5 signs of a great truck driver

To be a truck driver on today’s busy roads requires patience and skill – with effort and dedication, you can become a great truck driver.

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Commercial Licence

Truck drivers require a commercial driving licence to allow them to operate. To do this you must be 18 years of age and pass a series of four tests to qualify. You need to take 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to stay qualified. You need to renew your licence every 5 years after the age of 45 years, and every year upon reaching 65. A great truck driver will keep up to date with new systems, business practices and regulations, as this will enable him to do his job with less stress and greater satisfaction.

Reliable

Employers and customers have schedules and deadlines that depend on the truck driver’s performance, so they need to be totally reliable as they are responsible for the safe transit of goods.

Self-dependant

Truck drivers spend long hours on the road and must be able to cope with being alone. They are solely responsible for the truck and its cargo and must be capable of making decisions in an emergency. They must have the knowledge and skill to solve problems where and when they occur.

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Mechanical Skills

Great truck drivers should have the basic skills to keep their vehicle compliant and safe. They should have knowledge of how the vehicle operates and be able to perform basic repairs.

Good Record

Great truck drivers have an excellent driving record and this gives their employers and customers confidence that the vehicle and cargo are in safe hands. An excellent driving record shows that the driver respects other road users and acts with self-respect and professionalism. This is repaid by cheaper insurance, which keeps operational cost down.

Truck drivers are responsible for their vehicle and cargo from the moment they leave the company yard. They must be aware of safe places to park up, especially if they are on a long-haul. Fitting truck camera systems from http://www.backwatch.co.uk/ will assist them in this.

We need great truck drivers to keep the country supplied with all the goods and equipment to run our everyday lives. With the busy motorways, long working days and being away from your family for long periods, we are grateful for their service.