How to hire a test driver

How to hire a test driver, step by step

Here's a step-by-step test driver hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a test driver job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new test driver
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the test driver you need to hire. Certain test driver roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A test driver's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, test drivers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of test drivers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Test Driver	Description	Hourly rate
   Test Driver	Heavy and tractor–trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Most tractor–trailer drivers are long-haul drivers and operate trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) capacity—that is, the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo—exceeds 26,000 pounds... Show more	$10-22
   Truck Driver-Over-The-Road	A truck driver-over-the-road (OTR) is a professional driver who specializes in hauling items such as heavy freight, machinery, or construction materials from a home terminal to delivery points. OTR truck drivers usually spend more time on the road due to the long distances they are required to reach... Show more	$24-45
   Driver Trainer	Driver trainers are instructors who teach their clients how to drive. They are often considered experts in driving, and they are credible enough to impart their driving knowledge to clients... Show more	$14-33

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Test Drive
   • CDL
   • Public Roads
   • Drive Vehicles
   • Safety Inspections
   • DOT
   • Test Procedures
   • Test Data
   • Nissan
   • GPS
   • Vehicle Inspections
   • Real World
   • Test Tracks
   • Chrysler

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Contract to Volkswagen, Audi to test new vehicles, prototypes and prototype parts.
   • Test drive new Hyundai's, keep records on gas and handling of the cars.
   • Coordinate with freight forwarders to expedite shipments.
   • Perform vehicle testing for voice controls, GPS location/directions
   • Pull vehicles from line verify vin and inventory tag.
   • Test driving prototype vehicles for Hyundai for performance and durability.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your test driver job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A test driver can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, test drivers' average salary in florida is 62% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level test drivers 52% less than senior-level test drivers.
   • Certifications. A test driver with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a test driver's salary.

   Average test driver salary

   $15.53hourly

   $32,297 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level test driver salary

   $22,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing a test driver job description

   A good test driver job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a test driver job description:

   Test driver job description example

   The Cold Weather Development Centre is the primary test and validation centre for cold and durability testing of all General Motors products. The centre is currently seeking applications from individuals for the position of Durability Test Driver (up to 10 positions). Employment full time (40 hours per week), seasonal, and short in duration. The Cold Weather Development Centre is a 7 day per week operation with day and evening shifts.
   
   The primary responsibility of a Test Driver is to drive and control the test vehicles safely. The second responsibility of a driver is to write comments about possible vehicle issues for the Test Engineering team to investigate, and in some cases discuss those issues with the Engineering team when additional details are required.
   Core Responsibilities
   On and off grounds durability testing Safe operation of all test properties Adherence to test plans, prescribed modules, and routes Ability to effectively document, and communicate observed conditions to Product EngineeringMaintain security, and confidentiality of all test properties Represent our team in a positive, and professional manner
   
   Additional Job Description
   Required Skills and Experience
   Familiar with the operation of all vehicle systems Detail oriented Evaluation skills Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) Knowledge of mechanical components Proficient computer, tablet, and mobile phone skills (Android and Apple) Valid unrestricted G-class license or higher, with a clean driving abstract Minimum 5 years driving experience Bilingualism is an asset Successful candidates will be required to attest to, and be prepared to provide proof of, their vaccination status and that any job offer will be conditional on the candidate being fully vaccinated.
   
   About GM
   Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
   
   Why Join Us
   We aspire to be the most inclusive company in the world. We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Our Work Appropriately philosophy supports our foundation of inclusion and provides employees the flexibility to work where they can have the greatest impact on achieving our goals, dependent on role needs. Every day, we want every employee, no matter their background, ethnicity, preferences, or location, to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
   
   Diversity Information
   General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that workforce diversity creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers. We understand and embrace the variety through which people gain experiences whether through professional, personal, educational, or volunteer opportunities.
   
   We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications and apply for any positions that match your skills and capabilities.
   
   Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
   Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities. Should you be contacted by General Motors of Canada, please advise if you require accommodation. General Motors of Canada values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find test drivers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your test driver job on Zippia to find and recruit test driver candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting test drivers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new test driver

   Once you've selected the best test driver candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new test driver. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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