The job of a truck driver is an interesting and rewarding one, but it requires a very specific set of skills and qualifications.

Having a licence to drive a rigid truck up of up to 32 tonnes requires initial driver training and the passing of a test.

Transport courses provide all the skills, experience and qualifications required for a career as a driver.

The basic character traits

Although many people don’t realise it, good truck drivers almost always have excellent communication and people skills. Drivers have to deal with dispatchers, administrators and management on a daily basis with regard to the safe and timely delivery of goods.

And in many cases, drivers need to communicate directly with clients.

Truck drivers need to be comfortable in charge of large vehicles, and ideally should have been driving for a number of years.

Although modern delivery services rely heavily on technology and GPS, drivers must be able to demonstrate a natural ability to navigate with maps when electronic navigation becomes unavailable.

Being a truck driver requires a high level of self-motivation. There are many early starts and late finishes, as well as regular overnight jobs that take drivers away from their family.

This means that drivers must have a genuine passion for their job, and have the ability to manage their own timetables effectively.

There is also a range of administrative duties to perform, as well as a myriad of legal regulations to comply with.

These duties mean organisation is crucial to success as a truck driver.

Licensing requirements

In order to legally drive a truck of up to 32 tonnes for commercial purposes, a licence with C1 entitlement is required.

Anyone over the age of 18 without this entitlement can enlist on an LGV C training course.

Once the C1 entitlement has been obtained, drivers can drive 32-tonne trucks and small trailers of 750kg or less.

This type of licence entitlement requires the passing of the DVSA Driving Test, and it gives people the entitlement to drive the following types of vehicles:

● Skip trucks up to 18 tonnes (LGV C+E is required for larger vehicles)

● 3-axle box body trucks

● Lorry loader cranes

● Tipper trucks

Training requirements

Training as a truck driver requires dedication, patience and the ability to follow instructions. The vehicles used for this training have all been specially adapted, so they are easy to drive and control.

A range of driving assists are available to make things as simple as possible during the early stages of training, but drivers must have the ability to concentrate and follow the rules of the road in Britain.

For the right individuals, this training can be completed in four steps.

Step 1 - Complete a medical and undergo LGV C1 training (unless you passed your driving test before

January 1997)

Step 2 - Undertake DVSA theory tests

Step 3 - Take the LGV C Driving Course and test

Step 4 - Obtain the Driver Qualification Card to qualify for paid work as a truck driver.

Once the LGV C entitlement has been obtained, drivers can go on to take ‘Back-to-Back Training’ in order to gain the LGV C+E driving entitlement.

There are also options available for automatic and manual transmission training.

While most operators use vehicles with automatic transmission, drivers who possess the manual entitlement will often be at an advantage in the employmentmarketplace.

Life as a truck driver can be a very lucrative one, and it is a fantastic opportunity to travel around the country in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle.

With the right skills and qualifications, and access to training on the Jivjav online marketplace, drivers can forge a long and rewarding career in the logistics sector.