Becoming a truck driver is a great way to break into the transport industry. It’s a stable job that pays well and offers excellent career growth potential. However, you’ll need to have specific qualifications and complete the necessary training to become a truck driver and be the ideal candidate. Here’s what you need to know.

Required truck driver training and qualifications

To become a truck driver, you must have a valid Class 5 driver’s licence and two or three years driving experience according to the following criteria outlined by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ).

3 years – without transport training
2 years – with vocational truck transport diploma (DVS) and approximately 600 hours or 300 hours of driving and 40 hours.

Both training courses are offered at specialized training schools such as Extra Centre de Formation.

You must also have a good driving record, pass a medical exam (including a vision test) and pass a theory and a practical test.

What transport training covers

Apart from on-the-road practice, transport training covers topics such as safety, the rules of the road and the differences in driving in rural, urban and motorway areas. You’ll also learn how to inspect and maintain a truck and how to operate a semi-trailer.

Once you’ve completed the training, you’ll receive a diploma and a Class 1 driving licence, and depending on any additional training you get, the letter F (air brakes (freinage pneumatique) or M (manual transmission) may also be added to your licence.

Becoming a heavy vehicle driver requires several apprenticeships. The skills you acquire during your training are transferable over the course of your career. For instance, you can draw on them should you ever want to try out the logistics side of the transport industry.

The following are some of the things you’ll learn:

The best practices to plan your trips, including documentation, especially for hazardous materials and keeping logbooks.
To collaborate with clients and dispatch services.
To adjust your driving to make it more economical.
To optimize your truck’s load and secure it safely.
To maintain a heavy truck.
To effectively manage your time.
All road safety regulations and standards.

How to find a road transport job?

Becoming a truck driver can be the start of a hugely rewarding career. Some people with an entrepreneurial spirit even take steps to become self-employed.

However, before you start down this path, learn the trade. Work with an employer of choice who will allow you to develop your skills and put your learning into practice.

There’s no shortage of jobs in road transport, and job prospects for 2021 through 2025 are excellent. You’ll find them posted online on various job boards. However, to be matched with a good employer, call on an employment and recruitment agency like Extra multi-ressources, which can offer you a selection of great jobs.