Definition of a Professional Driver

(A paid occupation, especially one that involves prolong training and a formal qualification).

Is driving a job or a profession. I guess it depends on who you ask.

Over the years I have met many different drivers and no matter what type of vehicle they drove, many had pride and performed their duties in a professional manner, and some just treated it like an effortless job.

Understanding that rules and regulations have been put in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved, and that following these rules and regulations is an important part of being a professional driver (is a good place to begin).

People who do not take their job seriously usually lack any respect and quite often avoid following any rules and regulations and find themselves getting into trouble much more often. These people in no way should ever consider themselves a professional driver, yet many of them still do.

Any profession requires plenty of training and retraining to ensure the person has the knowledge to perform their duties in the best possible way, and are always up to date on new policies and procedures.

I once did a pre-hire road test with a driver who performed one of the best and most complete pre-trip vehicle inspection I had ever seen. Upon completion I congratulated the driver on the very impressive vehicle inspection. He seemed a little confused and stated “ but sir, I have only done what my profession requires me to do”. At no time did he ever think that he did something special. He just did what he was supposed to do. Perhaps witnessing so many unprofessional drivers struggle and fail to complete a proper PTVI (yet still think they did a great job) made this man (who truly has respect for his profession) stand out. He added that creating a routine and following it everyday helped ensure he completed his inspection in a timely manner and did not miss any components was an important factor.

It doesn’t matter what type of vehicle you drive, being in the right frame of mind will definitely help you to succeed in the industry achieving safe driving milestones and always getting home to your family at the end of your duties.

Be proud of your profession. When someone asks you what you do for a living. Say with pride “ I’m a professional driver”.

I don’t care if you drive long haul or a garbage truck, each has a place in our industry and a requirement by our society, and should always be performed with the upmost respect and professionalism .