Do you find the thrill of the open road exciting and captivating? If so, becoming a truck driver in Canada is your best shot! This great profession has a lot to offer and it’s perfect for individuals who love to drive and explore the world. Furthermore, it’s an accessible career that’s always in high demand due to the expanding transportation industry and the need to continuously transport goods and items.
There has been a great improvement in Canada’s trucking industry, providing increased safety and earning potential for people with a commercial trucking license. Becoming a truck driver in Canada requires you to obtain a truck driving license. Different provinces have their specific license requirements for people and the type of truck driving license you want to pursue.
However, they all offer a blend of theory and practical lessons to keep drivers in good shape for the road. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about becoming a truck driver in Canada. Let’s get started!
What Is A Truck Driver?
Truck drivers are usually in charge of delivering goods and materials by truck to their respective destinations. They may deliver goods inter-state or internationally. Furthermore, truck drivers can travel to and from retail and distribution centers or manufacturing plants to make deliveries of different products.
As a truck driver, you have the opportunity to work at any hour of the day or night, though there will be a flexible schedule. Undoubtedly, truck driving is a demanding career that will require you to spend a whole lot of time on the road. Keep reading as we highlight the several duties of a truck driver!
Duties Of A Truck Driver
Below are some of the main duties of a truck driver. Scroll down to learn!
- You will operate and drive a truck to and from retail and distribution centers. Likewise to and from manufacturing plants to make deliveries of goods and products.
- As a professional truck driver, you must always re-inspect the truck before starting your journey to the required destination.
- You may have to load and unload cargo from various locations.
- As well as retrieving the right products and delivering them to the appropriate destination.
- In addition, you will maintain the truck by regular washing and completing any minor repairs to avoid breakdown.
- Ensure that you always follow safe driving practices and regulations.
How To Become A Truck Driver In Canada
Interested in becoming a truck driver in Canada? No worries, we got you! Here are the steps to follow:
1. Get Your Driver’s License
You must first obtain a full driver’s license to get your truck driving license. In Ontario for instance, you will need to get your G license, not just a G1 or G2. Meanwhile, ensure that you start the process of obtaining your driver’s license as soon as possible because it may take a while. Getting a full driver’s license will allow you to gain driving experience in a standard vehicle before driving trucks.
2. Meet The Minimum Requirements
There are certain basic qualifications that you’re expected to meet before you can attend a truck driving school or earn your driver’s license. However, these requirements often vary depending on your province or territory. Below is a list of some general qualifications that you will need. Scroll down!
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- You must also have a clean driving record.
- In addition, you must pass designated medical and vision tests.
- And also pass a drug and alcohol test.
3. Attend Truck Driving School
Many colleges in Canada offer truck driving programs and you can choose one of these schools that specializes in it. Generally, you’ll find programs for specific types of trucks, including straight trucks or tractor-trailers, therefore, you should consider your career goals before choosing a program. We recommend that you go for a program that includes both practical and classroom education.
With this, you will gain foundational knowledge on subjects like driving laws and regulations. Also, you will gain hands-on and guided experience while driving a commercial vehicle. Additionally, ensure that the course you pick is government-approved, as this will allow you to apply for your truck driving license after graduating. These programs can last from a few months to a year.
4. Apply For Your Truck Driving License
After completing truck driving school, you will be opportune to apply for your truck driving license. Based on provincial/territorial laws, you will require a Class 3 or D license to drive straight-body trucks, and a Class 1 or A license to drive long combination vehicles. However, if you intend to drive a vehicle with an air brake or air-over-hydraulic brake system, you’ll need a Z endorsement on your driver’s license.
If you want to obtain one of these licenses, you’ll need to write a test to showcase your industry knowledge. Also, you will take a road test in an approved vehicle. Before taking these tests, ensure that you review the truck handbook specific to your province/territory to remind you of driving regulations. However, if your driving skills are not top-notch yet, you can prepare by paying for additional driving lessons with your instructor.
Generally, you’ll be required to conduct a daily vehicle inspection by the examiner, so ensure you effectively practice this skill with your instructor. If you fail, you’ll have the opportunity to retake either test for a fee. Therefore, endeavor to practice so well to improve your chance of passing the tests once.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Skills And Attributes Do Truck Drivers Need?
As a truck driver, you will need the following skills and attributes to succeed at your job.
- Communication: Even though truck drivers work alone, they must update their managers and clients regularly on their progress. Through their communication skills, they can provide these updates, form professional relationships, as well as write detailed reports.
- Problem-Solving: Truck drivers are in charge of resolving emergency issues that might occur on the road, such as flat tires. They can also use their problem-solving skills to assess the issue and conclude on the best possible way to fix it. This will however minimize the impact it has on their work.
- Navigation: With the use of GPS, truck drivers can easily navigate. However, they will need to have their navigation skills on point in case the system fails. They can use these skills to assess a map and determine the best route to take for their deliveries.
- Time Management: Generally, truck drivers have strict deadlines that must be adhered to. Therefore you must ensure that deliveries reach the recipient on time. They can use their time-management skills to plan an efficient route and prioritize their tasks. As well as break times to meet these deadlines.
The Working Environment Of A Truck Driver
Truck drivers often spend most of their shifts driving to ensure that goods and items meet their customers on time. Generally, they can travel for delivery all over the country or even to other countries. Therefore, truck drivers may spend a lot of time away from home.
This implies that working as a truck driver, you will rarely have fixed schedules and work 40 hours per week. Meanwhile, you can even work for more hours during the day, evenings, or overnight.
