Driving a truck could be the perfect job for you, and you might not even realise it. Becoming a trucker can be a tough process, and only suits certain types of people. Some people are simply born to be truckers. It can be hard to know how to become a truck driver without help. This article might help you decide if the job is for you.
What is Truck Driving?
Truck Driving, or driving a large goods vehicle to give it a technical name, is working in the transportation industry. Drivers of Large Goods Vehicles (LGV) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) transport and deliver all kinds of things between suppliers and customers. This could be anything from wooden pallets to gallons of milk.
What Skills do I need?
To become a truck driver, you need certain characteristics. While being a good driver is obvious, perhaps more important is an ability to concentrate for long periods of time. Truckers generally work alone, and have to be OK with their own company. Truck Drivers often also spend lots of time away from home.
What Qualifications do I need?
There are certain qualifications you need to get to become a truck driver. To start, you need a full driving license, and to be over the age of 18. You will then need to take a special test, which depends on the size of vehicle you wish to be able to drive. These tests are exhaustive preparations for a career in truck driving, and must be followed up every five years with 35 hours of extra training.
What can I Earn?
When you have passed your test and received your LGV licence, you can expect to make between (USD $)18,000 and (USD $)22,000 a year. However, experienced truck drivers tend to make more – perhaps (USD $)28,000 a year. Drivers with specialist experience – such as with chemical tankers – can make as much as (USD $)35,000.
What Jobs are Out There?
There is a great demand for qualified truck drivers in the UAE. In 2015, the average truck driver was 57 years old. This means there is a real need for more young people to become a truck driver. The National Careers Service estimates that up to 60,000 new drivers will be needed in the UAE by 2020.
When you have passed your test, and successfully become a truck driver, you will need comprehensive insurance on your vehicle. At Axios Insurance & Reinsurance Solutions DMCC we specialise in finding the best deals for commercial vehicles, whoever you are.