To become a truck driver in Canada, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Have a valid driver’s license.
- Have a clean driving and criminal background.
- Undergo a professional medical screening.
- Train in accordance with Canadian trucking legislation.
- Pass a written test.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Pass designated medical and vision tests.
- Pass a drug and alcohol test.
- Have a language test certificate.
- Enroll in a truck driving school to obtain a Canadian driver’s license.
Please note that the requirements can vary depending on the province. For instance, in Ontario, you need your G license, not just a G1 or G2.
Also, completion of secondary school is usually required. On-the-job-training is provided. Completion of an accredited driver training course of up to three months duration, through a vocational school or community college, may be required3. A Class 3 or D license is required to drive straight-body trucks.
What is the average salary of a truck driver in Canada?
The average salary of a truck driver in Canada varies depending on the source:
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a truck driver in Canada is $57,194 per year.
Indeed reports that the average salary for a truck driver is $26.36 per hour in Canada.
Remitbee states that the average truck driver in Canada earns around 46,800 CAD per year or 24 CAD per hour.
Talent.com mentions that the average truck driver salary in Canada is $47,049 per year or $24.13 per hour.
Please note that these are average figures and actual salaries can vary depending on the province, the level of experience, and the specific company.
How many hours do truck drivers work per week on average?
In Canada, due to the vastness of the highways, the hours of service allow truck drivers to drive 13-hour workdays in most parts of the country.
This can even extend to longer days of driving north of the 60th parallel1. If we consider a 5-day working week, this would amount to 65 hours per week.
However, actual working hours can vary depending on the specific job and company policies.
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