Truck driver is a trade with high demand, freedom behind the wheel and a direct route from licence to job. You move everything from food to building materials, you work independently and you see the whole country. Here's why you should consider getting a truck driving licence (category C).
Introduction
A truck driver ensures goods get there — from distribution center to construction site from port to supermarket. You work independently behind the wheel plan your route and breaks load and secure the cargo and keep track of papers and tachograph. It's a job of responsibility: a fully loaded articulated truck can weigh up to 56 tons and you're the one who gets it there safely.
Why this trade in particular?
Because goods always need moving, and the industry is short of drivers. If you take the professional licence with driver training (qualification certificate, code 95), you are in a strong position on a job market that is looking for people. You can take C1 (small lorry) from 18 and C (large lorry) from 21 — or from 18 if you take the licence together with the initial qualification. You may then drive C commercially from 18 with code 95 from the direct test, but only from 21 with code 95 from the intensive training.
- 01High demand — goods have to be moved every day, so job prospects are good.
- 02Freedom behind the wheel — you work independently and see the whole country (and abroad).
- 03A clear way in — from driving licence and qualification certificate to a job in a short time.
- 04Variety — distribution, long-haul transport, crane, tank, ADR (dangerous goods) and much more.
- 05Career path — from driver to transport manager, dispatcher, crane operator or your own haulage business.
What must you be able to do — and learn?
You need to be able to manoeuvre a large vehicle, read the traffic well ahead, plan driving and rest periods, secure the load correctly and carry out a daily inspection of the vehicle. A truck licence requires that you already hold a car licence (category B). For commercial driving, the driver qualification (code 95) is added on top.
- 01Driving and rest times — 4½ h/45 min, daily and weekly driving time, rest periods.
- 02Weight and dimensions — axle loads, gross weight and dimensions under the Danish dimensions regulation.
- 03Load securing — the forces on the load and how you lash it down in accordance with EN 12195-1.
- 04Tachograph — the digital tachograph and the driver card.
- 05Daily inspection — tyres, brakes, lights, fluids and emergency equipment before departure.
How you get started
Find a driving school that offers category C and — if you want to drive professionally — the basic qualification training (code 95). If you want to get a feel for the trade first, create a free account and look through the articles, calculators and posts here.