Typical duties
- Complete a pre-start vehicle check every shift
- Load, restrain and unload freight safely
- Plan the route and delivery run
- Deliver on time and obtain proof of delivery
- Record driving and rest hours as required
- Report faults, damage and incidents straight away
- Follow road rules, speed limits and site rules
- Keep the cab and vehicle clean
Skills, licences & tickets
- Heavy vehicle licence for the class of truck (LR, MR, HR, HC or MC)
- Clean driving record
- Load restraint knowledge
- Good navigation and time management
- Forklift licence is a bonus for yard and dock work
- Clear communication with dispatch and customers
A truck driver moves freight between warehouses, factories, depots and customers. This truck driver job description covers the licence classes, the daily duties and the pay, so you can see where the role can take you.
The work ranges from local delivery runs in a rigid truck to long-distance work in a prime mover and trailer. The licence you hold decides which of those jobs you can apply for.
What does a truck driver do?
A shift starts with a vehicle check and a look at the run sheet. The driver then loads or supervises loading, secures the freight, drives the route and delivers to each stop. At every stop the driver collects proof of delivery and reports problems.
Drivers also share responsibility for safe loads and fatigue management. The Heavy Vehicle National Law applies a chain of responsibility across everyone who controls how freight moves, and drivers are part of that chain.
Licence classes in Victoria
- Light Rigid (LR) covers small trucks and buses.
- Medium Rigid (MR) covers two-axle trucks over the LR limit.
- Heavy Rigid (HR) covers rigid trucks with three or more axles.
- Heavy Combination (HC) covers a prime mover with a single trailer.
- Multi Combination (MC) covers road trains and B-doubles.
Transport Victoria publishes the heavy vehicle licence rules and steps, including the steps for moving up between classes.
Skills and tickets employers look for
Employers look for a licence that matches the truck, a clean driving history and a safe attitude. Experience with load restraint and with tail-lift or tipper bodies helps. Many roles also need a forklift licence for yard and dock work.
Pay, hours and employment types
Truck driving is offered as casual, contract and permanent work, often with early starts or night shifts. Road transport pay is commonly set by the Road Transport and Distribution Award or an enterprise agreement.
Jobs and Skills Australia reports median full-time earnings of about $1,960 a week and $42 an hour for truck drivers in May 2025, in its truck drivers occupation profile. Pay rises with the licence class, the type of freight and the hours worked.
How to become a truck driver
Start with a car licence, then build up to MR or HR. Most people train with a registered training organisation, log supervised hours and sit a driving assessment. Many drivers begin on local rigid runs and later move to combination vehicles.
Related Resources
- Truck driver resume template
- MR truck driver jobs
- Warehousing and logistics recruitment in Melbourne
- Licence and ticket tracker
- Heavy vehicle licence information from Transport Victoria
- Chain of responsibility guide from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
Frequently Asked Questions
What licence do I need to drive a truck in Victoria?
It depends on the truck. Light rigid, medium rigid, heavy rigid, heavy combination and multi combination are the main classes, and each one covers a larger vehicle.
Is truck driving a good career for beginners?
It can be. Many drivers start with local runs in a rigid truck, build experience and then move to heavier vehicles and longer routes.
How much does a truck driver earn in Australia?
Jobs and Skills Australia reports a median of about $1,960 a week for full-time truck drivers in May 2025. Your own pay depends on the award, the licence class and the hours.
What is chain of responsibility?
It is a legal duty under the Heavy Vehicle National Law. Everyone who controls how freight is loaded, scheduled and moved shares responsibility for safe transport, including the driver.
Match the Licence to the Job
The licence class you hold decides the jobs you can take, so plan your next upgrade early. When you are ready, check the job board for driving roles or send us your CV.
