What does a driver do?

A driver is responsible for driving vehicles of varying sizes to transport goods or passengers from one location to another. They usually work for restaurants, hotels, delivery services or logistics companies but can also be privately employed, for example, as a chauffeur. Many drivers are self-employed and work for rideshare companies. Drivers operate all kinds of vehicles, ranging from passenger cars to road trains that weigh up to 200 tonnes.

Driver skills and qualifications

A successful driver possesses a variety of prerequisite skills and qualifications, which include the following:

• A valid driver’s licence
• A clean driving history
• Exceptional driving skills, including the ability to drive in different weather and traffic conditions
• Good time management skills to meet pick-up and drop-off deadlines
• Extensive knowledge of traffic laws and regulations
• Strong customer service skills
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to lift heavy items, such as goods or luggage

Driver experience requirements

The level of experience that driver candidates need to have varies depending on the position and the employer’s preferences. Many employers would be prepared to hire drivers with no previous experience for entry-level roles, such as a delivery driver position. However, for insurance purposes, candidates may need to be aged over 25 and must have a clean driving record. Employees typically receive on-the-job training. For other positions, which involve driving larger vehicles, such as heavy rigid (HR) trucks, employers may require candidates to have at least one to two years’ experience.

Driver education and training requirements

Driver candidates should have a minimum Year 10-level education. In addition, they must hold certain licences, which vary depending on the role. For example, drivers wishing to apply for HR truck driver positions must hold a HR truck licence. This licence is issued by the state or territory transport authority. The requirements to obtain a HR truck licence vary, but usually include a minimum number of years holding a class C licence. To work as a taxi driver, limousine driver or chauffeur, candidates must have accreditation from their state or territory transport authority.

Driver salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a driver in Australia is $33.15 per hour. This figure is the average of the salaries reported to Indeed and may vary depending on location, level of experience and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this sample job description wasn’t quite what you were looking for, here are some job descriptions for similar roles:

• Delivery driver
• Forklift operator
• Truck driver

Driver job description FAQs

What qualities make a good driver?

A good driver has a proven safe driving record and can control their vehicle in any situation on the road. They also have a strong understanding of the road rules and in-depth knowledge of the roads in the area in which they drive. In addition, they are knowledgeable about their vehicle and have basic mechanical skills, so they can fix basic problems that arise with the vehicle. It’s important for drivers who transport passengers, such as taxi drivers or chauffeurs, to have strong verbal communication skills, as interacting with people is an important part of the job.

What are the different types of drivers?

Some drivers are employed to transport people from place to place. Examples include bus drivers, chauffeurs, taxi drivers and rideshare drivers. Others transport goods between locations. Some drivers who transport goods are required to hold particular types of licences, whereas some can perform their roles with just a class C driver’s licence. Drivers who specialise in transporting goods from place to place include removalists, couriers and commercial truck drivers.

How can you make your driver job description stand out?

You can help your job description to stand out by including a salary range so candidates can easily work out if the job matches their salary expectations. Be sure to give some information about your company and highlight your company culture as well as any benefits or perks. These may include anything from salary packaging options and novated car leasing to discounts on health insurance or an employee share program. Mentioning any opportunities for growth within the business can also help to attract candidates seeking a long-term career as a driver.