How To Become A Truck Driver In Australia: A Complete Guide

Do you enjoy driving heavy vehicles, travelling to different locations, and working with people? Then, a career as a truck driver might be for you.

Truck Drivers drive trucks, tankers, tow trucks, and removal vans to transport heavy goods and liquids between locations. They perform basic vehicle inspection, quality checks, vehicle maintenance, and weight estimation to ensure the safe transportation of goods to the destination.

You need a state-issued truck and heavy vehicle license and undertake a medical examination to become a truck driver in Australia. Completing a Certificate III or IV in Driving Operations at TAFE or local RTO is helpful.

This article discusses who truck drivers are, what they do, where they work, how much they earn, and the pathway to pursue this career in Australia.

1. Who Is A Truck Driver?

Truck drivers are licensed workers who drive heavy vehicles, tankers, trucks, and 16-wheel tractor-trailers to transport goods, food, automobiles, materials, and cargo across the country. This makes them an essential part of the overall supply chain.

Truck drivers follow safety guidelines to ensure the safe handling, loading, unloading, and separating of dangerous goods throughout their work. While some work as self-employed contractors, others work for transportation companies, dispatching agencies, or commercial fleets.

2. Is Truck Driving A Good Job In Australia?

Are you interested in the job profile but need to decide whether to pursue the career? 

Check out some good reasons why becoming a truck driver is a good decision:

• You earn to explore the beautiful landscape of the country.

• The scarcity of heavy truck drivers translates to a heavy demand for new truck drivers. Thus, job stability and security are other reasons to pursue this profession.

• Many companies allow you to define a flexible working schedule that suits your needs. This way, you enjoy greater control over your work hours compared to other professions.

3. What Does A Truck Driver Do?

A typical day of a truck driver comprises the following tasks and duties:

• Take receipts, plan routes, and deliver cargo loads to the destination.

• Verify loading documents

• Check the condition of cargo/load/freight throughout the trip

• Drive trucks while adhering to all road safety regulations

• Manoeuvres vehicles to load and unload freight

• Load and unload goods by hand or by forklift, lifting and tipping devices while observing safety requirements

• Obtain certification for deliveries

• Ensure cargo is correctly positioned and securely covered and strapped to prevent damage or loss via transportation

• Maintain logs, work diary, and timesheets with details of trips 

• Talk to the dispatcher regarding the trip and consignment status

• Perform pre- and mid-trip quality checks and security inspections of the vehicle for a safe drive

• Log any safety incidents

• Check freight weights to ensure that it complies with load limitations and secure weight distribution 

• Use a GPS or navigation system

• Identify mechanical issues and conduct repair/maintenance activities

• Drive cautiously and handle dangerous road conditions

4. Truck Driver Skills For Success

To work as a truck driver and succeed in this profession, you require the following skills:

• Enjoy practical work

• Good knowledge of road rules 

• Physical fitness 

• Able to lift heavy loads

• Forklift operation skills

• Communication skills

• Customer service skills

• Teamwork skills

• Able to drive trucks at night and in extreme conditions

• Able to operate, control, and manoeuvre trucks

• Collaboration skills

• Perform mechanical inspections

• Speed management

• Mechanical aptitude

• Safe driving skills

• Able to handle the physical demands of the job

• Safety-conscious

5. Qualifications To Become A Truck Driver In Australia

You don’t need formal qualifications to work as a truck driver (General) as you would get informal on-the-job training. 

Here are the requirements to qualify for this role:

1. Complete your Year 10 education

2. Obtain an unrestricted driver’s license from your state-level licensing authority

3. Establish an impeccable driving record

4. Decide on the class of vehicle you want to drive, such as a Light Rigid (LR), Medium Rigid (MR), Heavy Rigid (HR), Heavy Combination (HC), or Multi Combination (MC) vehicle. 

5. Take on the Heavy Vehicle Competency Assessment test in your chosen vehicle category to obtain the specific truck driving license. This is required to work as a Heavy Rigid Truck Driver, Multi Combination Truck Driver, Medium Rigid Truck Driver, or Heavy Combination Truck Driver.

6. Completing a Certificate III/IV in Driving Operations through TAFE or a local private institution helps work as a Truck Driver (General). The course teaches you how to manage fatigue that could result from long driving hours. 

7. To transport cargo carrying dangerous substances, you must have special licenses, a medical certificate, an eyesight test, and a good driving record. You also need proof that you attended a relevant training course.

6. Steps To Become A Truck Driver In Australia

The eligibility criteria to work as a truck driver can differ from one state to another in Australia. However, the general and mandatory requirement in all states is to have a heavy vehicle license. 

The following steps will help you obtain the license and pursue the role:

Step 1: Obtain A Car Driver’s License

To become a truck driver, you need to hold a valid car driver’s license. To apply for a license for different classes of vehicles, you must have a driver’s license for a specific period.

Step 2: Obtain A Heavy Vehicle License

You can’t directly apply for an unrestricted license with your car driver’s license. To become a full-fledged commercial truck driver in Australia, you must go through a step-wise process.

To obtain a Light or Medium Rigid license, you must hold the car driver’s license for at least 12 months.

For a Heavy Rigid license, you need to hold the Light Rigid license for at least 24 months. This ensures that you have adequate experience in driving trucks before you can operate heavier vehicles in Australia.

Once you have held your Heavy Rigid license for at least one year, you can apply for a Heavy Combination Driver’s Licence. Thus, you will need four years to obtain your HC license.

The Multi Combination Driver’s Licence is an unrestricted and the highest class in vehicle license that enables you to operate any road-registered vehicle without restriction. You must have held an HC/HR license for one year to apply for this license.

Click here to learn more about becoming a truck driver near Sydney, NSW.

Refer to the below links to know the licensing requirements for other states:

• Victoria

• Western Australia

• Queensland

• South Australia

• Australian Capital Territory

Step 3: Pass The Medical Test

You must pass a written eye examination and practical knowledge test for the license class you are applying for.

Suppose you have a Medical Condition or taking any medication. In that case, you need medical clearance from the state-level authority before you can attend the heavy vehicle training course.

It shows that you are healthy and physically fit to drive the truck on the roads.

Step 4: Take The Driver’s Training Course

You must study the formal training course in that category based on the license you wish to obtain. For example, if you aim for an HR (Heavy Rigid license) license, you must study for the HR driving license course and sit for an HR assessment test.

Different states may have other course requirements. You should check your state regulations and book your on-road and off-road Heavy Vehicle license course with a local accredited provider.

Step 5: Take The Written And Practical Assessment

The last step to working as a truck driver is to pass the Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment with an RTO and obtain your heavy truck license in Australia.

If you do not find any RTO nearby, you can also sit with a Roads and Maritime Testing Officer. 

You will get a certificate of competence for your license category when you successfully pass the test.

Step 6: Get Your Heavy Vehicle Licence

Once you get the certificate of competence, visit the concerned state-level Roads and Transport Department to endorse your heavy vehicle license. 

You need to pay some fees to receive your endorsed driver’s license. Congratulations, you are now a qualified truck driver and can start driving trucks on roads.

Step 7: Find A Job

Identify the type of industry you wish to work in and apply for the related jobs. Familiarise yourself with the navigation system and tools needed to execute the job, such as ropes, tarps, straps, manual lifting tools, forklifts, etc. Also, get a good understanding of loading, adjusting, and unloading cargo.

Read online articles to stay updated with the latest technology, legislation, and events concerning the industry. Learn about the truck driving technology the employer uses and prepare for interview questions before heading for the interview.

The below online sources can help you find a job:

• Seek.com

• Indeed.com

• Driverjobs.com.au

Alternatively, you can register with recruitment agencies or approach logistics companies directly.

National Truck Driving Resources

• NSW Roads & Maritime Services

• Australian Trucking Association

7. Relevant Truck Driver Courses

Certificate III in Driving Operations (Available as a Traineeship)

The course provides on-the-job training to develop practical skills to drive heavy vehicles, manage fatigue, safely shift materials, and communicate between vehicles.

Certificate III in Driving Operations will help you seek employment in entry-level driving operation jobs in the transport and logistics industry, such as tip truck driver, local heavy general freight driver, or bus driver. 

Certificate IV in Driving Operations (Available as a Traineeship)

The Certificate IV in Driving Operations course prepares you for an exciting career on the road and increases your job security in this industry and the future. It involves much-specialized knowledge and skills in many contexts to take on skilled work in a truck driving environment.

The course teaches students about transportation technology, road rules, safe truck driving rules, strategies for logging miles, trip planning, and map reading.

8. Work Conditions For Truck Drivers

Early starts, strict deadlines, long shifts of up to 14 hours a day, and long-distance travel to remote, interstate, or rural locations describe the life of a truck driver in Australia.

While working, they are frequently exposed to harmful elements. As they stay away from home for many days, their trucks are fitted with bunks, refrigerators, ergonomically designed seats, and televisions.

Around 85% of workers work full-time in this profession. This shows low part-time work opportunities. When working full-time, they spend about 49 hours a week driving.

The average age of employed workers is 47 years, and only 3% of workers are female, which is very low compared to the average of 48% of all occupations.

9. Where Does A Truck Driver Work In Australia?

The demand for truck drivers is in the following sectors:

• Commercial 

• Mining

• Manufacturing

• Transport

• Construction

• Government authorities

• Agriculture 

• Electricity, Water, Gas, and Waste Services

• Wholesale Trade

• Postal, Transport, and Warehousing

The Most Common Truck Driving Jobs Are:

• Agitator Driver

• Local Heavy General Freight Driver

• Line Haul Driver

• Pilot Vehicle Driver

• Fuel Tanker Driver

• Bus Driver

• Tip Truck Driver

• Chemical Tanker Driver

• Heavy Recovery Driver

• LP Gas Tanker Driver

After working in a transportation or retail company, truck drivers can work independently by managing a truck or small fleet. However, it may seem like a significant initial investment. Still, it can offer you greater work flexibility and lead to a rewarding experience.

The profession gives you ample scope of specialization in the following areas:

• Refrigerated Goods Drivers: They transport refrigerated goods in insulated and specially designed trailers/ vehicles fitted with refrigeration supplies.

• Tow Truck Drivers: They remove damaged or crashed vehicles from the roadway. They work even in bad weather and at all hours of the night.

• Tip Truck Operators: They transport solid materials, like sand and gravel, to and from mine sites or construction sites.

• Pressurized Gas Driver/ Bulk Liquid Drivers: They carry liquids or pressurized gases in large quantities in specially designed tankers for companies in the mining or chemical sector.

• Concrete Agitator Operators: They transport concrete between construction sites and cement plants in specially designed vehicles.

• Pilot Vehicle Operators: They accompany trucks that carry oversized loads above the width or length specified by the transport department. They warn road users that a large load is oncoming or ahead or prevents road users from overtaking the cargo.

• Car Carrier Drivers: They transport vehicles between depots, ports, and car dealerships locally or over longer distances.

• Explosives Driver or Dangerous Goods driver: They carry explosives or dangerous goods for industries related to mining and chemicals.

• Heavy Truck Drivers: They drive trucks to transport bulky materials or goods. Livestock transporters, multi-combination drivers, tanker drivers, and log hauliers come under this category.

• Heavy Haulage Drivers: They transport large-sized loads and machinery in specially designed trailers, and pilot vehicle operator assist them.

• Livestock Transport Driver: They transport cattle or sheep between farms or ports for export. They may require driving on unsealed roads or in remote rural areas.

• Cash-in-Transit Operators: They drive shielded emergency and security communication vehicles carrying cash and other valuables. They handle weapons and other personal protection devices. They generally need a police clearance, a firearms license, a Provide First Aid Certificate, and a security guard license.

• Logging Truck Drivers: They carry unprocessed timber between timber mills and plantations in trucks or trailers fitted with a log-loading device.

10. Job Prospects Of Truck Drivers In Australia

This is a tremendous occupation in Australia. Presently, the country is facing a shortage of skilled truck drivers due for two key reasons:

• The increasing significance of road freight

• Current drivers approaching their retirement age

This indicates a promising future for this profession in the next couple of years. The future demand for truck drivers depends on the economic condition and competition posed by other transporters, such as air and rail freighters.

Based on the government’s Job Outlook website, the job prospects for bus, coach, and truck drivers are strong. 

The number of workers is expected to grow steadily from 196,000 in 2020 to 208,800 by 2025. Truck drivers may work as owner-drivers or drive company-owned vehicles.

They work in several regions of Australia, particularly in industries related to Transport, Construction, Electricity, Postal and Warehousing, Gas, Waste, and Water Services.

11. How Much Do Truck Drivers Earn In Australia?

The average truck driver’s salary is $79,465 per year or $31.49 per hour in Australia. According to the National Job Outlook website, full-time truck drivers earn around $1,509 per week. 

Initially, the pay could be lower for newly qualified drivers, but it will gradually increase with experience.

Let’s see how much a Truck Driver can expect to earn in different cities in Australia:

• Perth, Western Australia: $108,412 per year

• Mackay, Queensland: $100,949 per year

• Brisbane, Queensland: $83,706 per year

• Sydney, New South Wales: $82,257 per year

• Melbourne, Victoria: $76,934 per year

• Dandenong, Victoria: $74,587 per year

• Yatala, Queensland: $70,504 per year

• Orange, New South Wales: $63,716 per year

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do I Get a Truck Driver's License in Australia?

 To get a truck driver's licence, you will require an unrestricted driver's licence from the licencing authority in your state.

Next, complete a Certificate III in Driving Operations at TAFE or a local private institution. You can also undertake truck driving training courses at private training colleges across Australia to prepare for this role.

How Much Does A Truck Driver Make in Australia?

According to Indeed, a full-time Truck Driver earns $34.05 per hour or an average yearly equivalent of $85,930. As you develop experience, you can expect a higher salary than new entrants in the industry.

How Much Does It Cost To Get a Truck Licence in Australia?

There are five types of truck licences you can apply for. Below is the estimated cost to obtain these licences.

1. LR Licence (Light Rigid): $515 plus booking fee for QLD Licences and $1100 For NSW

2. MR Licence (Medium Rigid): $1,099 (GST Free)

3. HR Licence (Heavy Rigid): Starting from $280 onwards

4. HC Licence (Heavy Combination): $288.30

5. Multi Combination Licence (MC class): $56.30

Are Truck Drivers in Demand in Australia?

The Australian trucking industry has been experiencing a shortage of drivers for quite some years. 

It is an unnerving economic prospect as most goods get transported over the road. While the demand for truck drivers is quickly swelling, the number of workers behind the wheel is fast declining.

With around 2,000 vacancies in Queensland alone, the QLD Trucking Association has introduced a heavy-vehicle driving apprenticeship to tackle a truck driver shortage in the state. The initiative aims to get younger people into the profession.

As per the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, job prospects for truck drivers are strong, with over 127,000 job vacancies expected in the coming years.

What Type of Truck Driver Is in Most Demand?

Here are the most common types of truck drivers on Australian roads, along with their national average salaries:

• Commercial truck drivers - AU$120,000 / year

• Delivery drivers: $93,616 / year

• Dump truck driver: $$89,950 / year

• Long-haul truck drivers: $79,163 / year

• Truck Owner-operators: $74,344 / year

• Heavy Truck Driver: AU$69,426 / year

• Route Drivers: $68,101 / year

• Heavy / Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver: AU$67,544 / year

• Freight drivers/Freight Forwarding drivers: AU$65k/ year

• Tow Truck Driver: AU$63,175 / year 

• Transport driver: $60,050 / year

• Casual Truck Driver: $55,468 / year

• Medium Truck Driver: AU$54,290 / year

What Is The Average Age of Truck Drivers in Australia?

According to Labour Market Insights, the average age of Truck Drivers in Australia is 47 years, with most between 45 and 54 years.

What Is The Highest Truck Licence in Australia?

In Australia, the MC (multi-combination) is the highest truck licence class, enabling you to drive all truck classes, B-doubles, prime movers, low loaders, and road trains.

What Is The Biggest Truck You Can Drive on a Car Licence in Australia?

With your car license, you can drive a light truck of 4.5-tonne weight (including the weight of the load it carries).

What's The Longest a Truck Driver Can Drive For?

According to the Western Australia Government, in well-managed conditions, a driver can work for a maximum of 17 hours (up to 16 hours driving).

However, there must be a break of seven or more continuous hours before and after the 17-hour working period.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Truck Driver in Australia?

Aspiring truck drivers need to attend full-time training at a truck driving school.

The Certificate III in Driving Operations (TLI31221) is the perfect truck driving course you must complete to obtain a truck driving licence in Australia. It takes between 6 to 12 months to complete the course.

The exact duration that it may take to become a truck driver varies based on the type of licence you are applying for.

It is beneficial to check with your state-level authority to know more about the exact requirements and duration for each truck driver's licence class.

Is it Worth Being a Truck Driver in Australia?

The Truck Driver occupation is associated with long working hours, low pay rates, time away from family, and health issues such as chronic back pain, obesity, etc., due to prolonged sitting in one position.

Furthermore, most truck drivers have rated their job happiness and satisfaction level as "below average" due to various factors such as:

• Road congestion 

• Routinely working overtime

• Low salary

• Tight scheduling 

• Poor road quality

• Depression from staying away from families

There is a high chance that these factors could result in anxiety, disturbed sleep rhythms, increased irritability, burn-out, depression, lower work productivity, reduced public safety, and poor health.

If you aspire to pursue this profession, you should know that it is worth it only if you own your business (as a truck owner or a truck driving school) or work in a lucrative specialized area of trucking such as cross-country flatbed, refrigerated flatbed, etc.

Self-employed truck drivers report a higher level of job contentment as it gives them more autonomy, solitude, and freedom to set their working hours and schedules as long as they meet delivery demands.

How To Get A Truck Driving Job Without Experience in Australia?

You need to search on job portals for truck driver positions that don't require experience.

On Indeed, you will find several open job posts for inexperienced truck drivers, as most employers provide on-the-job training to recruits.

Though experience is optional, having an existing manual driver's or truck licence can give you a competitive edge over other job applicants.

How To Become a Truck Driver in Victoria?

According to VIC Roads, you will require a Victorian heavy vehicle licence to drive a vehicle with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 4.5 tonnes.

To obtain this licence, you will require to meet the below conditions:

• Have an existing Victorian car licence

• Have a car or a lower heavy vehicle licence for the minimum period necessary in Australia.

• Pass a heavy vehicle knowledge test 

• Pass an on-road and off-road heavy vehicle driving assessment

• Pass an eyesight test

• Complete a formal training course (only for heavy combination and multi-combination licence applicants)

• Meet medical standards for commercial and private vehicle drivers in Australia.

• Pay the licence variation fee.

What Are The Visa Options For Truck Drivers in Australia for Foreigners?

The shortage of skilled truck drivers has become a significant concern in Australia. The country is looking to recruit overseas truck drivers to address this concern.

You can obtain a visa to live and work as a truck driver in Australia. Several visa options are available for overseas truck drivers, including the 189, 190, or 491 visas and a working holiday visa.

However, you must note that each visa has a specific restriction on the kind of work, the level of work, or the location where you can perform your job.

The 189 visa has no limitations; the 190 visa comes with a temporary location-related restriction, student visas have a maximum work hour-related restriction, and, in some visas, you can only work for that employer who has sponsored your visa.

Overseas applicants must obtain a positive skills assessment that shows they have the equivalent Australian truck driving training and qualifications to work in this role.

After obtaining the visa, you can start your hunt for truck driver jobs in Australia. Indeed, SEEK and Glassdoor are popular places that advertise Australia's latest truck driver jobs. On Indeed, you can explore some options for visa sponsorship for truck drivers in Australia too.

How To Become A Truck Driver in Australia for International Students?

You must have a valid driver's licence in Australia to obtain a truck driver's licence.

Case 1 - International students who don't have a driver's licence can obtain it by performing the below steps:

• You should be 16 and above when applying for a Learner license

• You must pass the knowledge test

• You will be granted a Learner license that enables you to practice driving under supervision by a full driving license holder or a professional driving instructor.

• You must fulfil the required number of months you have had your Learner license/permit. 

• You must fulfil the required hours while practising your driving skills.

• You must pass the drive/ride test

• You will be granted a P1 provisional driver's license, subject to restrictions, enabling you to drive unmonitored. 

• Sit a Hazard Perception and an eyesight test. 

• After holding your P1 licence for 12 months, you can apply for a P2 licence with fewer driving restrictions.

• After holding your P2 license for 24 months, you qualify for a full driving license in Australia.

Case 2 – International students with an overseas driver's licence:

Recognised Overseas Licence

Suppose you have a driver's licence from a specific overseas country. In that case, you can convert it into an Australian car driving licence without taking the knowledge and ride/drive test.

Recognized Overseas Licence (Experienced)

Overseas students who are 25 years or above and have a driver's licence from certain overseas countries are exempt from taking the knowledge and ride/drive test when applying for an Australian car driving licence. They can exchange their overseas licence for an Australian-issued licence without taking driver tests.

Check the below links to learn more about overseas licence conversion with state-wise Australian road agencies:

• New South Wales

• Victoria

• Queensland

• South Australia

• Western Australia

• Australian Capital Territory

• Northern Territory

• Tasmania

12. Conclusion

Trucking has become a feasible niche for sustainable employment in the present and the predictable future. Robust future growth, decent compensation, and work flexibility make it worthwhile to pursue this career. 

So, if you are serious about making a truck driving career, follow the above steps and get your wheels turning.

Useful Links to Explore:

• English Language Requirements for Australia
• Cultural differences you may experience in Australia
• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
• Types of Education in Australia
• What to Study in Australia?