Commercial Motor Vehicle Performance Evaluation

  • Commercial Motor Vehicle Road - Evaluation and Coaching
    Title 49 – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)
    Evaluation/Performance Checklist

  • Reporting Location of DOT Driver:

  • Conducted on

  • Evaluator's Full Name and Title:

  • Full Name of DOT Driver being evaluated:

  • DOT Driver's DL Number & State:

  • REASON FOR EVALUATION:

  • ADD COMMENTS (IF NEEDED FOR PREVIOUS):

  • Tractor Number:

  • Trailer Number:

Evaluation/Inspection:

PRE-TRIP INSPECTION AND EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT:

  • Checks the general condition of the vehicle, examining the tires, lights, signals, trailer hookups, body and doors:

  • Looks under the hood, checking oil levels, fluid levels, belts and other components:

  • Completes a full air system check:

  • Understands how to use jacks, tools, emergency warning devices, fire extinguishers, spare fuses and flares:

  • Ensures the windshield clean and free of cracks and/or obstructions, checks instruments and sets mirrors:

PLACING THE VEHICLE IN MOTION (Motor, Clutch/Transmission, Brakes, Steering, & Lights):

  • MOTOR - Gives the vehicle the proper time to warm up:

  • MOTOR - Has knowledge of what the gauges on the instrument panel do:

  • MOTOR - Maintains the proper engine speed when putting the vehicle in motion:

  • CLUTCH/TRANMISSION - Is able to start a loaded vehicle smoothly:

  • CLUTCH/TRANMISSION - Understands how to properly use a clutch and can shift smoothly (if applicable):

  • CLUTCH/TRANMISSION - Uses the proper gear sequence when shifting (if applicable)

  • BRAKES - Tests the brakes before beginning the drive:

  • BRAKES - Understands the basic operating principles of air brakes and warnings (e.g., low air warning):

  • BRAKES - Understands how to properly use a tractor protection valve:

  • STEERING - Maintains a good driving posture:

  • STEERING - Maintains control of the vehicle and doesn’t allow the truck to wander:

  • LIGHTS - Understands regulations related to vehicle lights:

  • LIGHTS - Uses the proper beams and auxiliary lights when operating the vehicle:

  • LIGHTS - Dims the lights when following or meeting traffic:

COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING:

  • Properly lines up units and correctly hooks brake and electric lines:

  • Secures the trailer and power unit appropriately

  • Backs under slowly

  • Performs a proper trailer hookup, testing it as needed:

  • Uses landing gear properly:

BACKING AND PARKING:

  • BACKING - Reviews clearances before backing out

  • BACKING - Avoids backing from blind side:

  • BACKING - Uses horn when backing out:

  • BACKING - Controls the vehicle’s speed and direction when backing:

  • PARKING - Parks close enough to the curb and does not hit it on the approach:

  • PARKING - Parks smoothly and does not hit nearby vehicles or stationary objects:

  • PARKING - Secures the vehicle properly when parking, setting the brake, using wheel blocks and shutting off the motor:

  • PARKING - Checks for traffic when pulling out of a parked position:

  • PARKING - Parks in a legal and safe location:

SLOWING AND STOPPING:

  • Uses gears properly, both when ascending and descending a hill:

  • Avoids rolling backward when stopping the vehicle:

  • Uses brakes effectively, testing them at the top of hills:

  • Avoids sudden stops and signals properly in traffic:

  • Uses mirrors to effectively monitor traffic in all directions:

TRAFFIC OPERATIONS:

  • TURNING - Activates signals well before maneuvering the vehicle:

  • TURNING - Turns only when it is safe to do so and does not turn too wide or short:

  • TURNING - Completes turns in correct lanes:

  • TRAFFIC SIGNS/SIGNALS - Approaches traffic signs and signals with caution and is prepared to stop as needed:

  • TRAFFIC SIGNS/SIGNALS - Follows all posted traffic signs and signals:

  • INTERSECTIONS - Checks for any cross traffic, regardless of signals or signs:

  • INTERSECTIONS - Yields properly:

  • PASSING - Gives themselves enough space when passing:

  • PASSING - Passes in safe locations:

  • PASSING - Signals properly when passing and does not tailgate other drivers:

  • SPEED - Adjusts speed according to road, weather and traffic conditions, and legal limits:

  • SPEED - Slows down when driving on rough roads or through crossings:

  • SPEED - Slows down in advance of curves, intersections and other hazards:

  • SPEED - Maintains a consistent speed when driving long distances:

GENERAL DRIVING HABITS:

  • Uses seat belt:

  • Drives alert and is attentive at all times:

  • Executes duties and responsibilities in a professional manner (provide detailed comment if not "PASS"):

  • Maintains good following distances:

  • Checks instruments regularly:

  • Understands the basic rules of the road as well any applicable industry-specific regulations:

CUSTOMER LOCATION:

  • ARRIVAL - Observes overhead obstacles:

  • ARRIVAL - Observes traffic patterns in customer’s parking lot:

  • ARRIVAL - Observes pedestrian traffic in arrival zone:

  • ARRIVAL - Parks in appropriate area for efficient and safe unloading:

  • ARRIVAL - Uses proper backing techniques:

  • DELIVERY - Unloads freezer/dairy items first:

  • DELIVERY - Avoids overloading hand truck:

  • DELIVERY - Maintains steady pace:

  • DELIVERY - Avoids unnecessary shortcuts:

  • DELIVERY - Lifts with legs/Back straight:

  • DELIVERY - Reports damages, shortages, or other variances:

  • TRAILER - Keeps trailer neat/floor free from debris:

  • TRAILER - Secures product in trailer/Closes and locks trailer when away from truck:

  • DEPARTURE - Observes traffic that may have entered departure zone:

  • DEPARTURE - Observes overhead obstacles:

  • DEPARTURE - Observes pedestrian traffic in departure zone:

POST-TRIP INSPECTION:

  • Checks the general condition of the vehicle, examining the tires, lights, signals, trailer hookups, body and doors:

  • Looks under the hood, checking oil levels, fluid levels, belts and other components:

  • Completes post-trip properly in Samsara App:

  • Uses 3-point contact to exit the cab:

  • Completes and submits all paperwork properly:

  • Comments:

  • Driver’s Signature:

  • Evaluator’s Signature:

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