Bryn Jeffrey was 18 years old when she spotted a B-double coming down the road and was struck by its intimidating size.
“I thought it was incredible that someone could drive something so big,” she said. “I was awestruck – and this planted a seed in my mind that grew over time.”
Born in Sydney, Bryn moved to the northwest of Ireland with her family when she was six, returning to Australia at the age of 23.
She had driven some small trucks back in Ireland, but after moving to Traralgon, Victoria she found herself working in healthcare and hospitality for years, steadily becoming more and more burnt out.
“I worked as a phlebotomist and a cook, but deep down, I knew those jobs weren’t what I really wanted to do,” she said.
Needing a change, she packed up her life and moved to Melbourne, where she came across the Victorian Transport Association’s Freight Industry Training (FIT) project.
Launched in 2022, the FIT scheme has placed more than 125 candidates in full-time work – including a large number of women taking up new careers in the freight sector.
“I was researching truck training and licencing online when I came across this program,” Bryn said. “It sounded perfect for me.”
Bryn was accepted to the program and began her heavy vehicle driver training with Armstrong’s Driver Education in Thomastown, graduating as a HC driver in 2022.
Not content to stop there, she progressed through the VTA’s Driver Delivery Program, qualifying as a MC driver earlier this year.
The 39-year-old is full of praise for both the VTA and Armstrong’s.
“The VTA has helped me in more ways that I can put into words,” she said.
“The training and support that I have received from their team has been second to none.
“Armstrong’s were also amazing, giving me a thorough understanding of advanced driving skills and important things to think about when you are operating such a big and heavy vehicle.”
Bryn thinks comprehensive training programs like the one she underwent have many advantages over one or two-day courses.
“I think the extra training – you can do five or eight days – and how the courses are designed really make a difference.
“It’s not just ‘learn the basics’ and pass a test.
“My instructor really helped me to understand what to look out for and do in any given on-road situation.
“The extra time behind the wheel really solidified the training I received, as I was able practice and improve my skill level.”
Some of the lessons Bryn learned during her training course included how to approach traffic lights and anticipate when they are about to change, and the importance of positioning and timing when approaching intersections, roundabouts, and tight corners.
“I also learned how to safely descend steep hills and the importance of situational awareness and managing fatigue,” she added.
“As much as many other road users can sometimes behave like absolute morons, I have learned the importance of safe driving and how to predict and react accordingly to any potential hazard or situation.”
Another way Bryn has improved her truck driving skills is through using truck simulators.
“I started playing truck simulators about 10 years ago and I really got into it,” she said.
“I tried to make it as realistic as possible by using head tracking, a steering wheel and gearstick.
“I would recommend this to anyone that’s interested in getting into driving trucks.
“It teaches you a lot, and the best part is that if you crash, it doesn’t matter or cost anything!”
She now drives interstate for Dyers Distribution and Logistics and said her first trip across the country in a B-double was a dream come true.
“For a lot of people, driving a truck is just a job, but for me it’s a passion and something I worked incredibly hard to achieve,” she said.
“To finally get behind the wheel and set off to Brisbane from Melbourne in a Dyers 20-25m B-double is a feeling that words cannot describe.”
Bryn urges anyone thinking about becoming a truck driver to just go for it.
“Don’t let anyone, and I mean anyone, make you feel like you can’t do something,” she said. “If you really want something, go get it.”