How many female truck drivers are there in Australia?

Female truck drivers make up a very small percentage of the Australian heavy vehicle workforce, with recent data indicating a range of 2% to 6.4% as of late 2025/early 2026.

Despite high demand and over 26,000 job vacancies, women remain underrepresented in operational driving roles, often comprising only about one in every 23 drivers.

There are approximately 190,000 to 200,000 truck drivers currently working in Australia. So at a guess between 4,000 and 12,000 female truck drivers.

Australia is facing a severe, worsening truck driver shortage with over 28,000 unfilled positions, threatening national supply chains.

An aging workforce, with only 5% of drivers under 25, combined with high turnover and demanding conditions has created a crisis that is expected to see vacancies reach 78,000 by 2029 if not addressed.

Proposed Solutions and Action

The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) is calling for immediate, coordinated action:

National Action Plan:
A comprehensive approach to create a “National Truck Driver Standard”.

Apprenticeships:
Implementing dedicated truck driver apprenticeship programs to bring in younger staff.

Licensing Reform:
Streamlining the licensing process and providing training incentives.

Workforce Diversity:
Actively recruiting from the female workforce to bridge the gender gap.

Safety Upgrades:
Improving roadside facilities to make the profession more attractive.

The shortage is not merely an inconvenience but a significant danger to the economy, with road freight demand expected to rise 77% by 2050.

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