What are the requirements for becoming a professional truck driver?

The truck driver, also known as a Class 1 driver is an individual who drives a truck for the purpose of earning a living. The driver generally drives in order to carry goods via road transport from one point to the other i,e from the seller to the recipient’s chosen site or from the manufacturing center to the distribution facility and vice-versa.

Characteristics of a Professional Truck Driver

As reported by Trucking Truth,  being a professional driver is an Attitude.Being a professional truck driver means, taking driving safety and road laws very seriously. You must set an example to new joiners of being professional and obedient to road laws.

Being a class one truck driver is a huge responsibility so, you must have a responsible attitude. Having an annoying attitude can be harmful. You must be good at stress management skills. Your focus is on keeping yourself and others safe as your foremost priority.

What is the Scope of becoming a professional truck driver in Canada?

There are numerous logistics companies throughout Canada, and the need for skilled and experienced drivers is ongoing. With big worldwide businesses in operation in Canada and smaller independent freight businesses, there is an abundance of opportunity for professional truck drivers to join Canada’s transportation workforce.

What are the requirements to be a professional truck driver in Canada?

According to Canada’s official job search platform – JOB BANK transport drivers within Canada fall within the NOC 7511. It is an in-demand occupation, and the requirements have been listed clearly below.
  • Completion of secondary school, higher secondary school, or an equivalent.
  • On-the-job training and experience are required for eligibility.
  • Completion of a relevant training course and getting a license(Class 1- ClassA).
  • Transportation of dangerous goods certification is required for roles that require transporting hazardous materials.
It is crucial to know the requirements for the roles you are likely to apply for and ensure that you possess all supporting documents before applying to any job applications to ensure you are perceived as a well-qualified and well-deserving candidate.

How to become a truck driver in Canada?

Canada logistics are already creating many opportunities for people to join the truck driving industry. Have a look at these simple steps to secure your opportunity and kickstart your career and start a new life in Canada.

There are certain criteria to get a class 1 license 

  • Age:  As required by the BC government your age should be over 19.
  • Driving experience: you must have previous experience in driving as you should have a class 5 driver’s license.
  • Driver training: in order to become a class 1 truck driver in BC you need to complete a MELT (mandatory entry-level training) course.
  • Clean record: it’s essential to have no criminal record related to driving. Penalty points regardless of the vehicle you have used must be less than 4 in the past 2 years.
Medical conditions: if you have certain types of disorders like epilepsy, neurological, psychiatric, diabetic, or certain sleep-related disorders then you are not qualified for a class 1 driving license.

PROCESS TO BECOME A TRUCK DRIVER IN CANADA

You need to qualify for the minimum requirements mentioned above After then – Air brake endorsement is needed. It is one such requirement for drivers who will be operating a heavy truck vehicle with air brake systems. It helps you to provide basic knowledge on how to maintain air brakes. The duration of this course is 30 days and the candidate has to work with a trucking company in BC. OTT Driving academy provides theoretical and practical knowledge to operate air brakes. After completing this course you will need to pass the air brake knowledge test and you will take the class 1 license knowledge tes

Apply for a class 1 license

You will need to visit your nearby ICBC driver licensing office for a class 1 license and you need to bring with you documents like two pieces of ID and 3 Years of driver information.

Reasons, why truck driving is a good career choice in Canada

 Here, are some of the reasons why truck driving can be a fruitful career choice for you if you are thinking about it

Handsome income

Truck driving companies in Canada can pay you a decent salary and the annual pay of a truck driver might surprise many. The pay scale of a truck driver varies according to the type of goods you have to transport or the routes you drive and will you will be paid more under such situations.

Flexible schedule

The truck driving industry in Canada allows you to have a flexible work schedule and you can decide your plan according to your own convenience. However, this option may vary from company to company as some of them might have fixed timings for truck drivers. however, you are free to take some breaks in between your job.

Explore landscapes

Unlike other professions that demand you to sit on a particular chair for 9 hours a day, truck driving can help you witness the beautiful landscapes of Canada along the way. If you love to experience and explore new sites, this job is the perfect choice for you to enjoy diverse scenes along the way.

Additional benefits

Many trucking companies in Canada are not limited to providing you with just a salary. Instead, they give many rewards to their employees with additional benefits from the start or after completing their probationary periods like retirement plans, medical benefits, annual bonuses, vacations, and many more.

The abundance of opportunities 

Truck driving comes with job security. There can never be enough truck drivers hence vacancies are always open for candidates. Whether you are transporting livestock or construction materials, you can use your truck driving skills in many other industries too. Moreover, you can also create your source of income in the future by setting up a big rig driving school and teaching others.

Get a job as soon as you complete your training

Even if you don’t know how to drive a truck, you can receive training through various programs. There are many truck driving schools in Canada, such as OTT Driving School, where you can learn to drive trucks. If you have the required training and license, most companies will hire you on an immediate basis.

Tips to drive safely for Trucker in Winters.

  • Always wear your seatbelt while driving

The use of seatbelts is not only required by law, but it’s also the most preventable way to reduce injury. The majority of crash-related deaths occur every year from not wearing a seatbelt.

  • Don’t use a cell phone while driving 

Not only it is so careless step, but it is now illegal in most states to use a handheld mobile phone while driving. Talking, texting, or even looking at your phone screen can be distracting and can lead to a serious road accident.

  • Always be aware of the speed limit 

Always take care of the speed of your vehicle while traveling this small tip can be a lifesaver not for you only but also for people around you too.

  • Avoid drugs and alcohol

While it may sound obvious, drinking while driving is very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Drugs include anything that impairs your judgment or physical faculties, such as medications that also can cause drowsiness and you can feel sleepy while driving. Besides not  following safety concerns, being under the influence can also cost you your job too

  • Take care of yourself too

A healthier diet and an ample amount of rest will keep you more alert on the road while driving. Make sure you get plenty of sleep before driving and pull over if you are feeling tired. Get a light snack, stretch your legs or take a catnap. Munching on junk foods, drinking sugary drinks, and consuming heavy meals can make you drowsy, so look for a healthy diet when you can.

  • Maintain Proper distance

Make sure to maintain ample stopping distance between you and any vehicles ahead of you and around you. Keeping your head forward and reducing distractions will help you avoid close interactions and any mishappening.

  • Properly watch blind spots 

Know the blind spots very carefully, and exercise caution before turning or changing lanes to maintain a safe distance. First, determine if a lane change is essential or if adjusting speed is safer. Be sure mirrors are properly set and use “Take 10” for lane changes (turn on the signal for three seconds while checking mirrors, and take seven seconds to make lane changes).

  • Always pay attention to signs and directions

When you take the exit to the truck stop, look at the signs and directions and make sure you know how to get back to the highway. Your pre-trip should have included a review of turns to make during your journey. If in any case, you miss a turn:
  • don’t panic. Don’t make a U-turn to recover in that case and don’t back across a roadway.
  • Find a safe place off the roadway to get your bearings
  • If you’re stuck at any dead-end, call the police and they will help in back out. 
Hope this article has helped you in many ways if you have decided to become a professional truck driver in Canada.

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