Drivers typically work for hotels or restaurants and carry out various transporting tasks. They are responsible for carrying out vehicle maintenance, delivering packages to clients in a timely manner and working on nights and weekends, among other duties.
When you’re interviewing drivers, candidates should demonstrate excellent organizational skills and knowledge of the local area. Bad candidates will lack interpersonal skills and struggle to communicate effectively.
DRIVER Interview Questions & Answers! (How to PASS a Driving Job Interview!)
6 Driver Interview Questions and Answers
What would be the first thing you do if you got into an accident while driving for us?
It’s always better to be prepared for any eventuality, so you’ll want to make sure your prospective driver knows what to do in case of a minor or major accident. This question will let you know if the applicant is likely to freeze up in an emergency situation instead of following the company’s accident protocol. A good driver will already know what needs to be done in case of an emergency and will have an appropriate answer ready. Listen for the following:
- A well thought-out response
- Intention to call 911 when needed
- Intention to inform the company
Do you have a clean driving record?
While a couple of minor issues probably won’t be a problem, you’ll want to make sure that there are not any serious infractions or there is not a long history of serial, minor incidents on your prospective driver’s record. The last thing you want is a driver who will endanger himself or others while on the job, potentially causing damages you may be liable for. You’ll also want to ensure the applicant will provide an honest response, which you may be able to later corroborate with a driving record check. Listen for the following:
- A prompt, forthright answer
- A clean driving record
- No history of reckless driving
What do you enjoy the most about driving?
Driving may seem easy, but it can be challenging and tiring after being on the road for a long time. An aspiring driver will have to be very motivated in order to succeed in this career and lifestyle. Some people really enjoy driving, and these are the kinds of workers you want to find and hire. Listen for the following:
- Motivation
- Willingness to be behind the wheel
- Experience as a driver, if possible
How familiar are you with the area and route you would be driving?
Even though GPS technology has gotten rid of the need to memorize a route, it’s still important for a driver to be familiar with the area they’ll be driving through. By asking this question, you can get an idea of whether your applicant has a basic knowledge of the area they’ll be working in. You’ll also be able to tell if they’re being dishonest, especially if you’re familiar with the area yourself. Listen for the following:
- A confident answer without hesitation
- Specific knowledge of the area
- Willingness to use technology to supplement their knowledge
What kind of vehicles do you drive or have a license for?
It’s important to gauge your applicant’s driving skill. Since you can’t take them on a road test, the best way to do so is to get an accurate idea about their credentials. As you will most likely ask for copies of their licenses later, this is also a great way to weed out any dishonest applicants. Their answer will let you know how experienced they are with different vehicle types. Listen for the following:
- An honest answer
- Accurate information about the vehicles they can drive
- Their driving experience and background
What would you do if you were running late and falling behind on your delivery route?
Drivers are responsible for sticking to a strict schedule to ensure customers receive their packages on time. There are moments when a driver may fall behind schedule and will need to follow certain procedures to get back on track or to notify certain parties that they’re running late. This question gives you the opportunity to understand how professional your employee is and how they quickly respond to unexpected situations. An effective driver candidate will provide an honest answer that displays their professionalism and character during this type of situation. The candidate’s answer should demonstrate:
- How responsible the candidate is
- Their process for acknowledging and correcting a mistake
- Their honesty and character
Here’s an example of what an effective answer could look like:
Driver Interview Questions:
Candidates should describe how the accident occurred, the steps they have taken to avoid repeating it and the lessons theyve learned from it. Look for candidates who display critical thinking when driving to ensure their safety on the road.
A client is being difficult to deal with. How do you manage the situation?
Candidates should always remain calm and professional when dealing with clients.
What, in your opinion, is the most important quality in a driver?
Candidates should list good organizational and interpersonal skills as the most important attributes in a Driver.
THE SKILLS AND QUALITIES NEEDED TO BE A DRIVER
Before attending your driver interview it is essential to read the job description to gain a thorough understanding of the various skills and qualities expected of you in the role. To help you in your research we have provided you with a list of generic skills and qualities needed in the vast majority of driving roles.
NOTE: The following skills and qualities are relevant to all driving roles including delivery driver, courier, taxi driver, lorry driver, bus driver, truck driver, freight driver, and train driver.
The most important skills and qualities needed to be a competent driver include safety awareness and the ability to adhere to strict rules and procedures in respect of driving laws and company policies. Driving is a safety-critical role, and safety should always be your priority in everything you do whilst working for your employer.
Other important skills and qualities needed in driving roles include excellent customer service skills, being able to work to strict timescales, having driving aptitude and planning capabilities so you can find your way to your various destinations, and being a positive role model for the company brand.
As a driver, you must always be fit to drive and be respectful of customers and passengers whilst adhering to company customer service expectations. Finally, as a driver, you must be adaptable and flexible, keep up-to-date with the highway code and driving regulations, and stick rigidly to the applicable speed limits in your country of your employment.
5 TIPS FOR PASSING A DRIVER’S JOB INTERVIEW
If you have a driver job interview coming up soon with any transportation company or organization, the following 5 tips will be vital in helping you beat the competition. The 5 tips are great for all driver roles including truck driver, delivery driver, bus driver, train driver, freight driver, coach driver, taxi driver, uber driver, and more!
DRIVER INTERVIEW TIP #1
Throughout your driver job interview, it is important to focus on safety. Driving is a safety-critical role and your employer will expect you to understand all safety procedures relevant to your role. They will also expect you to adhere to all driving laws and speed limits. When answering the interview questions, make reference to your awareness of safety several times.
DRIVER INTERVIEW TIP #2
The second most important quality needed to become a competent driver is customer focus. The majority of transportation companies drivers work for have high customer service standards. Whether it’s delivering goods or food for customers or driving passengers to their destination, customer service will be a priority in your role.
DRIVER INTERVIEW TIP #3
At the end of your driver interview, you will have the chance to ask the interviewer some questions of your own. Do not ask questions about pay or holiday entitlement. Instead, focus on asking questions that show you want to help their company be successful. Questions such as, what advice would you give to the successful candidate who wants to excel as a driver, will put you across as a committed employee.
DRIVER INTERVIEW TIP #4
Be prepared to answer questions about your availability as a driver. Before you attend your driver’s job interview, think carefully about the hours you can definitely commit to. Basically, the more hours you can drive (within the legal limits) the more chances you will have of passing your driving job interview.
DRIVER INTERVIEW TIP #5
One of the easiest ways to prepare for a driver interview, but one that is often overlooked by candidates, is to read the job description. The job description is the blueprint for the driving role you are applying for, and on it, will be a list of essential criteria needed in the position. When the interviewer asks you what your strengths are, align them with the requirements listed in the job description.
DOWNLOAD RICHARD MCMUNN’S 22 DRIVER JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PDF GUIDE BELOW!
Why Do You Think You Are the Right Fit for this Job
Here your qualities and suitability for this job are tested
Tip #1: Ensure you have researched the company before going for the interview to know about it
Tip # 2: Mention the value you will add to the company when hired
Sample Answer
My driving skills and knowledge matches the requirements of this job. Besides, I am experienced in driving different types of vehicles. Thus, I can adjust accordingly based on the demands of this role. My biggest motivation for applying for this job is passionate for driving. I believe my existence in this company will be of great value.
FAQ
What are the interview questions for drivers?
- What kind of vehicles do you drive or have a license for? …
- How familiar are you with the area and route you would be driving? …
- What do you enjoy the most about driving? …
- What would be the first thing you do if you got into an accident while driving for us? …
- Do you have a clean driving record?
Why should we hire you answer for driver?
What are the 10 most common interview questions and answers?
- Could you tell me about yourself and describe your background in brief? …
- How did you hear about this position? …
- What type of work environment do you prefer? …
- How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations? …
- Do you prefer working independently or on a team?
