Driver Job Description

A driver is someone who operates a motor vehicle, such as a bus, taxi, truck, or other vehicle, to transport people or goods. Drivers are responsible for planning their routes, ensuring the vehicle is in good condition, following safety protocols, complying with traffic laws, and providing excellent customer service.

• Following all applicable traffic laws and regulations.
• Maintaining a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration.
• Inspecting vehicles for mechanical items and safety issues and perform preventative maintenance.
• Loading and unloading cargo and passengers.
• Keeping accurate records of trips, including mileage, fuel costs, and any problems encountered.
• Communicating with dispatchers and other personnel to receive delivery instructions.
• Navigating unfamiliar routes and using GPS systems.
• Ensuring cargo is properly secured and transported safely.
• Adhering to delivery schedules and deadlines.
• Providing excellent customer service.

• Patience: Drivers must be able to remain calm and patient in difficult or stressful situations.
• Alertness: Drivers must be able to pay attention to their surroundings and be aware of potential hazards.
• Responsible: Drivers must be responsible and follow all traffic laws and regulations.
• Knowledgeable: Drivers must have a good understanding of the rules of the road and be able to navigate their way around the area.
• Good Judgment: Drivers must be able to make quick decisions in order to avoid potential accidents.
• Courtesy: Drivers should be courteous to other drivers and pedestrians.
• Good Vision: Drivers must have good vision to be able to see potential hazards.
• Physical Fitness: Drivers must be physically fit to be able to handle the physical demands of driving.

A driver's day-to-day activities can vary greatly based on the type of job and employer, however, in general, a driver's primary responsibility is to safely and efficiently transport passengers or goods from one location to the next. On a daily basis, a driver may start their day by either picking up passengers at a designated point, such as a bus station, or loading cargo onto their vehicle. During the route, a driver must pay attention to traffic signals, road construction, traffic flow, and the posted speed limit. Upon reaching the destination, the driver may have to unload and/or deliver the cargo or passengers to a specific location. After all tasks are completed, the driver may have to prepare documents such as delivery receipts or trip sheets before ending the shift.

Being a driver often requires a combination of technical, customer service, and driving skills. While prior driver experience is usually preferred, many other types of roles and industries may also be compatible with the job of becoming a driver. These include customer service roles, warehouse and retail positions, hospitality roles, and delivery work. Aspiring drivers with any of the following job titles may have transferable skills and knowledge that can be applied to the job of becoming a driver:

• Warehouse Associate
• Retail Associate
• Delivery Driver
• Wait Staff
• Customer Service Representative
• Courier
• Tour Guide
• Delivery Helper
• Forklift Operator
• Taxi/Rideshare Driver