Truck Driver Hobbies: 6 Ways to Fight Boredom on the Road

Truck drivers can enjoy many hobbies on the road. You can play games, listen to books, cook, explore new places, learn new skills, or talk with family. Many hobbies need little space or gear.

As an over-the-road (OTR) truck driver, my family and friends ask me all the time, "Rob, what do you do in your free time?" It's the question I get asked the most. Even other truck drivers ask me.

Some people think truck drivers spend all day driving, then go straight to bed, and some days are that busy. But other days, we have time to relax and have fun.

I've found that having a hobby gives me something to look forward to after a long day. It helps me unwind, meet new people, and make the most of my time away from home.

Here are six ways I like to spend my free time on the road; plus, a few tips I've learned from other drivers.

What Are Some Good Hobbies for Truck Drivers?

The best hobby for you depends on your free time, space, and interests. Some hobbies are great for short breaks. Others work best when you have more time off.

How Much Free Time Do OTR Truck Drivers Have?

Your free time depends on your route, work hours, and wait times. Local drivers may be home each night but work long days. OTR drivers may spend weeks away from home, but they can have time to relax between loads.

Under federal hours-of-service (HOS) rules, most property-carrying truck drivers can drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They must complete their driving within a 14-hour window after starting work and cannot drive after reaching 60 hours on duty in seven consecutive days or 70 hours in eight consecutive days, depending on their carrier's operations.

Drivers must also take a 30-minute break after eight cumulative hours of driving without a qualifying break. This break can include off-duty time, sleeper berth time, or on-duty time spent not driving.

 Some drivers use a 34-hour restart to reset their weekly hours. Others run recaps to manage the hours they have left.

Related: How to Run Recaps

But time off duty isn't always free time. You still need to sleep, eat, shower, and take care of daily tasks. Rest comes first.

You may also spend time waiting for a load, a repair, or a customer. Some days, you may only have a short time to relax. Other days, you may have a few hours to enjoy.

I like to have hobbies that fit both short and long breaks. That way, I always have something to look forward to.

Related: Understanding Hours of Service

6 Hobbies Truck Drivers Can Enjoy on the Road

There are many ways to have fun when you're not driving. Here are six hobbies I enjoy, along with a few I've seen other drivers try.

1. Play Games or Watch Shows in Your Truck

Games and TV are easy ways to relax after a long day. Some drivers watch shows or play video games in their sleeper berth.

You can use your phone's hotspot to get Wi-Fi, though the speed may depend on where you're parked.

Board games are another great choice. I like to take my chessboard to truck stops. Other drivers will stop to play a game or two with me. It's a fun way to meet people, get out of the cab and enjoy some time with other drivers.

2. Listen to Podcasts and Audiobooks

After a long day of driving, you may not want to look at a screen. Podcasts and audiobooks are a great way to unwind. You can listen to a story, learn something new, or catch up on a topic you love.

Many podcasts are free. You can also use an app like Libby or CloudLibrary to borrow audiobooks from your local library with a library card.

The best part? You don't need much gear or space to enjoy them.

3. Bring Your Favorite Hobby With You

You don't have to give up the hobbies you enjoy at home. I know drivers who bring guitars, sports gear, or workout gear in their trucks. I even met a driver who brought a folding, battery-powered scooter. He used it to explore nearby areas when he had time off.

For me, I love snowboarding. If I know I'll be near a good place to snowboard, I'll bring my gear from home.

Cooking is another fun hobby. With the right truck-safe tools, you can make meals on the road. It can also help you save money.

The key is to pick a hobby that fits your truck and your schedule.

4. Explore New Places During Longer Breaks

One of my favorite things about trucking is seeing new places.

You're already traveling, so why not plan a few adventures? When you have a longer break, you may have time to explore a town, take a walk or see a local sight.

I once had to wait a few days for a load in Las Vegas. Rather than spend all that time in my truck, I went out and explored the area.

You do need to plan ahead. Make sure your truck is parked in a safe, legal spot and that you have enough time to get back before you need to work.

Even a short walk can be a nice change after a long day.

I work hard on the road, so I like to enjoy the places I get to see. Exploring also helps break up the same daily routine.

5. Learn a New Skill on the Road

I'm big on learning. Being on the road gives me a chance to meet people who know a lot about trucking. As a flatbed driver working toward heavy haul, I've learned a lot from the drivers I meet at truck stops. If I see someone hauling an oversized load I've never hauled before, I like to ask how they secured it and what they've learned on the job.

Sometimes, those drivers become mentors. I learn things from them that I may not have learned in trucking school.

When I first hauled a removable gooseneck (RGN) trailer, I spent time learning how to care for it. I also read trucking forums and watched videos about the industry.

You don't have to learn a trucking skill, though. You could learn a new language, read about a topic you enjoy, or try something new.

There's always more to learn, and your free time is a great chance to do it.

6. Stay in Touch With Family and Friends

Talking with family is one of the best parts of my day. I'm on the phone and video chatting with my family often. Hearing their voices really helps, especially after a tough day.

If you have family at home, try to set aside time to talk. A regular call gives you both something to look forward to. You can also share photos and stories from the places you visit.

Being on the road doesn't mean you have to lose touch with the people you love.

Why Are Hobbies Important for Truck Drivers?

Life on the road can be hard at times. You spend long hours at work and may be away from home for weeks.

Staying in a small truck cab all day can get old fast. That's why I think it's important to get out, meet people, and do things you enjoy when you have the time. A hobby gives you a way to relax after work. It can also help you meet people and feel less alone. I've made friends by playing chess and talking with other drivers. I've also learned new skills from drivers who've had more time on the road than I have.

Sometimes, a short walk or a call home is all I need to feel better after a hard day.

You don't need a big plan. Find something you enjoy and make time for it when you can.

Common Questions About Truck Driver Hobbies

What hobbies can truck drivers do in their trucks?

Truck drivers can read, play games, draw, watch shows, or learn new skills. Many of these hobbies need little space and can be enjoyed while safely parked.

What are some cheap hobbies for truck drivers?

Walking, taking photos, listening to free podcasts, and reading library books are low-cost ways to have fun on the road.

How can truck drivers stay busy during long breaks?

Drivers can explore nearby areas, cook, exercise, talk with family, or work on a hobby. What you can do depends on your location and how much time you have.

Can truck drivers have a social life on the road?

Yes! Drivers can meet other drivers, talk with friends and family, and stay in touch through calls and video chats. Some drivers also make friends through shared hobbies.

Make the Most of Your Time on the Road

Truck driving is hard work. You need time to rest, but it's also good to make time for things you enjoy.

Start with one hobby that fits your space, time, and budget. It may be as simple as a chess game, a good book, or a call home. You don't need to fill every free minute. Rest matters, too.

One of the best ways to use your free time is to get moving. If you want to be more active, these truck driver exercise tips can help you get started.

Want to learn more about life as an ATS driver? Visit Drive4ATS.com to explore driving opportunities and find a path that fits your goals.