The answer to this question will let you know if a truck driver is familiar with the daily protocol for driving on interstates and freeways. An ideal candidate will know that it’s urgent for their load to be balanced and at a safe weight. A good truck driver will stop as expected and won’t take shortcuts that could prove costly for your company. What to look for in an answer:

• Loads commercial trucks appropriately
• Obeys traffic laws
• Understands the importance of inspecting their trailer before leaving

This is a good question to ask so that you can learn more about the applicant’s driving history. You want a candidate who’s honest about their driving record as well as one who can demonstrate that they’ll handle accidents in a calm and reasonable manner. Their answer should also reveal their understanding of traffic laws as well as the repercussions if they fail to obey them. What to look for in an answer:

• Honest about past transgressions
• Accepts responsibility for their actions
• Demonstrates growth from past accidents

An ideal applicant will be aware that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issues new regulations frequently. They know that if they aren’t compliant with the regulations, your company could be penalized. Their answer to this question will also show whether or not they understand that noncompliance increases the odds of exhausted driving and the potential for an accident. You want a candidate who understands why it’s important to remain compliant at all times. What to look for in an answer:

• Takes their role as a truck driver seriously
• Keeps their log books up to date
• Has superior recordkeeping skills

This question can be useful in learning the potential hire’s qualifications. Ideally, the candidate will have completed vital training courses prior to taking their exam and could have certain certifications. You want an applicant who maintains a valid commercial driver’s license and renews certifications as directed by the law or certain regulations. What to look for in an answer:

• Meets at least entry-level qualifications
• Experience with operating different types of commercial vehicles
• Completed defensive driving courses

This question will give you insight into an applicant’s understanding of the effects of stimulants. An ideal candidate will know that medications aren’t safe for drivers and often cause 18-wheeler accidents. You want an employee who won’t use stimulants and won’t place themselves, your vehicles, and others on the road at risk. What to look for in an answer:

• Mitigates risks while driving
• Participates in rest periods as expected
• Follows your company’s safety policies

Truck drivers often have tight deadlines to meet and the smallest delays can cause late shipments. This can cause truck drivers a lot of stress and may cause them to go above the speed limit to make up for lost time. This question allows interviewers to determine a candidate's ethical code and problem-solving abilities.

A candidate's answer should emphasize:

• Adherence driving laws
• Communication with supervisor
• Commitment to maintaining safe driving habits

Here is one example of a quality candidate answer: