Truck Driver's Assistant

Truck drivers' assistants help truck drivers by performing some of the routine tasks.

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They check the condition and safety of vehicles before embarking on journeys. They ensure that brakes, lights, fire extinguishers and other safety equipment are in working order. They adjust the mirrors so that both sides of the truck are visible from the driver’s seat and ensure that defects and necessary repairs are reported.

Truck drivers’ assistants supervise and assist with the loading and unloading of goods. They navigate the route, where necessary and help to drive the trucks on long distances. This assistant also deals with the paperwork, ensuring that receipts are signed and the money due for goods is collected.

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Personal Requirements

• physical fitness and stamina
• excellent eyesight and good perception
• responsible with sober habits
• mental stability
• mechanical aptitude to perform emergency repairs
• able to drive for long hours without losing concentration

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How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

Grade 8 Certificate.

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What to Study

Driver Training Centres: The following centres check the performance of the driver, upgrade skills accordingly and offer specialised courses for conveying hazardous substances: The Operator Training Centre, Emthonjeni Training Centre, Bloemfontein Training Centre, Apex Group Training Centre, Driver Training Scheme at Luipaardsvlei.

In-service training: Experienced truck drivers train assistants in company policy, preparation and processing of paperwork and handling and maintenance of the truck.

If you want to become a truck driver’s assistant you must:

• be at least 18 years old
• be in possession of a heavy-vehicle driver’s licence
• undergo a medical examination (which is repeated from time to time), to ensure that you are physically fit to do the work.

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Employment

• transport companies
• Spoornet
• government departments
• retail food chains
• companies that need to transport goods

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Further Information

Any of the above-mentioned training centres or potential employers.

The Public Carriers Association
P O Box 7
Randburg, 2125

The Managing Director
Apex Regional Training Centre
P O Box 1704
Benoni, 1500.

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Getting Started

• practise your driving skills and obtain a driver’s licence and do an advanced driving course
• talk to truck drivers about this type of career
• gather more information from the Department of Transport

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