With the labor market being tight, many companies have to consider drivers with less experience. However, since they don’t have much time on the road and may lack professional references if they don’t have a previous employer, figuring out if they’re a match for your team can be challenging. 

In many cases, vetting new truck drivers requires a strategy, ensuring you bring up the right topics during the interview. Whether you’re considering candidates through temporary driver staffing agencies or are hiring on your own, here are some interview questions for new truck drivers. 

Why Did You Decide to Become a Truck Driver? 

While this question might not seem to provide as much value as some alternatives, it’s actually quite important if you’re interviewing new truck drivers. It lets you know what led them to consider the field, which can give you clues about how they’ll feel on the road. Plus, you’ll see if they’re motivated by misconceptions, which could signal that a new driver isn’t the best match. 

Ideally, the job seeker will touch on the realities of driving a truck while demonstrating enthusiasm for the exciting parts of the career. That could indicate that they have what it takes to remain motivated on the road. 

Why Are You a Great Candidate for This Job? 

This question is designed to let the candidate explain why they feel they’re an excellent fit for the role. In a best-case scenario, they’ll tap on skills and traits that will serve them well in the job. For example, a love of driving or travel coupled with patience, safety consciousness, and a desire to ensure customer satisfaction are all positive signs. 

If You Were Running Late Through No Fault of Your Own, What Would You Do? 

While most drivers aim to be on time, circumstances outside of their control that can put them behind do occur. With this question, you can see how a new driver would handle a common situation, letting you know if they have the right mindset when faced with a typical challenge. 

The best candidates will usually focus on being communicative, including ensuring their supervisor and the customer are aware of the delay. Additionally, while they’ll work to improve their speed and efficiency during the rest of the route, they won’t act in an unsafe manner as a means of catching up. Instead, they’ll remain adaptable and focused, all while ensuring they’re careful on the road. 

How Would You Deal with a Breakdown? 

Even the best-maintained trucks may break down on occasion, so new drivers need to be ready for this eventuality. Ideally, they’ll be able to outline a plan that incorporates safety and communication, ensuring they’re able to inform others without creating an unnecessary hazard. 

Additionally, exceptional candidates will often go further, talking about how they may resolve common mechanical issues. Similarly, discussing preventative steps that they’d take to ensure a similar situation doesn’t arise again is a positive sign. 

Ultimately, all of the interview questions above are excellent options when you’re meeting with new truck drivers. If you’d like to learn more about how to find great candidates through temporary driver staffing agencies, the staff at PTS® wants to hear from you. Contact us today.