Chances are that you'd never buy a new truck or front-end loader without trying it out to make sure it could do the job. Do you do the same for those who will be operating the equipment?
Safety experts recommend that any employee who will be driving a truck receive a road test of their driving skills before being hired. The examiner should be fully qualified to operate the vehicle and familiar with the prospective operator's past experience.
Driver skills to test
- Use of all controls and traffic operations (including backing, parking, slowing, stopping, passing, and turning).
- Such general driving habits as alertness, stamina, and patience.
- Driving rules and regulations pertaining to the vehicle.
- Handling the necessary actions and equipment for loading and unloading the vehicle.
For each skill or knowledge area tested, the applicant should receive a pass/fail grade. Each area of weakness should lead to further training or to a corresponding limitation in the applicant's approved activities, and you should keep records and scores as documentation in the event of an accident or claim resulting from the applicant's actions.
For more detailed suggestions on the format or content of driver exams, contact your trade association, state department of motor vehicles, or one of our risk professionals, or review industry guidance such as Vehicle Classification and Driver Safety in Trucking for related considerations.
Driver testing and training also affect your risk profile and insurance costs; see resources like Ensuring Safe Operation of Heavy Equipment for additional safety practices that apply to heavy vehicle operation.
Your drivers are taking your vehicles and your insurance coverage on the road every time they drive. Wouldn't it be a good idea to make sure they're capable of protecting both? If you need a quick cost estimate or want to talk to your agent, we can connect you with a specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in a driver road test?
A road test should cover vehicle controls, backing and parking, traffic maneuvers, rule knowledge, and any job-specific loading or unloading tasks.
How should test results be recorded?
Record each tested area with a pass/fail grade, note weaknesses, and retain the documentation in employee files for training and claims defense.
Who should administer the driving test?
An examiner should be fully qualified to operate the vehicle and familiar with the applicant's experience and the vehicle type being used.
What if an applicant fails part of the test?
Provide targeted retraining for the weak areas or limit the employee's duties until they demonstrate competency in those skills.