Thinking about becoming a truck driver? There are plenty of upsides to a career in truck driving – from extremely high-paying roles to flexibility and plenty of demand. But where you start can make a huge difference in your career.

In this blog, we’ll get into why Perth and the wider Western Australia region offer an excellent launchpad for your career compared to other Aussie cities and regions. From career growth to lifestyle, the advantages stack up. Let’s get you geared up for the right start.

Why Perth & WA Outshine the Rest

There are plenty of reasons why starting your truck driving career in WA is a smart decision.

1. Demand is through the roof

Across Australia, there’s a serious shortage of truck drivers. One report highlighted that permanent job vacancies in trucking have surged from roughly 75 % to over 81 % in recent years.

In WA, that shortage is especially large thanks to booming industries like mining, resources, agriculture and freight. According to the WA Government’s Build a life in WA, here “you can expect a wide range of work driving … from general freight and construction materials to bulk products and even mining equipment.”

With the demand for qualified drivers being so high, there’s a sure chance of finding work, whether in Perth or regional WA.

2. High earning potential

Perth offers the chance to earn more, faster. With the right licence and experience, you’re not stuck at an entry‑level wage. WA’s regional and remote roles, especially in mining and long-haul freight, tend to come with higher pay due to travel, remote location, and specialised skills. That’s a huge plus.

3. Less competition than big East Coast cities

In bigger cities like Sydney and Melbourne, the competition can be tougher with thousands of others chasing similar roles. In WA? The demand outpaces supply. That means more chances to get on the road, upgrade your licence, and progress your career quickly.

4. Variety of jobs and great lifestyle

Want to stay close to home? You can drive rigid local routes in Perth. Love the open road? WA’s mining and regional freight sectors offer remote jobs with significant earning potential, potentially reaching up to $150k or more. The licence path you pick (see below) opens those doors. And unlike packed urban environments, WA gives you the space, flexibility, and room to grow.

5. Strategic training options

Because WA is such a strong market for drivers, training providers here are geared up to deliver. Whether it’s a single‑day fast‑track HR licence Perth 1-day course or full licence upgrades, you’ll find tailored programs pushing you into work.

New to Driving? Here’s the Licenses You Need To Know

  • Licence: HR (Heavy Rigid): Drive large rigid vehicles like tippers, buses, and trucks with three or more axles. Great for local work, council contracts, public transport routes, mining and construction.
  • HC (Heavy Combination) Licence Perth: Drive semi-trailers or a rigid vehicle towing a trailer over 9 tonnes GVM. Ideal for regional freight, heavy logistics, and agricultural transport.
  • MC (Multi Combination) Licence Perth: Drive B-doubles, road trains, and vehicles with multiple trailers. Required for long-haul freight, FIFO contracts, and top-tier mining roles.

Curious about how to get started in your trucking career? Read our complete roadmap to becoming a truck driver here!

Take the First Step to Truck Driving in WA Now!

So, if you’re choosing where to kick off your truck driving career, WA comes out ahead. More jobs. Faster progression. Higher pay. More opportunity. What more could you ask for?

Pick your training provider, pick your licence path, and use WA as your launchpad with Perth Transport Training.

Ready to begin your journey? Check out Nextruck driving school in Perth and book your truck driving lessons today. The road ahead is wide open in WA!