Company Driver

Hiring a company driver in the Philippines involves a combination of legal compliance, practical driving skills, and crucial professional attributes. Here's a comprehensive guide to the qualifications:

I. Mandatory Legal Qualifications (LTO Requirements):

A company driver, being paid for driving, must hold a Driver's License with the appropriate restriction codes for the vehicles they will operate.

• Driver's License : This is non-negotiable for company drivers. They cannot operate a company vehicle without a Driver's License.
• Important Note: Drivers with a manual transmission (MT) restriction can drive automatic, but AT-only drivers cannot drive MT.
• Physical and Mental Fitness: The driver must be physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle, evidenced by an electronically transmitted medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic.
• Clean Record:
• No unsettled traffic violations.
• Valid NBI Clearance or Police Clearance, indicating no conviction for offenses involving moral turpitude or reckless imprudence from reckless driving.
• A clean driving record is crucial.
• Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Literacy: Must be able to read and write in Filipino, English, or any local dialect.
• Tax Identification Number (TIN): Required for employment purposes.
• Negative Drug Test Result: From a DOH-accredited drug testing center. This is a common and highly recommended requirement for company drivers to ensure safety.

II. Essential Practical Skills and Experience:

Beyond the legal minimums, these are critical for a competent company driver:

• Proven Safe Driving Record: This is paramount. Request a copy of their driving record, if possible, and check references for accident history and traffic violations.
• Defensive Driving Skills: The ability to anticipate potential hazards, react safely to avoid accidents, and drive cautiously in various road and weather conditions.
• Extensive Driving Experience:
• Relevant Vehicle Type: Experience driving the specific type of company vehicle (sedan, SUV, van, truck, bus, etc.).
• Diverse Driving Conditions: Experience driving in city traffic, provincial roads, highways, and potentially different weather conditions.
• Professional Driving Experience: Prior experience as a company driver, executive driver, or delivery driver is a huge plus.
• Route Knowledge: Familiarity with local and common long-distance routes, traffic patterns, and alternative routes.
• Navigational Skills: Proficient in using GPS and mapping applications (Waze, Google Maps).
• Basic Vehicle Maintenance: Ability to perform routine checks (oil, water, tires, lights, brakes), identify minor mechanical issues, and know when to report problems for professional maintenance. This includes performing pre- and post-operation checks (e.g., BLOWBAGETS: Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air, Gas, Engine, Tires, Self).
• Cleanliness and Vehicle Care: Demonstrates responsibility in keeping the company vehicle clean and well-maintained.

III. Crucial Professional and Personal Attributes:

These qualities ensure the driver is not just skilled but also a good fit for the company culture.

• Trustworthiness and Honesty: Essential, as they will be entrusted with company assets (vehicle, goods, potentially cash) and transport personnel.
• Reliability and Punctuality: Consistently on time for schedules and appointments. A driver's tardiness can significantly impact company operations.
• Professionalism:
• Appearance: Neat, clean, and presentable.
• Attitude: Courteous, respectful, and disciplined.
• Customer Service Orientation: For drivers who interact with clients or external partners, good interpersonal and customer service skills are important.
• Discretion and Confidentiality: Especially for executive or confidential transport, the ability to maintain privacy and discretion is vital.
• Calmness Under Pressure: Ability to remain composed in stressful traffic situations, emergencies, or during unexpected delays.
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication with dispatch, supervisors, and passengers.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing schedules, routes, or unforeseen circumstances.
• Strong Work Ethic: Dedicated to their duties and willing to go the extra mile when necessary.
• Adherence to Company Policies: Willingness to strictly follow company rules, safety regulations, and reporting procedures.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From Php16,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person