Requirements to be a truck driver in Spain

The road freight transport sector is vital for the economy of Spain and any other country. Truck drivers play a crucial role in the movement of goods and products, ensuring they reach their destination safely and efficiently. However, becoming a truck driver in Spain requires meeting a series of legal and training requirements. It is important to be prepared to spend days or weeks away from home, making several stops in specific places.

This article covers the requirements to be a truck driver in Spain, from obtaining the appropriate driving licenses to the specific training and skills required. Additionally, the important decision of choosing between a new or used truck is addressed, evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Basic requirements to be a truck driver

To become a truck driver in Spain, it is essential to meet certain basic requirements that ensure that the driver is prepared to handle large and responsible vehicles. These requirements include obtaining specific driver’s licenses, professional certifications, and personal skills essential for the safe and efficient performance of the profession.

Below are the main requirements that every aspiring truck driver must meet to start their career in road freight transportation.

Minimum age: You must be of legal age. For specific permits, the minimum age may vary.
driving license: You need to have a B driving license to start. Truck-specific permits include:
C1 Permit: From 18 years of age, for vehicles up to 7,500 kg GVW.
C Permit: From 21 years of age, for vehicles with no MMA limit.
C1+E Permit: From the age of 18, you are allowed to drive vehicles weighing less than 7,500 kg GVW with a trailer.
C+E Permit: From 21 years of age, for vehicles with no GVW limit with a trailer whose maximum authorized mass exceeds 750 kg.
Certificate of Professional Aptitude (CAP): Mandatory for the transport of goods. This certificate is obtained after passing a 140-hour course and must be renewed every 5 years. It is valid both in Spanish territory and throughout the European Union.

Training and skills

The training and skills necessary to be a truck driver go beyond simply knowing how to drive a heavy vehicle. A truck driver must be well prepared in both technical knowledge and practical skills to ensure safe and efficient transportation of goods.

Vocational training: You can take the intermediate level training cycle in Technician in Driving Road Transport Vehicles. This cycle provides comprehensive training and allows you to obtain the CAP without the need for additional exams.
Mechanical knowledge: It is important to have basic mechanical knowledge to perform maintenance and minor repairs on the truck.
Rules and regulations: You must know and comply with traffic laws, heavy-duty transportation regulations, and the shipping company’s policies. Furthermore, it is crucial to know and apply preventive driving techniques on urban and interurban roads.
Personal skills: High ability to concentrate, temperance to stay behind the wheel for many hours, ability to meet delivery deadlines and customer service skills.
Transport of dangerous goods: The ADR permit is necessary, which is obtained after taking a specific course and passing a theoretical exam at the DGT. ADR permits must be renewed every 5 years through recycling courses.

Duties of a truck driver

Freight transport: Pick up and deliver merchandise to various points, ensuring they arrive in good condition and on time.
Vehicle maintenance: Perform basic maintenance of the truck, including cleaning and preventive checks.
Documentation: Manage documentation related to loading and driving the truck, such as invoices and delivery notes.
Safe driving: Apply preventive driving techniques, respect work and rest hours, and be prepared to act in case of emergencies.

Costs and job prospects

Costs: Getting a truck license can cost between 800 and 1,000 euros, depending on the driving school and the type of license. The CAP course also involves additional costs.
Employment: There is a high demand for truck drivers in Spain, with salaries that vary depending on the autonomous community and the type of merchandise transported. Salaries can range between 1,400 and 2,000 euros per month, with increases for those who transport dangerous goods.

You can also work for yourself if you have your own truck, you can buy one at autoline https://autoline.es/-/camiones–c2, an international market specialized in new and used cars.

The need to have a truck: new or used?

For truck drivers, having their own vehicle can be a significant advantage. However, the question arises whether it is better to opt for a new truck or a used one. Below, we analyze both cases.

Pros and cons of a new truck

Advantages:

Warranty: New trucks come with a warranty, which covers repairs and mechanical problems for the first few years.
Advanced technology: They incorporate the latest technological innovations, which can translate into greater fuel efficiency and better safety systems.
Minor initial repairs: Being new, it is less likely to need major repairs in the first few years of use.

Disadvantages:

High initial cost: The initial investment is considerably higher compared to purchasing a used truck.
Rapid depreciation: New vehicles tend to lose value quickly in the first few years.

Pros and cons of a used truck

Advantages:

Reasonable cost: Used trucks are considerably cheaper than new ones, which can be more affordable for many drivers.
Known model: It is possible to choose popular and proven vehicles on the market.
Rapid fleet renewal: With minimal investment, the company’s transportation base can be improved.

Disadvantages:

Mileage and wear: High mileage may require frequent maintenance and replacement of parts.
Older technology: It may not have the latest technologies in efficiency and safety.

Tips for choosing a used truck

Purchasing a used truck is a common practice that allows companies to save significantly when renewing their fleet. If you decide to choose a used truck, this choice requires specific attention and knowledge to avoid unforeseen expenses on repairs and maintenance. Here are the main points to consider when choosing a used truck:

Consult with an expert: A professional can help evaluate the condition and potential of the truck.
Determine needs: The choice must correspond to the specifics of the company’s tasks.
Spare parts analysis: Study the availability and cost of spare parts for the chosen model.
Operation history: Preferable to buy from transport companies with accurate information on previous use.
Test drive and inspection: Inspect and test the truck on the road to identify possible problems.
Inspection in a trusted workshop: Do not accept the review at the seller’s station; Take the truck to a trusted workshop.

If you are looking for a reliable place to buy a used truck, Autoline is the international portal specialized in new and used cars.

In summary

Becoming a truck driver in Spain requires meeting certain legal and training requirements, including obtaining specific driving licenses and the Certificate of Professional Aptitude (CAP). In addition, it is essential to have mechanical skills and know international and national transportation regulations. The profession offers good job prospects due to the high demand for drivers, although it also implies a high degree of responsibility and commitment. The decision to opt for a new or used truck depends on the driver’s budget and personal preferences.