Roadside English: Officer instructions questions officers ask truck drivers
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.
Practice this out loudTurn off the engine, please.
Your answer should include: Say what you are doing
Good sample answers:
- Okay, I am turning off the engine.
- Yes, officer. The engine is off.
Put your hands where I can see them.
Your answer should include: Say you understand
Good sample answers:
- Okay. My hands are on the steering wheel.
- Yes, officer.
Please step out of the truck.
Your answer should include: Say you will do it
Good sample answers:
- Okay, I am getting out now.
- Yes. Should I bring my documents?
Stay in the truck.
Your answer should include: Say you understand
Good sample answers:
- Okay, I will stay in the truck.
- Yes, officer. I am staying here.
Press the brake pedal and hold it.
Your answer should include: Say what you are doing
Good sample answers:
- Okay, I am pressing the brake now.
- Pressing and holding. Tell me when to stop.
Turn on your left turn signal.
Your answer should include: Say what you are doing
Good sample answers:
- Left signal is on.
- Okay, turning on the left blinker.
Turn on your headlights and four-way flashers.
Your answer should include: Say what you are doing
Good sample answers:
- Okay, headlights and flashers are on.
- Yes, they are on now.
Release the parking brake and let the air build up.
Your answer should include: Say what you are doing
Good sample answers:
- Okay, I am releasing the brake. The air is at 120.
- Yes. Waiting for the air pressure.
Pull forward slowly and stop at the line.
Your answer should include: Say what you are doing
Good sample answers:
- Okay, pulling forward slowly.
- I will stop at the white line.
Pull into the inspection bay on the right.
Your answer should include: Say what you are doing
Good sample answers:
- Okay, I will pull into the right bay.
- Yes, the bay on the right.
Open the hood for me.
Your answer should include: Say you will do it
Good sample answers:
- Okay, I will open the hood now.
- Yes, one second.
Wait here. I will be back in a few minutes.
Your answer should include: Say you understand
Good sample answers:
- Okay, I will wait here.
- Yes, officer. No problem.
Please hang up the phone and put it away.
Your answer should include: Say you will do it
Good sample answers:
- Okay, I am hanging up now.
- Yes. The phone is off and on the seat.
Take out your earpiece, please.
Your answer should include: Say you did it
Good sample answers:
- Okay, the earpiece is out.
- Yes, I took it out.
Sign here. This is your inspection report.
Your answer should include: Say you will sign, A question if you have one
Good sample answers:
- Okay. Can I have a copy?
- Yes, I will sign. Does this mean I can go?
You are free to go. Drive safe.
Your answer should include: Polite closing
Good sample answers:
- Thank you, officer. Have a good day.
- Thank you. You too.
Do you understand what I just told you?
Your answer should include: Yes, and repeat it back, or ask to repeat
Good sample answers:
- Yes, I understand. You want me to fix the light before I drive.
- Can you say it again slower, please?