Just a quick question about road tests

49 CFR Part 391.33 Equivalent of Road Test:

Prior to the advent of the CDL the person giving road tests were subject to the possibility of having to testify, someday, that Mr. {a name here} could drive.

The advent of the State certified 'Commercial Drivers License' removes some of this burden as the DOT recognizes 391.33 though most insurance and DOT specialist reviewers would still recommend actually doing a road test.

I did upset one insurance guy who asked me to describe how I did them.

" I tell the potential driver which trailer to hook onto and describe what I want him to do with it and I climb in the passenger side, lean back and close my eyes.....anyone who makes me open them, fails...."

Since I have more hours in the right seat than the left, this is fairly accurate until we leave the yard.

 

The DOT reg also allows for a CDL in lieu of a road test. Basically, the company doesn't need to do a road test and waste people's time. Copy your CDL, place it in your driver file with the "in lieu" form and you're good to go. I believe the companies still doing road tests for experienced drivers are locked in to the "that's how we've always done it" mentality instead of evolving with the times.

Personally, if I hire a guy with at least 2 years experience and his reports are clear, why should I waste time insulting him with a road test? Let's go make money instead.

 

I've always liked the idea of a new driver's road test being a full day's work with a senior driver riding along.
It gives the new guy a chance to show what he can do and how he handles different situations.
It also gives the senior driver a chance to see any little problems that might crop up later...lack of skill, road rage problems, speeding, tailgating...whatever.
Spending the whole day in an actual work environment can bring out good and bad points.
There's no way in the world I'd send somebody I didn't know out in one of our trucks by himself without somebody riding with him first.

 

tanks require a road test, just sayin..

 

I used to do road tests for a company that had nothing but Tankers!
A few times I was loaded and I just got the day cab truck, cause I was not using my truck, and did a bunch of them.
Some had never drove a loaded tanker.
I got paid $100 for each road test.
You have to state the price

 

I've done road tests at different companies.

qualifications?

I've got a lot of experience , I guess.