Most transportation companies require that “driver” applicants successfully pass both the in-class instructional examinations and the practical “road test” evaluation. Although the “road test” practical examination may vary from company to company, most of the road test evaluations involve the following criteria on how a driver performs during the “road-test”:
- Pre-Trip Emergency Equipment Inspection
- Use of Vehicle Controls
- Backing and Parking
- Slowing Down and Stopping
- Operating in City and On-The-Road Traffic
- Properly Observing Traffic Control Signals
- How to Handle Crossing an Intersection
- How to Handle Passing Traffic Ahead of You
- How to Regulate Your Speed
- General Knowledge of Company Rules and Regulations
- Driving Ability and Driving Habits
In general, a pre-trip inspection involves checking for leaks, checking the tires, checking the lights, checking under the hood, testing the brakes, checking the dashboard warning lights for a possible malfunction, and checking the previous post-trip inspection report, among other duties.
A training supervisor will visually verify whether the applicant uses the controls (engine, clutch, transmission, steering, lights, and brakes) in a safe manner, consistent with DOT regulations and company policy. The training supervisor will also ensure that the applicant successfully accomplishes both city and road parking assignments. The training supervisor ensures that the applicant does not hit nearby vehicles or stationary objects, and parks a safe distance from the curb, among other requirements.
The training supervisor will also ensure that the applicant is cognizant of traffic signs, traffic signals and how to approach intersections. Often, applicants rely on bad habits when approaching traffic signs, signals and intersections (e.g., rolling through a stop sign, running a yellow light, entering an intersection without caution, etc.). The training supervisor ensures that the applicant observes and adheres to all traffic control signals, traffic control lights, and knows how to safely enter an intersection without causing a crash.
Another important aspect of the applicant’s training involves regulating speed and knowing when to pass. Most crashes occur when you have a driver who is speeding and attempting to pass another vehicle when it is unsafe to do so. The supervisor trainer must ensure that the applicant knows when to pass and when not to pass another vehicle. As for speed, most tractors have a speed “regulator” or speed “governor” that permanently fixes how fast a tractor can go. Finally, it is of critical importance (and federally mandated as well) that the applicant be fully aware and be completely knowledgeable of federal, state, local, and company rules and procedures. When provided a specific assignment, it is imperative that the driver actually study his route and follow the assignment as mandated by the company. Often, a driver may have a longer route that he can consider, but instead chooses the shorter route because of time consideration or because the driver is running late. History has shown that this decision could have deadly consequences in the long run.
Written by:
Jose G. “Joey” Gonzalez, Jr.
Watts Guerra LLP
4 Dominion Drive, Bldg 3, Suite 100
San Antonio, Texas 78257
Phone (210) 447-0500
© Watts Guerra LLP 2015
