How do I check references for a driver?

Checking references for a driver is one of the most useful steps in the hiring process, because it tells you how the person actually worked, not just how they describe themselves in an interview. A careful reference check can confirm experience, reveal habits around safety and reliability, and help you avoid a costly hiring mistake. Start by asking the driver for references from recent employers, supervisors, or dispatchers who saw their driving firsthand. Aim for at least two references, and prefer people who managed the driver directly rather than coworkers or personal contacts. Explain to the driver that you will contact the references, and ask for the best way to reach each one, including a phone number and a good time to call.

Before you call, prepare a short list of questions. Begin by confirming the basics: the dates the driver worked there, the type of vehicle driven, the routes or cargo handled, and the schedule worked. Then ask about the quality of the work. Ask whether deliveries were on time, whether the driver followed safety procedures, and how the driver handled delays, vehicle problems, or difficult conditions. Ask about attendance and reliability, since showing up on time and completing the assigned work are central to driving roles. Ask whether the reference would hire the driver again, and listen carefully to the tone of the answer, not just the words, because hesitation can tell you as much as a direct statement.

Ask about driving safety in particular. Ask whether the driver had any incidents, how they were handled, and whether the driver took responsibility and learned from them. Ask whether the driver kept the vehicle in good condition, completed required checks, and reported problems promptly. If the role involves customer contact, ask how the driver treated customers and whether there were any complaints. Keep your questions fair and job-related, and avoid asking about topics that have nothing to do with the driving work. Take notes during each call, and compare what you hear with what the driver told you in the interview. If the accounts differ in an important way, ask the driver about it before making a decision.

If a reference cannot be reached after a few attempts, note that and move on to another reference, rather than holding up the whole process for one contact. Where required, you may also run a driving record check or a background check, following the rules that apply in your state and getting the driver’s written consent first. A thorough reference check, combined with a careful interview and a review of the license and driving record, gives you a fuller picture of the driver and helps you hire with confidence.

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