Drive Test

I have seen seasoned drivers sent home for driving skills, or lack of them. What they are usually looking at in orientation or pre-hire tests is safe practices. They expect newbs to miss a gear or two and expect that will improve in time. But if you aren't safe, all the practice in the world won't fix that.

 

A missed shift now and then wont hurt your chances of passing. Demonstrate that you are aware you're pulling a 53' trailer and that you are safety minded. Call out any truck specific signage, keep speed down and don't pull out into traffic until road is clear (you may miss a shift so if you pull out and cant get out of the way a tester might mess his pants). Basically put the tester at ease with being safety minded. They are aware you're going with a trainer so they wont fail you for shifting or backing skills. Also do a pre-trip and if he says you don't need to then just quickly walk around checking lights and kicking tires. Drive safe and good luck.

 

Swifts drive test consists of starting the truck and then immediately turning it off (no idle time allowed!)

 

Good luck driver

 

This is the thing that actually surprise slots of newbies. They got out of driving school and sign with companies like Swift. They are expecting to go into a trainers truck and get trained, right?

But then you hear about the little driving test on the first day of orientation. "Hmmm, what is this about? I thought that I would get some seat time before I had to do anther driving test."

They will stick 4 of you in a truck. 8 speed plus a granny gear. 1,2,3,4. 1,2,3,4. Take note: you were supposed to be able to drive BEFORE getting to Swift. So if you cannot drive that truck around the block, they will send you home.

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Read Mr Hick's post well. The others that get sent home are those people who can't seem to remember that they're pulling a 53 ft trailer. Do not hit any curbs. I know that you will be nervous. They know that you are nervous. So take your time. Swing wide, and check your mirrors and make absolutely sure not to curb your wheels. Okay?

Even if Swift will take just anybody, we do not want to be just anybody. We want to be one of the people that made the grade.