Driver Skill Observation Checklist 2017 template.docx

DRIVER ROAD TEST CHECKLIST

A check mark in the box indicates the driver performed adequately in that area. If a box is not checked, that area must be addressed in the comments section below.

PRE-TRIP

☐ PRE-TRIP INSPECTION: Did driver check tires, engine fluids, windows, and overall vehicle condition?

☐ PARKING POSITION: Did driver evaluate parking position and possible obstacles prior to moving?

☐ PERSONAL ADJUSTMENTS: Did driver take time to adjust mirrors and seat to optimum position?

☐ LOG BOOK: Did driver note mileage in log book?

☐ SEAT BELTS: Did driver perform a seat belt check of passengers?

DRIVING

☐ STARTING: Did driver check traffic, accelerate smoothly, and make safe entry into traffic?

☐ VEHICLE POSITION: Is driver aware of vehicle placement in lane? Did driver stay in center of their lane?

☐ TURNS: Did driver use turn signals, leave adequate space for oncoming traffic, leave an adequate turning radius (avoid hitting curb), check blind spots, and turn into proper lane position? Did driver keep wheels straight while waiting to make a left turn at an intersection? Be sure to evaluate both right and left turns.

☐ LANE CHANGE: Did driver use turn signals, check mirrors and blind spots, complete lane change in timely fashion, and request help from ATD (if appropriate)? Be sure to evaluate lane changes in both directions.

☐ SPEED: Did driver observe and obey speed limits, remain aware of vehicle speed, and adjust speed for traffic and road conditions?

☐ CORNERING SPEED: Did driver slow down sufficiently before entering turns or curves?

☐ FOLLOWING DISTANCE: Did driver maintain adequate following distance for speed and road conditions? Did driver leave space in front when stopping behind other vehicles, including compensating for tailgaters?

☐ READING TRAFFIC: Did driver scan the road in front of them? Was the driver aware of developing situations and able to react appropriately and safely? Were hazards spotted in time to take appropriate actions?

☐ USE OF MIRRORS: Did driver make maximum use of outside mirrors, especially passenger side? Did driver lean in seat to improve site angle when needed?

☐ FOCUS AND CONCENTRATION: Did driver keep their eyes on the road, remain aware and focused on safe operation of the vehicle, and refrain from conversing with passengers?

☐ CROSS WIND EFFECT: Did driver adequately compensate for crosswinds? Is the driver aware of proper techniques for handling the van in wind (i.e., slowing down, pulling off the road)?

☐ BRAKING: Did driver slow down and brake adequate distance before stop signs, lights, and slowing traffic? Did driver allow sufficient braking distance for speed and road conditions?

☐ TRAFFIC SIGN KNOWLEDGE: Did driver obey all traffic controls and take appropriate action in response to traffic signs? Is driver aware of the “move over” law when an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road?

☐ STOP SIGNS AND LIGHTS: Did driver come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights and respond safely to yellow lights? Was the driver not surprised by traffic light changes?

☐ RIGHT ON RED: Did driver come to a complete stop, check for oncoming traffic and pedestrians before making the turn, and turn into the appropriate lane?

☐ DEFENSIVE DRIVING: Did driver practice defensive driving techniques including: reading the road, awareness of pedestrians, driving “friendly”, planning and maintaining escape routes, leaving plenty of room, yielding when not required by law, and adjusting speed for conditions? Did driver avoid driving behind oversized vehicles and have an awareness of blind spots of other vehicles? Does driver exhibit care for their passengers’ well-being?

☐ CONTROL OF INTERNAL VAN CONDITIONS: Did driver refrain from adjusting the temperature and radio controls, request assistance from the ATD, and pull over if conditions became too distracting?

☐ FREEWAY ENTRANCE: Did driver signal, maintain adequate following distance with merging traffic, check for a safe opening in traffic, check their blind spots, and accelerate and merge appropriately without cutting off on-coming traffic or following too close?

☐ FREEWAY TRAFFIC FLOW: Did driver maintain safe following distances, match speed with surrounding traffic, remain aware of conditions on all sides of van, and adjust speed to let other drivers into lane of travel?

☐ FREEWAY EXIT: Did driver signal, allow enough time to get into the exit lane, observe off-ramp speeds, and slow down appropriately while exiting?

Evaluator Signature: _____________________________________________________________ EVALUATOR OVERALL RATING: ____ Recommend ____ Needs Improvement _____ Not Recommend

Evaluator Comments: