How do I become a truck driver
Get qualified to work as a truck driver with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Truck Driver.
Common questions
In Australia, a full time Truck Driver generally earns $1,600 per week ($83,200 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Courses.com.au Team
There have been stable employment numbers in this industry over recent years. There are currently 137,200 people employed as a Truck Driver in Australia, compared to 135,400 five years ago. Truck Drivers may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
Courses.com.au Team
A Certificate II in Driving Operations is an ideal qualification if you’re planning a career as a Truck Driver. You’ll cover a range of topics including fatigue management strategies, map reading and navigation, loading and unloading safety and completing relevant documentation. A Certificate III in Driving Operations may also be appropriate.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
How to start a career in Logistics
14th October 2021
Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers
10th November 2023All truck driver courses
- AURTGA001 Drive and Manoeuvre Trailers
- RIIHAN308F Load and Unload Plant
- RIIRTM301E Operate Truck or Trailer Mounted Attenuators
- RIISAM301F Test Operational Functions of Vehicles and Equipment
- RIIVEH202F Operate a Medium Vehicle
- RIIVEH302E Operate Multi-combination Vehicle
- RIIVEH307F Operate a Heavy Rigid Vehicle
- RIIWHS206 Control Traffic with Portable Traffic Control Devices and Temporary Traffic Signs
- TLI31222 Certificate III in Driving Operations
- TLIA1001 & TLID0015 Secure, Load and Unload Goods or Cargo
- TLIA1001 Secure Cargo
- TLIB0002 Carry Out Vehicle Inspection
- TLIC1051 Operate Commercial Vehicle
- TLIC3003 Drive Medium Rigid Vehicle
- TLIC3004 Drive Heavy Rigid Vehicle
- TLIE3028 Complete a Work Diary in the Road Transport Industry
- TLIF0005 Apply a Fatigue Risk Management System
- TLIF2010 Apply Fatigue Management Strategies
- TLIH3002 Plan and Navigate Routes
- TLIL2060 Complete Induction to the Transport Industry
- TLILIC2015 Licence To Drive A Medium Rigid Vehicle
- TLILIC2016 Licence To Drive A Heavy Rigid Vehicle
- TLILIC3017 Licence to Drive a Heavy Combination Vehicle
- TLILIC3018 Licence to Drive a Multi-combination Vehicle
- TLISS00157 Road Transport Driver Skill Set
Truck Driver careers
A Truck Driver operates heavy vehicles to transport goods. You might make local deliveries or transport freight over long distances. Truck Drivers might assist with loading and unloading and complete relevant paperwork before they leave and on arrival at a destination. You might have to conduct safety checks on your truck and ensure traffic laws and load limitations are adhered to.
Truck Drivers should be safe operators and able to work to a delivery schedule. It’s important that you can follow correct procedures and understand relevant transport laws. Truck Drivers often work on their own, but you may have to communicate clearly with colleagues during loading and unloading processes.
