When preparing for a drivers employment application process, it is vital to know what to expect. You’ll want to be sure you can follow written instructions and understand directions. Make sure you see any driving requirements, such as the need to wear glasses or corrective lenses or be able to drive at night. Remember how much time you have to prepare and what to expect from the interviewer.
Pre-Employment Drug Test
If you have recently been laid off from your job, you may be required to undergo a pre-employment drug test. Even if you have not been laid off, you are still part of a random testing pool. A positive drug test could lead to an employee being denied a job.
Drivers must pass a drug test before being hired for a semi-truck. The results of a Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) are stored in the employee’s record and give employers a complete picture of their driving record. The FMCSA does this to ensure they are healthy enough to drive safely. Furthermore, if a driver has a criminal record or is a registered sex offender, they are not considered a safe hire.
A pre-employment drug test has several benefits for employers. It boosts employee morale, prevents employee turnover, and increases productivity. It also helps reduce incidents of theft and lost work. Whether you’re looking for a part-time or full-time position, pre-employment drug testing is a cost-effective, positive solution.
Road Test
When taking a road test, be sure to observe the road signs. Failing to observe these signs will result in an automatic fail. Pay attention to stop signs and avoid stopping too close to a vehicle in front of you. Also, when driving in bad weather, you should slow down. If the test administrator asks you to explain why you are driving slower, explain that you are doing so due to poor weather conditions. It is also important to avoid braking too aggressively. A good way to practice braking is to stop a quarter-mile before your destination and allow yourself ample time to stop.
Poor driving habits can result in serious accidents. Whether or not a driver understands how to drive a truck correctly, whether they brakes or checks the mirrors, and other driving habits can be a determining factor. A pre-trip inspection and road test can help employers determine whether a driver is a safe employee.
Observation Skills
During the application process for a driver’s job, you’ll be asked to demonstrate your observation skills. For example, you might ask the driver how high a bridge is or whether they check their mirrors. Both of these behaviors can suggest future hazards. Using these methods can help you improve your observation skills.
Observation skills refer to using the five senses to observe your environment. They are often associated with mindfulness and encourage a sense of present awareness. One of the most critical observation skills is active listening. By being able to concentrate on the speaker, you’ll fully understand their message and respond to their questions in a thoughtful manner.
Critical observation skills are an essential part of an employee’s job. They help them respond to various situations and take appropriate action. They’re valuable in the workplace, but they’re helpful in the home as well. When you can pay attention to your surroundings, you’ll have a better chance of getting a good job.
Safety Performance History Inquiry
In the application process for new drivers, one of the first steps is submitting a completed Safety performance record request (SPHRR). This is typically part of the general employment verification process. This form includes questions from safety professionals about the applicant’s past employment. It typically includes dates of employment, job titles, vehicle operating history, and more.
Generally, a prospective motor carrier must investigate all previous DOT-regulated employers before allowing the driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle. They must verify that the information provided is accurate and keep all records of requests and responses for one year. If there is no safety performance history record for a driver, the prospective motor carrier must decline to allow the driver to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
The FMCSA has stated that the new rule requires that drivers provide this information. However, the requirements are so extensive and prescriptive that they are unnecessarily burdensome for motor carriers and prospective drivers. It is also inconsistent with other DOT-regulated industries. Further, the FMCSA has stated that the requirement will limit the flexibility of motor carriers and future drivers.
