International Truck Driver (Code 14/EC) - Relocate to Europe

Location: South Africa (assessment) - Placement in Romania, European Union

Job Type: Full time, Permanent | International Relocation

Salary: Market-related, paid in Euros (see package details below)

About the Role

An established European road-freight company is expanding its international driver team and is looking for experienced South African truck drivers ready to relocate to Romania for long-haul container and cross-border freight work across the EU. This is a genuine career opportunity with a permanent employment contract, not a short-term placement - the company invests significantly in every driver's relocation, training and certification, and is looking for candidates who are serious about a long-term future driving in Europe.

What's Offered

• Permanent employment contract with a European transport company
• Full visa, work-permit and immigration process handled on your behalf
• Professional certification training required to drive legally in the EU
• Accommodation and meals provided during your initial onboarding period in Romania
• Once on the road: an all-inclusive package equivalent to approximately €3,000/month net, depending on hours worked
• Annual structured leave every 6–12 months
• Ongoing support from dispatch, team leads and senior drivers as you adapt to European driving regulations

Before You Depart South Africa

Please note: the estimated time from being accepted as a candidate to actually departing South Africa is currently being reassessed. Under the previous system this process took approximately 9–12 months. Romania's work-permit system has recently changed, and our recruitment partner expects this to shorten to approximately 2–4 months under the new process - but this has not yet been confirmed in practice. We will keep all candidates fully updated on realistic timelines throughout the process.

During Your Initial Onboarding Period (2–4 Months, Once in Romania)

Once you arrive in Romania, and for the first 2–4 months while your work permit, EU driving certification and paperwork are finalised, you'll receive:

• A fixed monthly allowance of approximately €500 net (€800 gross)
• A daily food allowance of at least €5 net
• Accommodation provided free of charge

During this period you'll work only occasionally when needed, on light (class B) vehicles, while you study and complete the tests required for your professional certificate. If you do not pass the required certification exams, in most cases this will mean returning home - the company invests significantly in this process, so genuine commitment to passing is essential.

Life on the Road, Once Certified

Once certified, you'll begin international journeys and your earnings move to a daily allowance system:

• €65–€85 net per day while working abroad (30–31 days/month), or €40 net per day for domestic driving - you'll cover your own food from this allowance
• Most drivers start on the lower end of this range while adapting to European international driving laws and regulations, with extra support from dispatch, team leads and senior drivers
• Typically within 6–9 months, drivers progress to the top rate of €85/day, bringing total monthly income to approximately €3,000 net, all included - continued progress is expected as part of adapting successfully to the role
• Once on the road, you'll live and sleep in the truck cabin as you travel across Europe, keeping it clean and in proper order; company garages across Europe offer free stops for laundry and proper rest
• No further accommodation or food allowance is provided once daily allowances begin, as these are included in the above

Certification & Course Costs

Professional certification training is facilitated by our recruitment partner at no charge for the training itself. However, drivers are responsible for the cost of their own official documents and certificates.

Minimum Requirements

• Valid Code 14 (EC) driving licence, equivalent to EU Category C+E
• Valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP)
• Minimum 3 years' experience as a truck/trailer driver (strong, confident drivers with less experience will still be considered - your practical driving test matters more than years on paper)
• Comfortable and confident with reversing, alley-docking and complex low-speed manoeuvres, not just forward driving
• Clean criminal record (police clearance certificate required, arranged through our partner - details provided once your application is accepted)
• Conversational English ability
• Valid passport and medically fit for long-distance international driving
• Willing to relocate to Romania on a long-term basis (minimum 2-year commitment expected)

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a short English-language interview and a practical driving assessment (forward and reverse manoeuvres) conducted by our recruitment partner's driving instructors. Only candidates who pass both stages will proceed to the visa and placement process.

How to Apply

Submit your CV, a copy of your Code 14/EC licence and PrDP, and a brief note on your driving experience to admin@vacentral.co.uk. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly to schedule an interview and driving assessment.

Job Type: Full-time

Experience:

• Truck/Trailer driving: 3 years (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

License/Certification:

• Code 14 (EC) driving license (Required)
• Professional Driving Permit (Required)

Work Location: On the road