the country is looking to hire foreign truck drivers to bridge the shortage gap. It’s no news that you can obtain a visa to live and work as a truck driver in Australia. Several visa options are available for foreign truck drivers, such as the 482, 190, or 189 visas. Let’s dive in!
482 Visa
The subclass 482 visa which is referred to as the temporary work visa, allows you to work in Australia for up to four years. Furthermore, the 482 visa is quite famous among truck drivers seeking for working experience in Australia. With this visa, you will have an excellent opportunity to experience the country’s lifestyle and work culture.
As well as decide if it’s the right fit for you in the long term. However, if you’re considering a more permanent move, there are options for permanent residency visas. These include the skilled nominated visa (subclass 190) and the skilled independent visa (subclass 189).
190 Visa
The Australia 190 Visa is a point-based visa for individuals nominated as skilled workers by an Australian state or territory. In addition, a 190 visa holder can live and work permanently in the nominating state for up to two years and then anywhere in Australia. Meanwhile, qualified family members can also be included in the application.
To apply for the visa subclass 190, you will need to first successfully obtain a nomination from a state/territory.
Furthermore, this skilled nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory.
189 Visa
The 189 Visa in Australia is a type of visa that allows foreign skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state/territory, or a family member to permanently work and live in the country. It is also referred to as the Skilled Independent Visa.
Therefore, to qualify for this visa, you will need to do the following. Scroll down!
- Be invited to apply through Skill Select which is an online system that allows you to submit an expression of interest (EOI) for certain
- Possess a valid job that is on the relevant skilled occupation
- Furthermore, you must have a suitable skills assessment for your
- And also meet the points test pass mark of 65 points or You can also acquire points for various factors like your age, English language skills, skilled employment experience, educational qualifications, and lots more.
- Be below the age of 45 years at the time of
- Have competent English or
- Meet the health and character
If you are invited to apply, you must submit your online application within 60 days. The processing time for this visa may vary but it will depend on the demand and complexity of your case. Furthermore, the current processing time for over 70% of applications is eight months, and for 90% of applications is 11 months.
The Australia 189 Visa is ideal for international students who have the required skills and qualifications to contribute to the Australian economy. It gives you the freedom and flexibility to live and work anywhere in Australia without any restrictions. You can also include your family members who qualify in your application and enjoy the benefits of permanent residency.
Truck Driver Salary And Workplace Safety In Australia
In case you are wondering how much truck drivers earn in Australia or what is the average salary of a truck driver in Australia. It’s not far-fetched, keep reading! The pay rates for truck drivers in Australia are one of the highest in the world and are influenced by factors like experience, skills, and location.
The safety standards in Australia’s workplace are top-notch and high, ensuring a safe working environment for truck drivers. Meanwhile, the average salary for a truck driver in Australia is
$34.24 per hour and $66,760 per year. Although it can vary depending on the type of truck driving job, the company, and the city.
For instance, owner-operator truck drivers can earn up to $63.87 per hour at Sydney Transport Services Group, while underground truck drivers can make up to $36.70 per hour at mining sites. Some of the highest-paying cities for truck drivers are Perth and Brisbane.
Conclusion
Australia presents an enticing opportunity for you to become a truck driver in the country. If you’re a qualified truck driver looking to expand your career options, then you should consider this option. The country also provides a safe and stable work environment, allowing you to work with peace of mind. All the best as you journey through the transport industry!
