Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Truck Driver.

Job Title – Truck Driver

Description

A Truck Driver transports cargo to and from specified destinations.

Typical Job Activities

Drives routes that may be a long city-to-city trips, a drive within a city or even short trips inside construction or mining compounds
Shares regular long-distance runs on the same route with another driver
Responsible for driving a heavy vehicle safely, with maximum efficiency and in accordance with road Regulations
Responsible for checking the condition and safety of the truck before leaving and may also have to perform emergency roadside repairs if problems are experienced on the journey
Supervises the loading and unloading of merchandise
Handles customers delivery forms and asking them to sign receipts
Accepts money from customers
Keeps a log of the journey and reporting repairs that need to be made to the truck

Does this sound like a career for you? Browse jobs in the warehousing, manufacturing and import and export industry here.

Related Occupations 

Bus driver
Cargo controller
Crane operator
Driver and stacker
Driver instructor
Light delivery van driver
Taxi driver
Tractor driver
Train driver

Educational Requirements

Grade 8 certificate

Compulsory subjects: None
Recommended subjects: None

Entry to workplace

Driver Training Centre:
The following centers check the performance of the driver, upgrade his skills accordingly and offer specialized

In-service training:
Drivers are normally accompanied by an experienced driver until they are familiar with routes and procedures

Additional Requirements

If you want to become a truck driver you must:
- be at least 18 years old
- be in possession of a heavy-vehicle driver's license (code 10, 11, 13 or 14)
- undergo a medical examination (which is repeated from time to time), to ensure that you are physically fit to do the work

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Have physical fitness and stamina
Have excellent eyesight
Have good perception
Be responsible with sober habits
Have mental stability
Have a mechanical aptitude to perform emergency repairs
Be able to drive for long hours without losing concentration

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Employment Opportunities

Moderate

Market Competitiveness

High

Income Potential

Moderate

Self-Employment Opportunities

Moderate

International Employment Opportunities

Low

Possible Employers

Transport companies
Spoornet
Government departments
Retail food chains
Companies that need to transport goods

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Relevant Contact Details

Road safety
http://roadsafety.co.za

Emthonjeni Training Centre
www.etc.org.za/courses

Apex Group Training Centre
www.apextrainingcentre.com/

Career Progress and Path

Experience in specific field
Work performance

Possible Career Paths

Specialist career in the specific field
Own business

Employment Stability

Moderately stable

Reasons to consider this career

I can start a business in this field or with these skills
The job is stable
I can work with technology
I want to work outdoors
I can apply my special skills