Questions officers ask truck drivers
The officer questions used in a roadside English check, by topic, with simple sample answers.
Practice this out loudGreeting and documents
The officer greets you and asks for your license, medical card, registration and insurance. Hand them over and say what each one is.
- Good morning. Do you know why I stopped you?
- Can I see your driver's license, please?
- What state issued your CDL?
Your company and your job
The officer asks who you drive for, how long you have driven and what kind of work you do. Say the company name, your role and simple facts.
- Who do you drive for?
- Are you a company driver or an owner-operator?
- What is your company's USDOT number?
Trip: where from and where to
The officer asks where you are coming from, where you are going, and when you picked up or deliver. Say the city and state, and a time or day.
- Where are you coming from?
- Where are you going?
- Where are you headed with this load?
Cargo and bill of lading
The officer asks what you are hauling, how heavy it is, and for the bill of lading. Name the cargo, give the weight and say if it is sealed or hazmat.
- What are you hauling?
- What's your load today?
- Can I see your bill of lading?
Hours of service and logs
The officer asks when you started today, how long you have driven, when you last rested, and to see your ELD. Give clear times and hours.
- What time did you start driving today?
- When did you come on duty today?
- Where did you start your day?
Truck and trailer condition
The officer asks about your pre-trip inspection, brakes, tires, lights and any problems. Say what you checked and what is wrong, if anything.
- Did you do a pre-trip inspection today?
- Are there any problems with the truck?
- When were the brakes adjusted last?
Officer instructions
The officer tells you to do something: turn off the engine, open the doors, step out, press the brake. Do it and say back what you are doing.
- Turn off the engine, please.
- Put your hands where I can see them.
- Please step out of the truck.
Emergencies and problems
The officer asks about crashes, breakdowns, spills, injuries or bad weather. Say what happened, where, and what you did to stay safe.
- Have you been in any accidents this week?
- What would you do if your brakes failed on a downhill?
- Where do you put the triangles if you break down?