Driver Assessment Checklist - Steps 1-5 - Pre-drive paperwork, engine startup, moving off, turning, reversing, parking

Sep 18, 2026

Driver Assessment Checklist documents a structured minimum annual review process to evaluate both paperwork validity and on-road driving competency for new or existing drivers. It guides an assessor through pre-drive documentation checks and a staged competency observation workflow, emphasizing safe following distances, smooth stopping, correct gear use, proper engine startup procedures, controlled moving off, safe turning and monitoring, then reversing and parking/shutdown practices. Any major road-law breach or unsafe operation indicates the driver is not competent.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Step 1 – Pre Drive Paperwork

Step 2 – Engine Startup

Step 3 – Moving Off

Turning Corners

Step 4 – Reversing the Vehicle

Step 5 – Parking & Shutdown

Driver Assessment Checklist This is a checklist for you to assess new or existing drivers as part of your minimum required annual driver training review. If your driver does not meet both the paperwork and competency requirements listed below, then you should seriously consider if they’re appropriate for employment or driving a higher risk configuration. Additional training may provide the driver with the necessary skills to perform their role. STEP 1 – PRE DRIVE PAPERWORK Phone Number: | Name of applicant / Driver | Phone No: | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Address: | No offences for: | | | | | | | Postcode: | Drugs or Alcohol
Speeding (>15kph)
Dangerous Driving
Road Rage | | | | | | | Date of Birth:
DD/MM/YYYY | Gear Box:
Auto Synchro Non-Synchro Tick type of G/Box used | | | | | | | Licence No: | Previously inducted into this test vehicle Make/Model
Yes No (if No, do Induction) | | | | | | | Licence History Report Print Out (no older than six months) | | | Yes | | | No | | | | | | | | | | Endorsements | Current Medical Certificate (fit to drive?) | | | | | | | C LR MR HR HC MC | | | Yes | | | No | | | | | | | | | | Licence Conditions | | | | | | | | Specialist Licence/Qualifications (eg DG) | Weather Conditions: | | | | | | | Expiry Date:
DD/MM/YYYY | Assessor Print name | | | | | | | Registration No's of units used in assessment: | Date of Assessment:
DD/MM/YYYY | | | | | | | Pre-start check completed? | | | Yes | | | No | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Driver Competency Assessment Guidelines Driver competency assessment process Your role in this process is to be an observer of the driver and to ensure they can demonstrate all key steps. • Explain to the driver that: o You will be taking notes and marking an assessment document o Drive will take at least an hour with a debrief at the end o The applicant/driver will be driving and it’s a requirement that both parties sign off on the observations the assessor has made o Particular attention will be paid to safe following distances and smooth stopping • Provide instructions for the route plan • Ensure the driver is able to concentrate on driving in a safe manner whilst receiving instructions. • Any blatant breach of road laws or failure to operate the vehicle in a safe manner will result in a conclusion that the driver is not competent Driver Assessment Checklist Page 1 STEP 2 – ENGINE STARTUP | | |
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| | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2. | Ensure vehicle is in neutral | | | | | | 3. | No acceleration until oil pressure is normal | | | | | | 4. | Check warning & ancillary systems (gauges) | | | | | | 5. | Full air pressure is obtained before moving off | | | | | | 6. | Seat Belt on | | | | | Engine Startup Y N Observations 1. Check park brake is on STEP 3 – MOVING OFF | | |
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| | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2. | Correct gear selected to avoid clutch shudder | | | | | | 3. | Low revs maintained until engine reaches normal operating temperature | | | | | | 4. | Acceleration is smooth | | | | | | 5. | No jerking or uneven power flow | | | | | Moving off Y N Observations 1. No acceleration used on take off Vehicle in Motion Y N Observations |
1. | Gear change is within the engine operating range | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2. | Clutch used in gear changes | | | | | 3. | Keeping revs low in keeping with progressive gearing changing techniques | | | | | 4. | Gear change is smooth | | | | | 5. | Hill descent (appropriate gear for decline is engaged) | | | | Driver Assessment Checklist Page 2 | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2. | Correct gear is selected to negotiate corners & turns | | | | | 3. | Both hands are used on the steering wheel | | | | | 4. | Mirrors are used in low spee

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Driver Assessment Checklist?

It provides a structured checklist to assess new or existing drivers during the minimum required annual driver training review, covering both paperwork and driving competency.

What should an assessor do during the driver competency assessment process?

The assessor explains the note-taking and marking process, informs the duration and debrief, ensures both parties sign off observations, and focuses on key safety behaviors such as following distances and smooth stopping.

Which behaviors are specifically emphasized in the turning and monitoring sections?

The checklist emphasizes correct gear selection for corners, using both hands on the wheel, appropriate mirror use, maintaining eye contact, over-shoulder checks, safe braking distances, and safe speed adjustment to conditions.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Arica Lee