Possession of a driver’s license does not verify that a driver can safely operate a vehicle. All drivers should be required to take a road test to evaluate their safety awareness. This checklist can help a supervisor administer a road test. Place a check mark: in the Yes box for items that the driver performs satisfactorily; in the No box when further training is recommended; and in the N/A box when the item does not apply to the operation of the vehicle that the driver will be assigned. Additional criteria may be necessary to meet a company’s specific needs.
Checks general condition of vehicle
Checks for proper operation of parking and service brake systems
Checks steering mechanism
Checks condition of tires
Checks all lighting devices and reflectors
Checks horn and windshield wipers
Checks and adjusts rearview mirrors
Checks emergency equipment
Checks that fifth wheel jaws are open
Lines up properly with the trailer
Connects brake and electrical lines
Charges trailer brakes
Backs up slowly
Visually checks for proper coupling of fifth wheel
Assures that fifth wheel handle is in locked position
Raises landing gear and removes wheel chocks
Applies trailer brakes and gently tries to pull away from trailer
Starts vehicle properly
Checks air pressure in brake system
Tests operation of brakes
Checks traffic conditions
Drives with both hands on the steering wheel
Checks mirrors frequently, especially when backing
Accelerates, steers, and brakes smoothly
Shifts gears properly
Uses directional signals properly
Maintains proper speed for conditions, within speed limit
Able to slow vehicle other than by braking
Stops vehicle in proper location
Does not allow vehicle to roll, while it should be stopped
Checks in all directions for traffic conditions
Prepares to stop vehicle at an intersection, even if traffic signal is green
Signals intention to turn well in advance
Approaches a turn at the proper speed
Makes sure vehicle is in proper lane for turn
Checks traffic conditions and turns only when intersection is clear
Keeps vehicle in proper lane during turn
Does not shift gears during turn
Stops in correct position when parking
Gets out of vehicle and checks entire area, including overhead, before backing
Avoids backing from blindside
Only passes in safe location, where legally allowed, and within legal speed limit
Checks ahead and behind to make sure passing room is adequate
Warns vehicle ahead of intention to pass
Uses directional signals properly when passing
Leaves sufficient space before cutting back into lane
Checks in all directions when approaching railroad crossing
Comes to complete stop at railroad crossing, when necessary, or as required by law
Stops at a safe distance of the railroad crossing, when necessary
Does not shift gears when crossing railroad tracks
Remarks:
Check one of the following:
Road test conducted by (print):
Date of road test:
To learn more about Hanover Risk Solutions, visit hanoverrisksolutions.com.
171-1176 (4/15) LC 2015-116