Professional Driver Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of rapid technological advancement, professional drivers are in high demand.

As our world continues to evolve, the need for skilled individuals who can navigate, manage, and protect our transportation systems continues to grow.

But what does it truly mean to be a professional driver?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager looking for the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of professional driving,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Professional Driver job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s get started.

Professional Driver Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Drivers are responsible for transporting goods, people, or cargo safely between different locations.

They must have a strong understanding of road safety rules and regulations, in addition to possessing excellent driving skills.

Here are the primary duties and responsibilities of a Professional Driver:

• Operate vehicles in a safe, efficient manner, adhering to all traffic laws
• Maintain a clean driving record
• Inspect the vehicle regularly to ensure it is in good working order
• Report any vehicle malfunctions or needed repairs to management
• Load and unload cargo or luggage as needed
• Assist passengers in entering and exiting the vehicle, if required
• Use GPS or other navigation tools to plan the best routes and reach destinations on time
• Provide excellent customer service, such as helping passengers with their bags, answering questions about the area, or providing accommodation recommendations
• Fill up vehicle fuel tank and manage receipts for fuel and other vehicle expenses
• Document and log hours of driving, rest periods, and keep track of the vehicle’s mileage
• Communicate with dispatchers or other drivers to share information about road conditions, traffic, or other factors that could affect driving

 

Professional Driver Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a dedicated and skilled Professional Driver to assist our company with all transport-related duties.

The Professional Driver’s responsibilities include dropping and picking up staff, collecting various packages, and maintaining a travel log to record work hours, travel time and locations traveled to.

You should also be able to perform routine checks on the company vehicle.

To succeed as a Professional Driver, you should demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, as well as an adherence to all road safety regulations.

 

Responsibilities

• Transporting company staff and clients safely and on time to and from their destinations.
• Assisting with the loading and offloading of staff luggage, products, and materials.
• Adjusting travel routes to avoid traffic congestion or road construction.
• Promptly informing the company of any tickets issued against the company vehicle during work hours.
• Ensuring that the company vehicle is always parked in areas that permit parking in order to avoid towing.
• Keeping the company vehicle clean and properly maintained by performing regular washing, cleaning and vehicle maintenance.
• Reporting any accidents, injuries, and vehicle damage to management.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Professional Driver
• A valid driver’s license
• Clean driving record
• Sound knowledge of road safety regulations
• Working knowledge of local roads and routes
• Effective communication skills
• Punctual and reliable
• High school diploma

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Driver
• Work Environment: Primarily on the road, with occasional office or warehouse settings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Transport Manager or assigned supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professional Driver Do?

Professional Drivers primarily work for various industries including transportation and logistics, private transport services, corporate entities, or for private individuals as personal drivers.

They can also work as independent contractors.

Their primary duty is to operate their vehicle in a safe, efficient manner in accordance with traffic laws and regulations.

This can include driving vehicles such as cars, vans, trucks, or buses.

Professional Drivers are responsible for the safe conveyance of people, goods or equipment from one location to another.

They may also be responsible for loading and unloading goods, ensuring deliveries are made on time, and verifying the correct items are delivered.

Drivers often perform routine checks on their vehicles to ensure they are in good working condition and perform basic maintenance tasks such as changing the oil, replenishing the vehicle’s gas supply, or refilling windshield wiper fluid.

In some roles, drivers may also need to keep detailed logs of their driving hours, distances, and rest periods to comply with local regulations or company policies.

Additionally, they may need to plan the most efficient routes to ensure timely arrival, taking into account factors such as traffic, weather conditions, and road closures.

In a customer facing role, a Professional Driver may also be expected to provide excellent customer service, help passengers with their luggage, answer questions about the area or journey, and handle any complaints or issues that arise during the trip.

 

Professional Driver Qualifications and Skills

Professional Drivers should have a unique mix of technical skills, physical abilities, and soft skills to ensure they can safely transport passengers or goods, these include:

• Thorough understanding of road laws and rules, including those that are specific to commercial driving, to maintain safety on the roads.
• Excellent driving skills, including the ability to drive a variety of vehicles, from cars to heavy trucks, to ensure they can handle any professional driving task.
• Physical stamina and strength, as long periods on the road and loading or unloading goods can be physically demanding.
• Excellent navigation skills and the ability to use GPS devices to follow the most efficient routes and avoid traffic when necessary.
• Interpersonal skills to interact respectfully with clients, customers, and the public, as they often serve as a representative of their employer.
• Problem-solving skills to handle unexpected situations, such as traffic accidents or road closures, efficiently and calmly.
• Good attention to detail to ensure the vehicle is in good working order before and after trips.
• Reliability and punctuality, as clients and employers rely on professional drivers to deliver goods or people to their destination on time.

 

Professional Driver Experience Requirements

Professional drivers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver’s license in the type of vehicle they will be operating, such as a commercial driver’s license for truck drivers.

Prior experience in a driving role is essential, with entry-level positions requiring at least 1 to 2 years of professional driving experience.

This experience can be obtained through various roles such as delivery driver, truck driver, or bus driver.

It’s also beneficial if drivers have experience or training in basic vehicle maintenance and repair.

For those aspiring to work in specialized areas such as public transportation or long-haul trucking, additional experience or certifications may be required.

These may include specific endorsements on their commercial driver’s license, a clean driving record, or experience with specific types of vehicles or cargo.

Candidates with more than 3 years of professional driving experience often have a proven track record of safety and reliability.

They may also have experience with more complex tasks such as route planning, maintaining logbooks, or managing cargo.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often considered highly experienced drivers.

They may have leadership experience, having trained or supervised other drivers, and are typically eligible for more specialized or senior driving roles.

 

Professional Driver Education and Training Requirements

Professional drivers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent education as a basic educational requirement.

They must also obtain a valid driver’s license; the type of license depends on the vehicle being driven.

For example, drivers of commercial vehicles like trucks or buses usually need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Most states require professional drivers to complete a professional driving training course, where they learn about vehicle operation, safety procedures, rules of the road, basic maintenance, and emergency handling.

Driver’s physical health and good vision are also important, and regular health check-ups are often required.

To further enhance their skills and knowledge, professional drivers may opt for additional certifications like Defensive Driving Courses, Advanced Vehicle Operation, or Specialized Freight handling.

These additional qualifications demonstrate a driver’s commitment to safety and professionalism, and they may be required for some positions or provide a competitive edge in the job market.

Note that some states may require professional drivers to pass a background check, and drivers with numerous moving violations may not be eligible for some driving positions.

 

Professional Driver Salary Expectations

A Professional Driver earns an average salary of $40,660 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary depending on the driver’s experience, the type of vehicle driven, the geographical location, and the employing company.

 

Professional Driver Job Description FAQs

What skills does a professional driver need?

Professional drivers need excellent driving skills and a thorough understanding of traffic rules and regulations.

They should also have good communication skills to interact with clients, a strong sense of direction, ability to use navigation systems, and basic vehicle maintenance skills.

Additionally, they must have patience, good physical health, and the ability to stay calm in stressful situations.

 

Do professional drivers need a license or certification?

Yes, professional drivers must have a valid driver’s license appropriate to the type of vehicle they will be driving.

Some roles may also require a special license, such as a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), and clean driving records are typically preferred.

Additionally, some roles may require certifications, such as CPR or First Aid.

 

What should you look for in a professional driver’s resume?

A professional driver’s resume should include their driving history, licenses, certifications, and any safety or driver training they’ve received.

It should also list any relevant experience, such as customer service, if the role involves interacting with clients.

A clean driving record is a significant asset for a professional driver.

 

What qualities make a good professional driver?

A good professional driver is reliable, punctual, and prioritizes safety above all else.

They should have excellent driving skills, be alert and attentive to the road conditions, and have a good understanding of vehicle maintenance.

Good interpersonal skills are also important, especially for drivers who interact with customers regularly.

 

Is it challenging to hire professional drivers?

Hiring professional drivers can be challenging due to the specific licensure requirements and the need for a clean driving record.

Finding candidates with the right balance of driving skills, customer service abilities, and reliability can also add to the challenge.

 

Conclusion

So there we go.

Today, we’ve navigated the ins and outs of what it truly means to be a professional driver.

Surprise!

It’s not just about getting from point A to point B.

It’s about being the driving force behind every journey, one mile at a time.

With our comprehensive professional driver job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to get into gear.

But why halt there?

Accelerate further with our job description generator. It’s your next pit-stop for crafting pinpoint-accurate listings or revving up your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every mile you drive paints a part of the larger journey.

Let’s drive that journey. Together.