Working as a driver abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working as a driver abroad like?

• As a driver abroad you get to know the country by all kinds of roads.
• This can be through long adventures as a truck or bus driver, or through short assignments as a shuttle driver, courier, or driver for logistics, relocations, or events.
• It's a great way to immerse yourself in a different culture and see many different places and people. There are also often shortages, especially for female drivers.
• Responsibilities can be:
  • Driving vans, trucks, or buses.
  • Transporting goods, materials, or people.
  • Loading and unloading vehicles.
  • Route planning and time management.
  • Contact with customers, planners, and warehouses.
  • Basic maintenance and vehicle inspection.
• Working conditions:
  • The work is usually paid, sometimes per trip or per hour.
  • Long working days are possible, depending on the routes.
  • The salary depends heavily on the country and your driver's license.
  • Sometimes overnight stays are also included (often in your own truck though).
• Freedom and responsibility go hand in hand: you're on the road a lot, but you also have to make your own decisions.

What are the reasons for working as a driver abroad?

• To develop independence: driving requires independent decisions, responsibility, and confidence in one's own actions.
• To strengthen situational awareness: constantly anticipating traffic, weather conditions, routes, and safety.
• To deepen a sense of responsibility: the safety of the vehicle, cargo, and others is always paramount.
• To increase stress tolerance: handling heavy traffic, time pressure, and unforeseen situations without losing perspective.
• To train flexibility: working with varying routes, times, and circumstances in a different driving culture.

What skills and motivations do you need to work as a driver abroad?

• Situational awareness: anticipating traffic, weather conditions, and road quality.
• Sense of responsibility: safety of cargo, passengers, and yourself.
• Stress tolerance: remaining calm in heavy traffic or during delays.
• Independence: working without constant supervision.
• Flexibility: handling varying routes and working hours. Perseverance: managing long drives and maintaining focus.
• Communication skills: coordinating with planners, customers, and colleagues.

What are the best countries and locations to work as a driver abroad?

• Countries with a high volume of transport and logistics: Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States.
• Countries with seasonal driver work: Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
• Countries with tourist transport: Spain, Italy, Greece, and Thailand.
• Countries with long distances and few drivers: Australia, South Africa, and Canada.

What are the risks of working as a driver abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working as a driver abroad?
  • Traffic accidents often have serious consequences.
  • Fatigue often plays a role on long drives.
  • Health problems, such as back and neck problems, often arise.
  • Medical costs are often high, especially after accidents.
  • Evacuation or repatriation is often necessary in the event of serious incidents. It is common for work pressure to be high: due to long days, staff shortages or intensive supervision.
• Are you insured while working as a driver abroad?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you're doing work with which you have little experience.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
  • See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.