SalaryBox

Sign In
Start Free Trial

Driver Assessment Form Template

Comprehensive Assessment for Driver Skills, Knowledge, and Safety

Driver Evaluation Form Template

This Driver Evaluation Form Template is created to assess the abilities, knowledge, and safety consciousness of drivers in your organization, particularly those who operate commercial vehicles, delivery trucks, or transport services.

The purpose of this evaluation is to confirm that every driver meets the necessary standards for safe driving, possesses adequate vehicle-handling skills, and complies with both company policies and legal regulations.

Driver Evaluation Form

Driver Background

Driving History

Knowledge Evaluation

On-Road Driving Performance

Attitude & Professional Conduct

Health & Fitness for Duty

Additional Observations / Comments

Recommendations

Signatures

Assessor's Signature:

Driver's Signature

Important Notes:

• This is a customizable template; adjust it as needed to match your company's specific requirements and the vehicles operated.

• Additional sections may be added (e.g., procedures for loading/unloading, handling hazardous materials, etc.).

• Always retain a copy of the completed form in the driver's personnel file.

The Driver Evaluation Form is a vital instrument for verifying that drivers are skilled, well-informed, and fully prepared to carry out their duties safely on the road. Conducting regular evaluations helps uphold high driving standards across the organization, promotes overall road safety, and significantly reduces the likelihood of incidents. Feedback obtained through these assessments should be used positively to improve drivers' skills, knowledge, and on-road behavior.

A Driver Assessment Form is a structured evaluation tool used by driving instructors, fleet managers, insurance companies, and licensing authorities to measure a driver’s competence, awareness, and adherence to road safety rules. Whether you’re training new drivers, monitoring commercial vehicle operators, or conducting defensive driving courses, a well-designed driver assessment form provides objective data that reduces risk and improves road safety.

What is a Driver Assessment Form?

A driver assessment form is a standardized checklist or scorecard that records performance during a practical driving test. It typically covers pre-drive checks, vehicle control, traffic awareness, decision-making, and post-drive habits. The assessor (instructor, supervisor, or examiner) rates each item using scales such as Excellent / Good / Fair / Poor or a numerical system (1–5 or 1–10).

Unlike written theory tests, this form focuses on real-world performance behind the wheel.

Why Are Driver Assessment Forms Important?

  1. Risk Reduction – Identifies weak areas before they cause accidents.
  2. Legal & Insurance Compliance – Many jurisdictions and insurers require documented driver evaluations.
  3. Training Improvement – Gives clear feedback so drivers know exactly what to work on.
  4. Fleet Management – Helps companies maintain safety records and lower insurance premiums.
  5. Licensing & Certification – Used by DMVs and private driving schools for learner permits and CDL endorsements.

Key Sections of a Professional Driver Assessment Form

A modern, easy-to-use driver assessment form usually contains the following categories:

  1. Driver & Vehicle Information
    • Full name, license number, date of birth
    • Vehicle make, model, registration number
    • Date, time, and weather conditions
  2. Pre-Drive Checks (10–15% of total score)
    • Seat, mirrors, and seatbelt adjustment
    • Checks lights, tires, fluids, and wipers
    • Knowledge of dashboard warning lights
  3. Vehicle Control & Handling
    • Smooth clutch control (manual) or accelerator/brake use
    • Proper gear selection
    • Steering technique (10-to-2 or 9-and-3 hand position)
    • Speed management according to limits and conditions
  4. Observation & Awareness
    • Effective use of mirrors (every 5–8 seconds)
    • Blind-spot checks before lane changes
    • Scanning intersections and anticipating hazards
    • Maintaining safe following distance (3–4 second rule)
  5. Traffic Rules & Road Signs
    • Obeys speed limits, traffic lights, and stop signs
    • Correct right-of-way decisions
    • Proper signaling at least 100 feet or 3–5 seconds before turning
  6. Maneuvers
    • Parallel parking, three-point turn, reverse parking
    • Hill start (manual vehicles)
    • Lane changing and merging onto highways
  7. Defensive Driving Techniques
    • Anticipates actions of pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers
    • Maintains cushion of safety around the vehicle
    • Handles adverse conditions (rain, night driving, heavy traffic)
  8. Post-Drive Behavior
    • Parks correctly and secures the vehicle
    • Completes logbook or paperwork accurately
  9. Overall Comments & Recommendations
    • Strengths and areas for improvement
    • Pass/Fail decision or score
    • Suggested remedial training hours

Who Uses Driver Assessment Forms?

  • Driving schools (learner drivers)
  • Commercial fleets (truck, bus, delivery drivers)
  • Ride-sharing companies (Uber, Lyft onboarding)
  • Insurance companies (risk-based premium calculation)
  • Government agencies (CDL skills test, senior re-testing)
  • Corporate safety officers

Best Practices for Creating an Effective Form

  1. Keep it concise – One or two pages maximum.
  2. Use clear, objective language – Avoid vague terms like “drives okay.”
  3. Include both positive and negative examples for each criterion.
  4. Make it digital-friendly – PDF fillable forms or mobile apps are now standard.
  5. Update regularly to reflect new traffic laws (e.g., hands-free phone rules, roundabout procedures).
  6. Add a section for driver self-assessment to encourage reflection.

How to Implement Driver Assessments Successfully

  1. Train assessors so scoring is consistent.
  2. Conduct assessments in varied conditions (city, highway, night).
  3. Share results immediately with the driver while observations are fresh.
  4. Schedule follow-up evaluations every 6–12 months for professional drivers.
  5. Keep signed copies for at least 3–5 years for legal protection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Checking boxes without written comments – feedback becomes meaningless.
  • Being too lenient or too strict – defeats the purpose of standardization.
  • Ignoring weather or traffic impact on performance.
  • Not re-testing after remedial training.

Conclusion

A properly used Driver Assessment Form is one of the most powerful tools for creating safer roads. It turns subjective opinions into measurable data, protects organizations from liability, and most importantly, gives every driver clear, actionable steps to become better and safer. Whether you manage a fleet of 500 trucks or teach teenagers in a suburban driving school, investing time in a solid assessment process pays dividends in reduced crashes, lower insurance costs, and lives saved.

Implement a standardized driver assessment form today—your drivers, your company, and every other road user will thank you.