Lorry driver
Lorry drivers’ tasks are related to transports by van and lorry. In addition to driving, the work also includes freight handling, forwarding of transportation documents, and vehicle maintenance. Drivers are mainly employed by transport companies. The driver’s profession requires an independent approach to work, responsibility, care, and a service-mindedness.
In transport and commerce companies, industry, and as independent entrepreneurs.
The work of a lorry driver is independent and highly responsible, as they are responsible for cargo, the vehicle, and for road safety on their part. Transports must be managed safely and economically within the given timeframe. The driver must be able to assess changing situations quickly, be punctual, and have a sense of responsibility. The driver is responsible for loading the vehicle in accordance with the regulations while also considering the impact of the conditions.
The profession requires a service-minded attitude and the ability to get along with different people, as the work involves daily interaction with the personnel of customer companies and partners. The driver is required to be familiar with the technology of the vehicle, as the tasks also include repairing and servicing smaller faults in the vehicle.
The driver must have a driving licence, required for the vehicle in question, for which there are various health requirements. Driving requires good vision and hearing. Health condition is monitored regularly.
- mechanical components of vehicles
- road traffic laws
- road transport legislation
- transport topography
- types of cargo
- vehicle cargo capacity
Upper secondary vocational institutions offer the Vocational Qualification in Logistics (vehicle driver). After gaining experience, you can also complete a further vocational qualification in transport. Training is organised in vocational adult education centres. You can also complete the qualification through an apprenticeship. The Finnish Defence Forces train some conscripts as drivers.
To drive a lorry, you need a category C driving licence, which is obtained at a driving school. The driver of an articulated vehicle (artic) must have the right to drive and a driving licence for the CE vehicle category.
Professional competence is achieved by completing either basic level professional competence training or basic level professional competence examinations. If the right to drive a lorry has begun before 10 September 2009, the professional qualification for goods transport is achieved through further training. If the right to drive a lorry has begun before 10 September 2008, the professional qualification for passenger transport is achieved through further training.
Median salary
3308 €/mo
Private sector
3315 €/mo
Public sector
2867 €/mo
The data is based on the median income, meaning the amount of salary which is the middle of the salary amounts arranged in order of magnitude.
Source: Statistics Finland's structural statistics on wages and salaries
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