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Truck Driver Interview Questions

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Truck Driver interview questions and answers.

  1. Have you ever been in a car or truck accident? What happened? See answer
  2. Are you comfortable travelling and being away from home for extended periods? See answer
  3. Why did you pursue a career as a truck driver? See answer
  4. What do you do when other motorists are driving carelessly around you? See answer
  5. Have you ever had to deal with an angry client or customer? What did you do? See answer
  6. How do you ensure you meet delivery deadlines? See answer
  7. Why do truck drivers stop at weigh stations along their route? See answer
  8. What credentials do you have that qualify you as a truck driver? See answer
  9. What skills do you have that make you an ideal truck driver? See answer
  10. How do you remain alert while driving for long periods? See answer
  11. Do you know what a slip seating setup is? Are you comfortable with it? See answer
  12. What is an electronic logging device and have you ever used one? See answer
  13. How do you maintain your truck?
  14. Do you see yourself in the same industry in the next five years?
  15. What are Canada’s Hours-of-Service Regulations,and why are they in place?
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Hire your next Truck Driver today.

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Hire your next Truck Driver today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Truck Driver Interview Questions and Answers

Have you ever been in a car or truck accident? What happened?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's driving history and their ability to handle an accident. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Knowledge of how to handle an accident in a calm and reasonable way
  • Honesty about their driving history
  • Driving history with little to no accidents

Example:

"I've been in two accidents, one in my personal life and one while driving a truck. The police and an insurance company investigated both accidents and determined neither was my fault. When driving my personal car, someone rear-ended me at a stoplight. Then when I was driving my company's truck, a car made an abrupt left-turn, and I hit them head-on because I didn't have enough time to stop. Thankfully, no one was harmed in either accident and I just had to wait until the investigation was over and fill out some paperwork before my next assignment."

Are you comfortable travelling and being away from home for extended periods?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's understanding of their role and ability to travel for extended periods. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Experience travelling and being away from home for work
  • Willingness to travel
  • Understanding of the demands of the role

Example:

"One of the biggest reasons I became a truck driver was to see more of Canada. I love to travel and driving a truck across the country is one of the best ways to do so. I feel at home on the road, so I am completely comfortable travelling and being away for extended periods of time."

Why did you pursue a career as a truck driver?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's motivation behind being a truck driver to see if they're passionate and committed to their career. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Understanding of the role
  • Experience as a truck driver or in a similar position
  • Passion about their career

Example:

"When I was younger, I would always go on road trips with my family. I developed a love of being on the road and I got my own car as soon as I turned 18. I wanted to pursue a career that allowed me to drive for a living and a family friend recommended truck driving, so I got my truck driver's license."

What do you do when other motorists are driving carelessly around you?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's ability to drive safely, obey traffic laws, and remain calm in challenging situations. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • Proven driving experience

Example:

"If I notice a motorist driving carelessly around me, I try to distance myself from them by slowing down, switching lanes or exiting the highway. If I can't distance myself, I remain calm and vigilant to avoid causing an accident. If they're driving recklessly or seem to be intoxicated, I note their license plate and call the police."

 How do you maintain your truck?

The aim of this question is to gauge the candidate's understanding of the importance of routine maintenance checks. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Experience working with commercial vehicles
  • Understanding of proper truck maintenance
  • Knowledge of how to perform a routine maintenance check

Example:

"Before and after any trip, I perform a maintenance inspection where I check the truck's wheels, mirrors, lights, and signals to ensure everything is in working order. I also check the brakes to assess their performance and see if there are any unusual noises. If I notice any problems, I notify my supervisor so they can fix it or assign me a new vehicle."

Have you ever had to deal with an angry client or customer? What did you do?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's customer service experience and ability to resolve client or customer issues. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to resolve conflict independently
  • Experience working with customers or clients

Example:

"Once during a storm, I was three hours late for a delivery because the driving conditions were dangerous and I had to pull over and wait for the storm to clear. I tried to call the client to update them, but they didn't answer. When I arrived, they were upset that I was late. I apologized and explained the situation. They checked the number I had on file, and it turned out they had given us the wrong number. They apologized and were understanding of the circumstances."

How do you ensure you meet delivery deadlines?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's time-management skills and ability to adhere to deadlines. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Ability to plan their route and schedule accordingly
  • Knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving
  • Strong time-management skills

Example:

"Before I set off on an assignment, I always plan my route. I pick routes I am familiar with when I can so I know exactly when and where I can stop for a break. If I'm running behind, I adjust my break schedule. I use Waze during my journey so I'm always aware of the traffic conditions along my route and can avoid traffic jams."

Why do truck drivers stop at weigh stations along their route?

The aim of this question is to gauge the candidate's understanding of provincial or territorial traffic laws and the reasoning behind them. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Knowledge of traffic laws and truck driver protocols
  • Understanding of the reasoning for weigh stations
  • Adherence to traffic laws

Example:

"Truck drivers need to stop at weigh stations along their route to check if their load is at a safe weight, balanced, and adheres to the law. This ensures that the truck is not a danger to the road or other drivers. An overweight load can damage the road and make it difficult to stop or maneuver in emergency situations."

What credentials do you have that qualify you as a truck driver?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's credentials and experience with commercial truck driving. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • A commercial truck driver's license
  • Understanding of the necessary credentials
  • Previous experience driving commercial vehicles

Example:

"I have a Class A commercial truck driver's license in Ontario, allowing me to drive any truck or trailer. I have also been driving a refrigerated freight truck for five years, so I have hands-on experience in the industry. I also have a clean driving record with no demerit points."

 Do you see yourself in the same industry in the next five years?

The aim of this question is to determine whether the candidate would be a good long-term fit for your company. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Understanding of the industry and common career paths
  • Passion for their career
  • Desire to work for one company long-term

Example:

"I love driving a truck and have been doing so for the last ten years. This is my chosen career path and I plan to continue working as a truck driver until I retire. Your company has a great reputation and offers a pension program, which appeals to me for long-term employment."

What skills do you have that make you an ideal truck driver?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's understanding of the role and what skills they possess. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Required skills for the role, like navigation and communication
  • Understanding of the role
  • Experience as a truck driver or in a similar role

Example:

"As I've been a truck driver for the last five years, I've developed a lot of vital skills. Most notably, my memory and navigational skills are excellent. After I drive a route once, I can do it again without a map. This makes me a more efficient truck driver. I also have exceptional communication skills, which are necessary for talking to dispatchers and customers."

How do you remain alert while driving for long periods?

The aim of this question is to gauge the candidate's knowledge of the dangers of driving while tired or under the influence. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Experience in a similar role
  • Understanding of when to take a break or stop driving for the day
  • Knowledge of Canada's Hours-of-Service regulations

Example:

"To ensure I am always alert when driving, especially for long periods, I always get a good night's sleep or nap before my shift if possible. I also keep the temperature in my cab cool, as warmer temperatures can make people tired. I take breaks when I need them and ensure that I don't eat big meals on my breaks to avoid fatigue."

Do you know what a slip seating setup is? Are you comfortable with it?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's knowledge of common industry terms. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Understanding of a slip seating setup
  • Adaptability in different settings
  • Knowledge of common industry terms

Example:

"A slip seating setup is when a driver shares a truck with other drivers. This means when the first driver finishes their assignment, they take their personal belongings out of the cab, clean the space, and another driver uses the truck for their assignment. My previous company used a slip seating setup, so I am comfortable with it."

What are Canada's Hours-of-Service Regulations, and why are they in place?

The aim of this question is to determine whether the candidate is familiar with the laws and regulations pertaining to truck drivers. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Understanding of the Hours-of-Service Regulations
  • Ability to follow the law
  • Experience working under these regulations

Example:

"Canada has three regulations pertaining to hours of service. These regulations ensure truck drivers are not driving while tired because it can impair their judgement and cause them to make mistakes. The first states that after 13 hours of driving, truck drivers must have eight hours of off-duty time before they can drive again. The second states that they must stop working after 14 hours of on-duty time and take eight hours off. The final one states they can work for 70 hours over seven consecutive days or 120 hours over 14 consecutive days."

What is an electronic logging device and have you ever used one?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's knowledge of common industry terms and technology. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Experience with electronic logging devices
  • Understanding of federal regulations pertaining to truck drivers
  • Knowledge of road safety laws

Example:

"An electronic logging device records the truck's operation dates and times. This shows the driver and their company how long the vehicle is travelling, ensuring drivers aren't going over their daily driving limit of 13 hours. Using electronic logging devices is mandatory in Canada, so I am familiar with how to use one from working at my previous company."

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