Truck Driver Workwear and PPE: What Drivers Need in Australia
Written and reviewed by the Max Global Products team · Updated October 2026
Quick answer: a truck driver needs comfortable AS 2210.3 safety boots that are easy to pull on and off (elastic-side or zip), hi-vis (a polo, shirt or vest) for depots, sites and roadside stops, leather gloves for load restraint, chains and straps, safety glasses, a waterproof hi-vis jacket, and a vehicle first aid kit. Sites you deliver to may add a hard hat and long sleeves.
The driver's kit list
| Item | What to look for | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Safety boots | AS 2210.3, elastic-side or zip for constant cab entry and exit, cushioned for long hours. | Elastic-side boots, e.g. Hard Yakka Grit pull-on boot, Blundstone 310 |
| Hi-vis | Class D polo for daytime; D/N vest or taped shirt for night runs and roadside work. | Hard Yakka Class D hi-vis polo, Syzmik ZV999 Class D/N vest |
| Gloves | Leather riggers for chains, straps, tarps and gates. | Pro Choice Riggamate cowgrain gloves |
| Load restraint | Rated straps, chains and dunnage for your loads. | Load restraint |
| Eye protection | Safety glasses for loading, unloading and tarping in wind. | Safety eyewear |
| Wet weather | Waterproof hi-vis jacket kept in the cab. | Hard Yakka 4-in-1 taped wet weather jacket, Syzmik ZJ357 waterproof taped jacket |
| First aid | A vehicle first aid kit, checked and restocked regularly. | Vehicle first aid kit (soft case) |
| Site access extras | Hard hat, long sleeves and glasses for construction and mine site deliveries. | Head protection |
The risks drivers face
- Falls from vehicles: climbing on and off trailers and cabs causes many injuries. Use three points of contact and boots with a defined heel and good grip.
- Manual handling: loading, tarping and chaining strain backs and shoulders.
- Fatigue and heat: long shifts and loading in summer sun. See Safe Work Australia on fatigue and transport.
Frequently asked questions
Do truck drivers need to wear safety boots?
Most depots, distribution centres and construction sites require AS 2210.3 safety footwear for anyone getting out of the cab. Elastic-side or zip boots are the most practical.
Do truck drivers need to wear hi-vis?
Hi-vis is required at most depots and work sites and is strongly recommended at roadside stops. Carry a D/N vest for night work.
What first aid kit should a truck carry?
A vehicle-specific first aid kit suited to the number of people and remoteness of the route, checked and restocked regularly.
Outfitting a team
Transport or delivery fleet? Apply for a trade account. See the full guide by trade.
Last reviewed October 2026. This guide covers common kit; your employer's risk assessment and site rules decide what is mandatory.