sõidukijuhid

Sõidukijuhid is Estonian for people who operate motor vehicles. The term covers private motorists as well as professional drivers such as truck, bus, taxi, or delivery drivers.

A driver's license is typically required to legally operate a motor vehicle. Licensing procedures usually involve completing theoretical education, practical driving instruction at a licensed driving school, and passing theory and road tests. The license category determines which vehicle types a person may drive and may require periodic renewal and medical fitness checks. In many jurisdictions, minimum age varies by category.

Professional sõidukijuhid may be subject to additional rules to ensure road safety and compliance with working-time regulations. In the European Union and many countries, this includes the use of tachographs to record driving and rest periods and specific limits on daily and weekly driving time; drivers may also need additional qualifications, such as a Driver CPC certificate.

Common responsibilities include operating the vehicle safely, obeying traffic laws, maintaining the vehicle, securing cargo, and preventing impairment due to fatigue, alcohol, or drugs. Ongoing training on defensive driving, safety, and new regulations is common, especially for professional drivers.

Sõidukijuhid are governed by national traffic laws and, in many countries, by international as well as EU-wide standards. The role is essential for mobility, commerce, and emergency services.