Have you ever seen or heard of an experienced driver failing a pre employment road test?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by DAX_, Jul 4, 2025.

  1. DAX_

    DAX_ Medium Load Member

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    Just a random thought
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Yes, curbing a tire is one reason.
     
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  4. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    I sent several down the road after a road test.
     
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  5. brian991219

    brian991219 Road Train Member

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    Yes. I have about an 8 out of 10 pass rate when I conduct road tests. The more expierenced you are the harder I grade your road test, meaning there is less grace for overlooking or rushing things on the pre-trip, not being able to shift gears perfectly, back up in a straight line and absolutely no grace for poor habits in traffic.

    The more "experienced" the driver is, the less coachable they are, meaning I will not be able to correct their poor habits and skill deficiencies.

    I have given 30 year drivers road tests that they couldn't even make it thru the pre-trip, several arguing about how the "real world" is and how they get to know their truck and don't need to do a full pre-trip. Worse yet, I have had a few over the years drive so poorly that I have had to end the road test and drive back myself. I explain to them exactly what we are looking for before we even walk out to the truck, so it isn't like I am suprising them when I expect them to check the fluids, or use a 7 second following distance or them to be able to downshift to a stop at a red light!

    Once I had a applicant swear up and down they were very familiar with Mack dump trucks yet they couldn't even figure out how to put it into reverse. I showed him the button on the side of the shifter handle and he argued with me that I was an idiot and that was the range selector, which it is not on a Mack transmission. Still, I gave him a chance and he missed a gear coming out of the driveway and nearly lost control of the empty truck trying to get it back in gear. Needless to say, we turned around and went right back to the shop.

    So yes, it is common for expierenced drivers to fail road tests if the company is conducting them properly.
     
  6. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I’ve seen a couple drivers that high hooked trailers rather than get out and look to check the trailer height. Their test ended at that point.
     
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  7. Jabuol

    Jabuol Light Load Member

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    Here, they get the courtesy of a check ride but it's no guarantee of a job.
    Even an experienced driver can have a lousy attitude. If they look or sound like they're going to be trouble, if they argue with the person conducting the check ride, or lie about their experience they're gone.
    It goes without saying that if they curb tires, run over mail boxes, or have any kind of accident the ride is over immediately.
     
  8. Jabuol

    Jabuol Light Load Member

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    Ever have an applicant bump the steering axle tires to see if they have air in them? And then argue with you about it?
     
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  9. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Dax_, Brian put it to the letter what happens, I have a 4 out of 10 failure rate on the road test, but mine are harder for a reason.

    I expect a pre-trip explanation while it is happening. I know my yard truck has specific defects that are both hidden and obvious, so they should catch most of them, but not all of them.

    My road tests are difficult, real-world. It starts with a pre-trip on a road truck and then is hooked up to a trailer that is tight between two others. I have had drivers mess this up, and I had a few who have not waited into they were clear of the trailers to turn.

    After the road test, they are told to put the trailer back in the spot, unhook it, and move the truck to its parking spot - many can not back it into the spot.
     
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  10. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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  11. wis bang

    wis bang Road Train Member

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    It happens, it is easy to see nerves VRS inexperience.
     
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