Why this matters:
Whether they’ve been driving professionally for years or just got their license, your next driver should know what to do if they face inclement weather while on the road. An understanding of best practices like reducing speed, increasing following distance, and using low beams and fog lights, combined with a responsible attitude, can help drivers protect themselves and other road users, no matter the weather.
What to listen for:
- Knowledge of safe driving practices
- Experience driving in all common weather conditions
- A keen awareness of the danger bad weather can pose
Why this matters:
Drivers will often have to travel through unfamiliar areas. If you’re hiring a driver primarily for local deliveries, knowledge of the local area is highly valuable. But ideally, all candidates will be equipped to use maps and GPS technology to quickly get back on track if they lose their way.
What to listen for:
- Comfort reading a map, using a GPS, and asking for directions if needed
- Strategies to avoid distracted driving, such as pulling over before looking up directions
- Knowledge of the local area or common travel routes
Why this matters:
No matter how careful a driver is, factors beyond their control — like bad weather and the actions of other road users — can sometimes result in accidents. If something goes wrong on the road, you need to know that your driver understands the appropriate steps to take, especially in emergency situations where time may be of the essence.
What to listen for:
- A clear set of steps they’d take in the event of both minor and major accidents
- Willingness to follow the company’s accident protocol and local reporting laws
- Preparedness and emergency first aid skills
Why this matters:
Your next driver will likely have to follow a strict schedule, but since traffic and weather can be unpredictable, delays will happen from time to time. In these instances, it’s important for your driver to act responsibly and with professionalism, especially if they need to communicate with customers. Ideally, they’ll take steps to minimize delays — but that shouldn’t include dangerous or illegal road behavior.
What to listen for:
- Commitment to following the rules — never speeding or driving recklessly due to delays
- Calm under pressure, patience, and proactive time management skills
- Communication skills in notifying customers or supervisors of delays in good time
Why this matters:
Professional drivers often have to drive for long stretches at a time. While some countries enforce a limit on the number of hours they’re allowed to be on the road each day, drivers also need to regulate their own activity to ensure they never fall asleep at the wheel or become distracted, potentially putting lives at risk.
What to listen for:
- An understanding of the risks of driving while tired or distracted
- Tactics to minimize fatigue like taking breaks and getting a good night’s sleep
- Experience driving long distances and using hands-free technology to stay safe
Why this matters:
Since many drivers have to interact directly with customers, they must be prepared to handle the occasional angry or upset person. Late deliveries and similar grievances might lead a customer to take their frustrations out on the driver, so the ability to maintain a professional demeanor and act appropriately in heated situations is critical.
What to listen for:
- Interpersonal skills to de-escalate heated situations
- Calm demeanor, active listening skills, and problem-solving abilities
- Understanding of the importance of representing their company professionally
Why this matters:
The way a candidate answers this question can tell you both what they consider to be important qualities in drivers and the traits they pride themselves on. If they’ve been driving for a while, they should have a strong sense of what makes a good driver and seek to exemplify these qualities on the road.
What to listen for:
- Traits like being focused, patient, responsible, and highly aware of their surroundings
- Qualities specific to making deliveries, like being organized and a good communicator
- Ability to work independently, stay self-motivated, and adapt to change
Why this matters:
This question can help you assess a candidate’s integrity and problem-solving skills. Failing to get a required signature — or worse, forging one — could get your company in trouble. But at the same time, you don’t want your driver to give up easily, forcing them to waste time making a second delivery attempt later.
What to listen for:
- Practical solutions like phoning the customer or finding another person to sign
- Personal integrity, work ethic, proactive problem-solving, and communication abilities
- Willingness to act in the company’s and the customers’ best interests at all times
Why this matters:
This question can help you understand where your candidate finds their motivation. Driving might sound like an easy job, but being on the road for a long time can sometimes be tiring and tedious. If your candidate genuinely enjoys aspects of driving, like seeing different places and having time alone with their thoughts, they’re less likely to get bored, which could lead to distracted driving.
What to listen for:
- Pride in building skills like situational awareness, reaction time, and sense of direction
- Desire to work independently, achieve goals, and provide great service
- Appreciation of the unique challenges that arise on the job
Contact a sales specialist.