Careers Exploration

Overview

Truck Drivers (General) drive heavy trucks requiring a specially endorsed class of licence, to transport bulky goods.

Wages range from $65,000 to $120,000 per year.

manoeuvres vehicles into position for loading and unloading
loads and unloads vehicles using lifting and tipping devices
observes safety requirements when loading and unloading vehicles
makes regular quality checks of vehicles to ensure they can be driven safely
estimates weights to comply with load limitations and ensure safe distribution of weight
ensures goods are stowed and securely covered to prevent loss and damage
verifies loading documents, checks condition of goods and obtain certification of deliveries.

You can work as a Truck Driver (General) without formal qualifications, however, a certificate III or IV in driving operations may be useful.

Cert IV in Logisitics

Diploma of Logistics

Degree in Supply Chain and Logistics

To drive a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) greater than 4.5 tonnes, you will need a Victorian heavy vehicle licence.

To get a heavy vehicle licence you need to:

hold a current Victorian car licence
hold or have held an Australian car licence for the minimum time or a lower heavy vehicle category for the required minimum time
pass an eyesight test
pass a heavy vehicle knowledge test
pass an on-road heavy vehicle driving assessment
pass an off-road heavy vehicle skills assessment
complete a formal training course (heavy combination and multi-combination applicants only)
meet national medical standards for private and commercial vehicle drivers
pay the licence variation fee

The assessments are conducted by VicRoads Accredited Providers.