Improving Driver Selection with Road Tests

Drivers are evaluated for safe driving practices on a 10 to 12 mile course.

Road tests are designed to assist with the overall driver selection process and to evaluate safe driving performance. A course of approximately 10 to 12 miles including city, rural and interstate driving is utilized for the road test. A driver is shown a map of the route and is given time to become familiar with the vehicle before the test begins.

The following are suggested areas that should be evaluated by a qualified driver during the road test.

Inspection of equipment

Be sure the driver does the following while driving.

• Makes visual check of vehicle including lights and reflectors, tires, coupling devices, air lines and trailer hookup.
• Familiar with starting procedure.
• Checks brakes, steering mechanism, horn, windshield wipers and adjusts mirrors.
• Checks air pressure, instruments and tractor protection valve.

Intersections

• Approaches intersections at a speed where vehicle could stop if necessary.
• Stops soon enough to avoid running over crosswalk.
• Does not allow vehicle to roll or creep while waiting for traffic lights.
• Brings vehicle to full stop at stop signs.
• Checks cross traffic regardless of traffic controls.

Passing

• Does not attempt to pass when traffic is moving at posted speed.
• Maintains proper following distance, does not tailgate awaiting chance to pass.
• Does not attempt to pass without adequate passing distance.
• Does not pass on hills, curves, intersections or railroad tracks.
• Allows adequate clearance before pulling back into right lane.

Coupling and uncoupling tractor trailer units

• Lines up units properly.
• Makes sure lines are clear.
• Makes sure trailer is secure.
• Backs under slowly.
• Checks hookup visually.
• Handles landing gear properly.

Vehicle operation, straight road

• Checks traffic conditions before pulling into traffic.
• Drives with both hands on the wheel.
• Stays in traffic flow.
• Maintains proper speed within posted speed limits but not too slow.
• Signals intent before changing lanes.
• Maintains proper following distance.
• Brakes smoothly and uses engine to reduce speed by shifting to lower gears.

Turns

• Approaches intersection in proper lane.
• Begins turn signal at least 100 feet from the corner.
• Checks position of other vehicles well in advance of turn.
• On right turns makes allowance for off-track or back end cutting short.
• While waiting to make left turns has wheels pointing straight ahead.
• Maintains proper lane during turns.

Backing and parking

• Stops in correct position to back.
• Gets out of cab and checks to rear and sides if necessary.
• Backs slowly and smoothly without excessive use of clutch or brake.
• Makes full use of mirrors.
• Chocks trailer at loading docks.
• Parks off pavement and secures vehicle before leaving.

General habits

• Is alert and aware of changing traffic conditions.
• Adjusts driving to meet changing traffic conditions.
• Performs routine functions without taking eyes from road.
• Displays self-confidence in driving.

For additional Loss Control guidance, please visit the Plan & Protect safety hub.