Drivers are an essential part of any business involving transportation, whether a taxi company, a trucking firm or a courier service. If you’re interested in applying for a driving job, there are certain things you’ll need to keep in mind to make sure your application is successful. Due to the nature of the job, they will also hold you to a higher standard, so you want to put your best foot forward.
Here are some things to remember.
1. A valid driver’s license
You will need to have a valid driver’s license that is appropriate for the type of vehicle you’ll be driving. This should be obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. Make sure your license is up to date and that you have any relevant endorsements.
If you don’t have a license, you want to ensure you meet the requirements for getting one. Depending on the state you live in, this can vary. For example, some states require that you take a written test, while others require a road test. Check with your local DMV to find out what is required.
2. A clean driving record
Employers will look at your driving record to see if you have any accidents or moving violations. If you do, it’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it will likely hurt your chances of getting the job compared to other applicants with better records.
It’s important to note that employers will usually only consider accidents and violations from the past three to five years. So, if it’s been a while since you had an accident or violation, there’s a good chance it won’t count against you. But if it’s more recent, it will likely impact your application.
3. Experience driving the type of vehicle you’ll be using
If you’re applying for a job driving a tractor-trailer, the employer will want to see that you have experience driving that type of vehicle. Likewise, if you’re applying to drive a taxi, the employer will want to see experience driving a passenger vehicle.
While having experience driving the type of vehicle you’ll be using is not always required, it will definitely improve your chances of getting the job. If you don’t have experience with a specific type of vehicle, try to get some before you apply for the job. You can usually do this by taking a class or renting a vehicle for a day. Try to get as much experience as possible, so you’re comfortable behind the wheel.
4. Handling people or things you’ll be transporting
Driving is not the only thing you’ll be responsible for. You will also need to be able to handle the people or items you’re transporting. For example, if you’re applying for a courier job, you’ll need to be able to load and unload packages efficiently. Different kinds of parcels, like a balikbayan box in the Philippines, are usually filled with fragile goods, so you must be careful with them.
If you’re applying for a job that involves transporting people, you’ll need to be able to deal with passengers efficiently and courteously. This includes picking them up on time, getting them to their destination safely, and handling any questions or concerns they may have. You want to project a professional image at all times.
5. Knowing the area you’ll be driving in
When driving for a living, you need to know your way around the area you’ll be driving in. This is especially important when driving a taxi or a delivery truck. You need to be able to get your passengers or packages to their destinations quickly and without any trouble.
The best way to familiarize yourself with an area is to live there. But if you’re just starting, the next best thing is to spend some time driving around the area. Get to know the streets and landmarks. Ask friends or family in the area for help if you’re having trouble. You can also talk with local drivers to get their insights.
6. Being able to work long hours
Finally, driving jobs often require long hours. This is especially true for jobs like taxi driving and delivery truck driving. You need to be able to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends. A driving job is probably not right for you if you can’t commit to extended hours.
You want to ensure you’re comfortable with the hours before applying for a job. Talk to friends or family who have driving jobs to get a sense of the work. You can also talk to the employer during the application process to better understand the hours you’ll be expected to work.
When you’re applying for a driving job, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Always be honest about your accidents and violations, get experience driving the type of vehicle you’ll be using, and be familiar with the area you’ll be driving in. If you can keep all of these things in mind, you’ll be well on your way to getting the job you want.
