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Truck Driver

Other names for this job

• Delivery Person
• Driver

What do truck drivers do?

Truck drivers drive trucks and tractor-trailers. They deliver things.

Some truck drivers drive in their local area. Other truck drivers drive long distances.

What is a truck driver’s work like?

Kyle works from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. He works five days a week. He has Sundays and Mondays off.

Kyle is in and out of the truck all day.

Kyle works in good and bad weather. He drives in different levels of traffic. He drives on good and bad roads.

Sometimes he has to find a new address. He uses a map on his phone.

Kyle lifts things that weigh over 20 kilograms (over 45 pounds).

Do you want to be a truck driver?

• You need to be healthy. You must have good eyesight. For example, Kyle needs to read signs. He has to see other drivers and traffic problems.
• You need to have a very good driving record. You always have to pay attention to traffic. You need to know about traffic laws.
• You must be polite with customers and coworkers.
• You must be good at writing down information about deliveries.
• You must be good at finding addresses. You have to read maps.
• You must be good at planning your time.
• You need to be able to take care of your truck. For example, in an emergency. In some trucks, you must use computerized controls.
• You may need a criminal record check.

What education do truck drivers need?

• Truck drivers don’t need a high school diploma.
• Truck drivers need a special driver’s licence. For example, Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3. They have to be at least 18 years old. They must take the driver’s test and pass it. They have to pass certain medical tests. Some truck drivers take driving courses.
• Some truck drivers need to take safety training called WHMIS. WHMIS means Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. Some drivers take other courses. Fore example, first aid, CPR and basic safety.
• Some employers want drivers to have a criminal record check. They want drivers to have a very good driving record. They want drivers to understand traffic rules in different places.

What can truck drivers do in the future?

Truck drivers can drive many kinds of trucks. For example, garbage trucks, moving vans or gravel trucks. Local truck drivers can become long distance truck drivers.

Some truck drivers have their own trucks. They have their own business.

Truck drivers may change jobs. For example, they may work as dispatchers. Dispatchers work in an office. They take phone calls from customers. They tell drivers where to go. They plan schedules for the drivers.

How much does a truck driver make?

Do you want more information?

Do you want more information? You can ask your career advisor or tutor for help.

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