Driver Selection Tests and Measurement

This report synthesizes current information on driver selection methods of commercial truck and bus companies, based primarily on the use of tests, measurements, and other assessments of applicants. It identifies and describes driver selection methods and instruments and their usefulness in predicting driver safety. The audience for this study includes motor carrier safety managers, other carrier executives and managers, and government and industry officials. The report reviewed the academic, commercial, and industrial literature on tests, measurements, and other procedures used by motor carriers to select safe commercial drivers. The study revealed large and enduring individual differences in crash risk among commercial drivers and highlighted the need for valid and usable driver selection procedures for carriers. Sources of this information were naturalistic driving studies, behavioral histories (biodata), driving behavioral histories, and other human performance studies, as well as federal regulations. Surveys and interviews were used to obtain information from motor carrier safety managers and other experts on selection procedures and tests and on underlying driver characteristics relevant to risk. The project surveys of motor carrier safety managers and other experts on truck and bus safety were convenience samples of individuals active in national industry and research organizations. These individuals included professionals in government, industry trade associations, other industry roles (e.g., safety consulting), and research. These survey respondent groups of interested, knowledgeable individuals provided indications of industry thinking on safety management questions from two different perspectives. A select group of ten motor carrier safety managersthose whose questionnaire responses indicated an active focus on driver assessmentwere interviewed for case studies on driver selection practices. Each case study describes the companys driver selection methods and features innovative hiring and related human resources management practices.