Truck Driver
On this page
- What's it like to be a Truck Driver?
- How to become a Truck Driver
- Latest Truck Driver jobs
- Top skills and experience for Truck Drivers
- Is Truck Driver the right role for you?
- Truck Driver role reviews
What's it like to be a Truck Driver?
A Truck Driver (Kaitaraiwa Taraka Taumaha) transports loads between depots and delivery addresses. They manoeuvre trucks to attach trailers, load and unload materials, and operate equipment such as swing lifts and stabilisers. Truck Drivers need excellent driving skills and the ability to work long hours sitting down. They work for transport and logistics companies, supermarkets and the New Zealand Army.
Tasks and duties
- Driving a truck to deliver cargo or goods.
- Receiving and loading goods in a truck.
- Completing documentation relating to trips, such as logs, delivery dockets and timesheets.
- Checking cargo throughout a trip.
- Communicating with dispatchers regarding trip and cargo status.
How to become a Truck Driver
You don’t need qualifications to become a Truck Driver, but special licences are required.
Get a full Class 1 (car) driver’s licence.
Consider completing the New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Road Transport (Level 3), which prepares you for a career driving heavy trucks.
Get a class 2,3,4 or 5 (medium and heavy vehicles) learner driver’s licence.
Once you know the size and type of trucks you would like to drive, follow the process to get your full truck driver’s licence. You may be required to hold a learner licence for a set amount of time before completing a practical test and applying for your full licence via a driver licensing agent.
