Career guide

Truck driver: career guide and training

As a truck driver you drive a truck to bring goods to customers at home and abroad, working safely and on time.

What will you do?

In this role, also called a lorry driver or trucker, you check the truck and the load, respect the road code and make sure all documents are in order. You verify the on-board and transport documents, load and unload, take emergency measures when an incident occurs and keep your workspace in good order. The work belongs to the transport and logistics sector as road transport driving staff, and reliable drivers keep supply chains moving across Belgium and into neighbouring countries.

  • Check the on-board and transport documents
  • Check that the vehicle is in working order
  • Fill in the on-board documents
  • Drive the truck safely and on time
  • Load and unload and check the load
  • Take emergency measures during an incident
  • Keep your workspace in good order

Skills to develop

  • Valid tachograph driver card
  • Load-securing skills and awareness of driving and rest times
  • Good physical condition for loading and unloading
  • Reliability, punctuality and safe driving

Your foundation for this occupation

Understand vehicle dimensions, route restrictions and transport documents. An articulated truck manoeuvres differently from a rigid vehicle. Check the licence category for the vehicle and trailer. Professional transport with category C or D generally requires professional competence (code 95), with exceptions. Discuss validity and continuing training with an approved provider.

From preparation to your first day

  1. Develop the practical skills

    Practise coupling, loading order and load checks under supervision. Plan journeys around delivery windows, rest opportunities and the dispatcher’s instructions.

  2. Check your work

    Check vehicle, documents and load before departure. Report damage and delays promptly; a complete delivery includes correct records and signed documents.

How can you grow?

Refrigerated transport, abnormal loads and specialist loading equipment offer specialisation. Dispatching adds coordination of several journeys and customer commitments.

Frequently asked questions

How do distribution and long-distance driving differ?

Distribution often involves shorter journeys, many stops and loading work. Long-distance transport needs more multi-day planning and may involve overnight stays. Ask about routes, stops and return times.

Sources and training

Could this be your match?

A vacancy only tells part of the story. Discover how your skills, work style and commute fit a job in the Werkvolk app.

Free for candidates

STAGING