Roadside English: Hours of service and logs questions officers ask truck drivers
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.
Practice this out loudWhat time did you start driving today?
Your answer should include: A clock time
Good sample answers:
- I started driving at 5 AM.
- I started at six this morning.
When did you come on duty today?
Your answer should include: A clock time
Good sample answers:
- I came on duty at 4:30 this morning.
- At 5 AM. I did my pre-trip first.
Where did you start your day?
Your answer should include: Place
Good sample answers:
- I started in Barstow, California.
- At the truck stop in Little Rock.
How many hours have you driven today?
Your answer should include: Number of hours
Good sample answers:
- I have driven about six hours today.
- Eight and a half hours.
When was your last 30-minute break?
Your answer should include: Time of break
Good sample answers:
- I took a 30-minute break at noon.
- Two hours ago, at a rest area.
When did you last take 10 hours off duty?
Your answer should include: When
Good sample answers:
- Last night. I was off from 7 PM to 5 AM.
- I had my 10-hour break last night in the sleeper.
Can I see your logs?
Your answer should include: Say you will show them
Good sample answers:
- Yes. I have an ELD. I will show you the screen.
- Sure, here is my logbook.
Do you use an ELD or paper logs?
Your answer should include: ELD or paper
Good sample answers:
- I use an ELD.
- My truck is old, so I use paper logs. It is a 1999 truck.
Can you transfer your logs to me from the ELD?
Your answer should include: Say you will send them
Good sample answers:
- Yes, I can send them by web service. What is the code?
- Yes, I will press the send button now.
Do you have the ELD instruction card in the truck?
Your answer should include: Yes or no
Good sample answers:
- Yes, it is in the binder with the malfunction sheet.
- Yes, here is the card and blank paper logs.
How many hours do you have left today?
Your answer should include: Number of hours
Good sample answers:
- I have about three hours of driving left.
- Two hours left on my 11.
Where will you take your 10-hour break tonight?
Your answer should include: Place
Good sample answers:
- At the TA truck stop in Effingham.
- At the receiver's lot. They let us park there.
Your log shows you on duty but not driving for three hours. What were you doing?
Your answer should include: What you were doing
Good sample answers:
- I was waiting at the shipper for them to load me.
- I was at the shop. They fixed a tire.
Did you use personal conveyance today?
Your answer should include: Yes or no
Good sample answers:
- No, I did not.
- Yes, I drove 10 miles to a safe parking place after my shift.
How many hours did you work in the last eight days?
Your answer should include: Number of hours
Good sample answers:
- About 55 hours.
- I have 62 hours on my 70. I need a reset soon.
Are you tired right now?
Your answer should include: Yes or no, How you feel
Good sample answers:
- No, I feel fine. I slept eight hours.
- A little. I will take a break at the next stop.
Do you have your receipts from this trip?
Your answer should include: Yes or no
Good sample answers:
- Yes, I have fuel receipts in this envelope.
- Yes, the fuel and toll receipts are in the truck.