Many transportation companies are hiring drivers with less experience. It’s a way to navigate a tight labor market, allowing you to secure the talent you need to meet productivity goals. However, since they may have spent less time working in the field, separating the top contenders from the rest isn’t always easy. 

Whether you’re hiring on your own or looking for employees through driver leasing companies, asking the right interview questions is essential. They help you gauge the candidate’s experience, mindset, and knowledge, allowing you to find the best possible match. If you aren’t sure what topics to bring up, here are five more interview questions for new truck drivers. 

1. What About Completing a Delivery Excites You Most? 

With this question, hiring managers can gauge a driver’s enthusiasm for the work. Often, passionate employees are the most productive, and they may be better equipped to navigate the stresses of handling a delivery. 

Ideally, you want to focus on candidates who can clearly express what about the work excites them, is upbeat when they speak, and can answer relatively quickly. Often, those are the job seekers with the most passion. 

2. If a Customer Was Angry Because a Delivery Was Late, How Would You Respond to Them?

Most people recognize that customers may be angry if a delivery is late. However, not all new drivers have a plan for handling these situations, which could cause issues when a late delivery occurs the first time. 

In the best-case scenario, the candidate has a general plan for addressing frustrated customers in a polite, professional manner. Those who show that they’d remain calm, take responsibility for the issue, offer an apology, and take similar steps may be your best contenders. 

3. If There Was an Accident, How Would You Deal with It?

This question can help you learn about a driver’s potential history with accidents, as some may reference past experiences in their answer. However, others may simply outline a process they’d follow. 

In either case, hearing a response that includes taking appropriate safety precautions after an accident, checking on the wellbeing of others involved, and following rules regarding accident reporting is a positive sign. That indicates the driver has a general strategy, is safety-conscious, and will strive to handle any reporting requirements quickly. 

4. Why Should You Avoid Stimulants on the Job?

Stimulants introduce risks, and new drivers should be aware of the dangers. Ideally, the candidate will be able to openly discuss why stimulants shouldn’t be used, as well as openly commit to avoiding them in their answer. 

5. Which FMCSA Regulations Apply to Truck Drivers, and Why Are They Important to Follow?

With this question, hiring managers can test a driver’s knowledge of relevant regulations. Additionally, it allows them to gauge whether the candidate knows why they’re important, aside from the legal compliance aspect of the equation. 

Strong answers will reference specific regulations and will include a clear understanding of why they’re essential. If a driver has trouble thinking of any relevant mandates, that could indicate they aren’t suitably knowledgeable, which may make them a less-than-ideal fit. 

The Right Truck Driver, For The Right Job

Ultimately, all of the interview questions for new truck drivers above can provide value. If you’re looking for more information or would like to hire candidates through driver leasing companies, the team at PTS® wants to hear from you. We are a truck driver staffing agency in California that provides CDL temp services nationwide. Our driver recruiters will put you in touch with qualified, reliable job candidates who will exceed your expectations. To learn more about our truck driver staffing services, contact us today.