Truck drivers preparing to move overseas to expand their careers are required to get their documents properly apostilled. Global Apostille offers a variety of apostille services for truck drivers, so that they are able to meet the legal requirements of moving to another country. With the growing demand for truck drivers in Europe, this is an opportunity that truck drivers shouldn’t let slip, where they can enjoy stable employment, accompanied by competitive salaries. There are around 230 000 unfilled positions all across Europe for truck drivers and the number could even increase to as much as 745 000. Countries such as France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain are some of the most affected. This shortage is due to the low number of recruits and the aging work-force disrupting the supply chain operation across the continent. Many of these European countries are easing the entry requirements and licensing process and even offering sponsorship for training, with hope that they may quickly gain the skill to enter the job market.
Documents that truck drivers need to apostille
Global Apostille works hand in hand with The South African High Court and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to get your documents apostilled. Below are important documents needed to be a truck driver in the EU:
1. Driver’s license confirmation letter
Most EU countries also require that you do a test drive in their country to prove that you are a competent driver. During this test drive, the driver is put under controlled conditions in the country they intend to be a truck driver in, this is to test whether the driver meets the required standards in terms of safety and driving skills. Driving evaluations serve several important functions. They allow companies to assess how drivers handle real-world conditions, confirm that drivers are following safe practices, and check that drivers are comfortable with the digital systems built into today’s trucks.
2. Police clearance certificate
A police clearance certificate is a legal document in South Africa, which lists a person’s criminal history. To travel to various countries, one needs a police clearance certificate, which you can apply for at the South African Police Service. Most workplaces require police clearance certificates from their employees when they start work to prove that they have a clear criminal record, the same applies to truck drivers who are interested in driving trucks for EU countries. This document too needs to be apostilled to be considered legal in other countries.
3. Driver’s license
To obtain a driver’s license in South Africa, you need to first get your learner’s license, then go for your driver’s test, which can be done at the driver’s license centres in South Africa. Truck drivers in South Africa need a code 10 driver’s license in order to drive heavy vehicles such as trucks, and also need a Professional driving permit, which allows them to drive heavy-duty vehicles. To be a truck driver in Europe, your South African driver’s license is required, however, you’ll still need to obtain an EU driver’s license as well.
The following requirement must be met in order to be a truck driver in Europe:
- License requirements: C, C1, CE, or C1E licenses are required for drivers. A C license, for instance, is for bigger trucks, but a C1 license is for lighter trucks (up to 7,500 kg).
- Code 95: Drivers receive Code 95 following initial qualification, and they must complete refresher training to renew it every five years.
- Mandatory training: In order to increase road safety, EU Directive 2003/59/EC mandates a minimum degree of training that includes practical examinations and test drives.
- Regulatory compliance: Drivers are required to abide by the guidelines outlined in the Mobility Package regarding rest breaks and driving hours.
4. Passport
A passport is a government-issued travel document which lets you travel from one country to another and verifies an individual’s nationality and identity. Truck drivers interested in working in Europe will require a passport to enter the country to work there.
5. Technograph card
In nations where the tachograph system is in operation such as EU countries, drivers who transport goods are required to possess a personal driver card for the digital tachograph, which records driving activity. The appropriate authorities in the nation where you plan to work have to issue this card.
6. Work visa
One of the most crucial documents if you plan to work abroad as a truck driver is a visa. When an employer from another country extends a job offer to you, a work visa is granted. The procedure, however, can take a long time and calls for a number of documents, including a criminal history report, verification of professional qualifications, and an employment contract. Before you depart, make sure to find out what kind of visa is needed in the country you plan to work in.
Global Apostille
Global apostille Legalisation offer apostille services for truck drivers, so that they can enjoy hassle-free travel when they move to another country. We offer expert services, with quick turnaround times. Our agency has over a decade of experience when it comes to the legalisation of official documents to be used in other countries. We make it our aim to provide you with professional and efficient service. Call our friendly staff for more information about our apostille service for truck drivers.
Tel: 012 348 3134 | Mobile: 081 347 6060 | Email: info@apostillelegalisation.co.za
FAQs for Apostille service for truck drivers
1. What are the rules for truck drivers in the EU?
EU regulations permit a split break of 45 minutes, with a mandatory requirement to take the second part of the break, which must be a minimum of 30 minutes.
Daily Rest: Drivers are required to have an 11-hour rest period each day. This rest can be divided into two periods if the first period is a minimum of 3 hours and the second is a minimum of 9 hours.
2. Which is the highest paying EU country for truck drivers?
Switzerland is at the top of the list, when it comes to trailer drivers’ earning potential, Depending on their experience and the routes they drive, drivers in this country can make between €60,000 and €75,000 year on average.
3. What type of truck driver is in most demand?
Tanker truck drivers are the most in-demand truck drivers.
4. What is the average age of truck drivers in Europe?
According to a recent report by the International Road Transport Union (IRU), the average age of European truck drivers is 47.
5. What type of truck is most profitable?
Truck tractors, often known as semi-trucks, are best suited for long-distance freight enterprises that can afford to pay more and adhere to more stringent standards. Although semi-trucks have the greatest revenue potential, their narrow profit margins necessitate rigorous cost control.
