How to Be Professional Driver - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions
Becoming a professional driver requires dedication, skill and experience. It can be a rewarding career choice, but it also has its drawbacks. Being a driver involves long hours, long distances, and maintaining certain safety standards.
Furthermore, a professional driver must be able to stay focused and alert while driving, as distractions can be costly. As a result, drivers need to be aware of the potential risks of their job and take the necessary steps to stay safe. This may include taking regular rest breaks, learning defensive driving techniques, and staying aware of changing traffic laws.
Professional drivers are also expected to maintain their vehicles and keep accurate records of their trips. The time and effort spent on these tasks can be significant, but they are necessary for ensuring the safety of passengers and other drivers on the road.
Steps How to Become
- Become familiar with the laws and regulations of your area. Before becoming a professional driver, you should familiarize yourself with the specific laws and regulations of the area in which you plan to drive. Make sure you understand the speed limits, traffic laws, and any other regulations that may apply to driving in your area.
- Obtain a valid driver's license. You must have a valid driver's license in order to become a professional driver. Depending on the type of vehicle you will be driving, you may have to obtain a special license or endorsement.
- Take a defensive driving course. Taking a defensive driving course can help you become a safer and more responsible driver. This type of course teaches you how to anticipate and avoid dangerous situations on the road, as well as how to react appropriately in emergency situations.
- Get a medical exam. Professional drivers must get a medical exam to ensure they are physically fit to operate a vehicle. The medical exam will check your vision, hearing, reflexes, and other physical abilities that are important for safe driving.
- Obtain the necessary permits and insurance. Before becoming a professional driver, you must obtain the necessary permits and insurance for the type of vehicle you will be driving. Depending on the type of vehicle, this may include an inspection, registration, and proof of insurance.
- Pass a background check. Most professional driving companies require their drivers to pass a background check in order to ensure they have no past criminal convictions or traffic violations.
- Choose an area of specialization. Professional drivers often specialize in certain types of vehicles, such as trucks, buses, or taxis. You should decide which type of vehicle you would like to drive before applying for jobs.
- Get experience. You can gain experience by volunteering with local organizations or working as an intern at a professional driving company. This will give you the chance to learn the ropes and get comfortable behind the wheel before seeking a full-time position as a professional driver.
Maintaining updated and capable driving skills is essential for professional drivers. Taking a refresher course or brush-up class on a regular basis can help ensure that drivers are knowledgeable of the latest traffic laws and safety regulations. taking time to practice defensive driving techniques and review best practices for driving in different types of weather can help ensure that drivers stay sharp and up-to-date.
Furthermore, staying informed about changing road conditions and new construction can help prevent dangerous accidents. Finally, keeping up with vehicle maintenance and regularly reviewing the owners manual can help keep drivers safe and their vehicles in proper working order. By taking these proactive steps, professional drivers will be better equipped to handle whatever situation they may encounter on the road.
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Job Description
- Drive company vehicles for corporate travel, errands, and other business-related activities.
- Follow designated routes and time schedules.
- Maintain knowledge of local streets and roads and follow traffic laws and regulations.
- Monitor road conditions and watch for potential hazards.
- Ensure vehicles are adequately fueled, clean, and in safe operating condition.
- Load and unload passengers and luggage as required.
- Report any mechanical problems or safety issues to the appropriate personnel.
- Collect payments and provide receipts for services rendered.
- Provide friendly, courteous service to customers.
- Record daily log information regarding trips taken, time on duty, mileage, etc.
Skills and Competencies to Have
- Excellent driving skills
- Good knowledge of traffic rules and safety regulations
- Ability to maintain composure in difficult circumstances
- Ability to read and use maps and GPS systems
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Good problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to stay alert and focused for long periods of time
- Good customer service skills
- Ability to lift and carry heavy objects
Being a professional driver requires a wide range of skills and knowledge, but the most important skill to have is the ability to stay focused and alert at all times. This can be difficult, as it requires a high level of concentration, as well as an understanding of the impact of fatigue and other factors that can impair judgement and reaction time. Good drivers must be aware of their surroundings and anticipate potential hazards.
They should also have a good understanding of the rules of the road and traffic regulations, an understanding of vehicle maintenance and safety, and the ability to remain calm in difficult situations. These skills are essential for ensuring the safety of both the driver and their passengers, as well as other road users.
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Frequent Interview Questions
- What experience do you have as a professional driver?
- Do you have any special certifications or qualifications for this job?
- How would you rate your ability to follow directions?
- What is your experience with driving in different weather conditions?
- Describe a situation where you had to deal with a difficult customer while driving.
- How do you stay alert and focused while driving long distances?
- Tell us about a time when you had to think critically to solve a problem while driving.
- What safety precautions do you take while on the road?
- How would you handle an emergency situation while driving?
- What do you think are the most important qualities of a professional driver?
Common Tools in Industry
- GPS Navigation System. A device used to locate and track vehicles and provide route guidance. (eg: Garmin)
- Vehicle Maintenance Log. A record of all routine maintenance completed on a vehicle. (eg: Car Maintenance Log)
- Trip Planning Software. Software used to plan and optimize routes for commercial drivers. (eg: ALK CoPilot Truck)
- Vehicle Diagnostic Scanner. Device used to read and diagnose the onboard computer of a vehicle. (eg: OBD-II Scanner)
- Driver Tracking App. An app used to monitor and track driver performance and behavior. (eg: Fleetio Driver App)
- Mobile Communication Device. A device used for communication between drivers, dispatchers, and customers. (eg: Two-Way Radios)
- Fuel Card. A card used to purchase fuel for commercial vehicles. (eg: Fuelman Fleet Card)
Professional Organizations to Know
- American Trucking Associations (ATA)
- National Private Truck Council (NPTC)
- Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)
- Truckload Carriers Association (TCA)
- Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA)
- National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC)
- National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM)
- International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT)
- Professional Insurance Agents Association (PIA)
- National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS)
- National Fleet Management Association (NFMA)
- National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS)
- International Association of Movers (IAM)
- American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA)
- Mobile Carriers Show (MCS)
- International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)
- International Bridge, Tunnel, and Turnpike Association (IBTTA)
- National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC)
- Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA)
- American Specialty Vehicle Association (ASVA)
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Common Important Terms
- CDL (Commercial Drivers License). A CDL is a special type of license issued by state governments that allows an individual to legally operate commercial vehicles, such as semi-trucks, buses, and other large vehicles.
- DOT (Department of Transportation). The DOT is a federal agency responsible for developing and enforcing regulations that ensure the safety of highway transportation in the United States.
- HOS (Hours of Service). Hours of service are regulations that dictate how many hours a driver can be behind the wheel in a given day, week, or month.
- Driver Log. A driver log is a record of a drivers hours behind the wheel, their route, and any rest breaks taken.
- Vehicle Maintenance. Vehicle maintenance is the process of regularly inspecting and servicing a vehicle to ensure it is safe and in good working order.
- Pre-trip Inspection. A pre-trip inspection is an examination of a vehicle before it is driven to make sure it is safe to operate.
- Defensive Driving. Defensive driving is a set of driving techniques designed to reduce the risk of accidents by anticipating dangerous situations and reacting appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of a professional driver?
A professional driver is an individual who is paid to drive a vehicle for a living. This includes taxi and delivery drivers, bus drivers, truckers, and chauffeurs.
What qualifications do professional drivers need?
Professional drivers must possess a valid driver's license and usually need to pass a background check. Depending on the type of driving they do, they may also need to obtain additional certifications or special permits.
How long does it take to become a professional driver?
The amount of time required to become a professional driver will vary depending on the type of driving being done. For example, truck drivers typically need to complete a formal training program and obtain a commercial drivers license (CDL). This process can take several weeks or months.
What are the typical working hours for professional drivers?
The working hours for professional drivers will depend on the nature of their job. For example, taxi drivers may have to work late hours or be available 24/7, whereas truck drivers may have predictable hours but have to be willing to travel long distances.
What are the advantages of being a professional driver?
Being a professional driver can provide job security and the potential to make a good income. It also offers flexibility in terms of hours and the ability to travel and explore new places.
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Web Resources
- Professional Driver Certificate | Cankdeska Cikana Community www.littlehoop.edu
- Professional Driving Academy - TSTC www.tstc.edu
- Professional Truck Driver Training | Southeast Community www.southeast.edu