Blank Driver Performance Score Sheet Template

The Driver Performance Score Sheet is a critical assessment tool used to evaluate the driving skills of CDL applicants in California. This form captures specific performance metrics during the driving test, enabling examiners to record errors and identify areas for improvement. Completing this form accurately is essential to ensure a fair evaluation and assist drivers in understanding their performance on the road.

Click the button below to fill out the Driver Performance Score Sheet and take the first step toward enhancing your driving skills.

Blank Driver Performance Score Sheet Template

Article Guide

The Driver Performance Score Sheet is an essential tool used by the California Department of Motor Vehicles to evaluate the driving skills of individuals seeking to obtain or maintain their commercial driver's license. This form captures a comprehensive range of driving behaviors, which are systematically assessed to determine overall performance. Through the scoring system, drivers are monitored for various aspects, including their handling of left turns, right intersections, expressway driving, and more. A total of 30 errors is permissible during the evaluation, with specific sections outlined as automatic failures if marks are noted. The form contains spaces for essential details, such as the examiner's signature, vehicle information, and the driver's license number, ensuring proper documentation and accountability. Each error is categorized, allowing for a clear understanding of where improvements are necessary. Furthermore, particular attention is given to safety practices, such as seatbelt usage and proper signaling. The evaluation not only affects an individual's ability to pass the driving test but may also play a significant role in determining their overall competence on the road.

Form Sample

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

ETP CDL DRIVING PERFORMANCE EVALUATION SCORE SHEET

DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES																To pass road portion, you must have no more than 30 errors and no marks in automatic failure section.
A Public Service Agency

DATE														TEST LOCATION					EXAMINER SIGNATURE							EXAMINER ID NUMBER			RESULT			TYPE OF VEHICLE
																			X									Number or Errors			Vehicle Axles			1	2		3
VEHICLE LICENSE NO./TRAILER ID PLATE NO.														ROUTE NUMBER					DRIVER’S SIGNATURE							DRIVER LICENSE NUMBER		Number or Errors			Trailer axles			1	2		3
VEHICLE LICENSE NO./TRAILER ID PLATE NO.														ROUTE NUMBER					DRIVER’S SIGNATURE							DRIVER LICENSE NUMBER		Passing			Trailer axles			1	2		3
																			X												Air brakes			Yes			No
																			X												Air brakes			Yes			No
		LEFT										TURNS				RIGHT			INTERSECTIONS							EXPRESSWAY/FREEWAY		Unsatisfactory			GVWR Truck
		LEFT										TURNS				RIGHT			INTERSECTIONS							EXPRESSWAY/FREEWAY		Unsatisfactory			GVWR Truck
																															GCWR Trailer
1	2		3		4					Approach					1	2	3	4	Approach	S		S	T		T	Merge On		Mechanical
1	2		3		4					Approach					1	2	3	4	Approach	S		S	T		T	Merge On		Mechanical
0	0		0		0					Signal-On					0	0	0	0	Traffic Check	0	0		0	0		Signal	0	Postponement			CLA		CLB		PV
0	0		0		0					Traffic Check					0	0	0	0	Decelerate	0	0		0	0		Traffic Check	0
0	0		0		0					Traffic Check					0	0	0	0	Decelerate	0	0		0	0		Traffic Check	0			GENERAL DRIVING
0	0		0		0				Decelerate/Coast						0	0	0	0	Coast	0	0		0	0		Spacing/No Stop/Merge	0	Used clutch improperly						0	0	0	0	0
0	0		0		0					Correct Lane					0	0	0	0	Correct Lane	0	0		0	0		Cancel Signal	0	Used gears improperly						0	0	0	0	0
												If Stop							Stopping							Expressway Driving		Used brakes improperly						0	0	0	0	0
0	0		0		0					Unnecessary					0	0	0	0	Unnecessary	0	0					Traffic Check	0	Improper steering						0	0	0	0	0
0	0		0		0							Smooth			0	0	0	0	Smooth Stop	0	0					Lane	0	Improper lane usage						0	0	0	0	0
0	0		0		0				Gap/Stop Line						0	0	0	0	Stop Line/Gap	0	0					Speed	0	Used regular traffic checks						0	0	0	0	0
0	0		0		0						Full Stop				0	0	0	0	Full Stop	0	0					Following Distance	0	Improper use of turn signals						0	0	0	0	0
0	0		0		0				Wheels Straight										Roll Back	0	0					Exit					NO. OF ERRORS
0	0		0		0					Roll Back					0	0	0	0	Drive Through							Signal	0
0	0		0		0					Roll Back					0	0	0	0	Drive Through							Signal	0			AUTOMATIC FAILURES
											Turning								Traffic Check	0	0		0	0		Traffic Check	0	Did not use safety belt										0
0	0		0		0					Traffic Check					0	0	0	0	Both Hands	0	0		0	0		Merge/Spacing	0	Moving violation or disobeyed signs/signals										0
0	0		0		0				Both Hands/Gears						0	0	0	0	Gears	0	0		0	0		Decelerate in Exit Lane	0	Did not yield to pedestrian/other road users etc.										0
0	0		0		0					Speed/Yield					0	0	0	0	Yield	0	0		0	0		Ramp Speed	0	Avoidable accident or incident/dangerous act										0
0	0		0		0					Wide/Short					0	0	0	0	Lane	0	0		0	0		Cancel Signal	0	Put vehicle over sidewalks or curbs										0
									Complete Turn										Outage	0	0		0	0			0	English only – Cited under Federal Regulation §391.11(b)(2).								1	2	3
0	0		0		0					Traffic Check					0	0	0	0	Completion											NOTES:
										Correct Lane					0	0	0	0	Traffic Check	0	0		0	0
0	0		0		0				Accelerate/Move Right						0	0	0	0	Correct Lane	0	0		0	0
0	0		0		0				Cancel Signal						0	0	0	0	Accelerate	0	0		0	0
									NO. OF ERRORS										NO. OF ERRORS							NO. OF ERRORS

URBAN/RURAL HIGHWAY										U			R	ROAD SIDE STOP/START					RAILROAD CROSSING							STUDENT DISCHARGE
Regular Traffic Checks									0		0			Approach					Approach	STD HAZ/Pass						Approach
Checks Cross Traffic									0		0			Signal On				0	Traffic/Train Check	0			0			Warning Lights On	0
Select Proper Lane									0		0			Traffic Check				0	Decelerate/Coast	0			0			Traffic Check	0
Keeps Vehicle in Lane									0		0			Correct Lane				0	Right Lane	0			0			Moves to Right	0
Speed/Flow-of-Traffic									0		0			Deceleration				0	Stopping							Stop Arm	0
Following Distance									0		0			Not Coasting				0	4-Ways	0			0			Stop
				NO. OF ERRORS										Stop					Stop 15 to 50 Feet	0			0			Neutral/Foot On Brake/Stop	0
														Parallel/Curb				0	Full Stop/Door	0			0			Arm/Flashers	0
LANE CHANGES						L		R		L			R	Not Blocking Traffic/Hydrant				0	Traffic/Train Check	0			0			Discharge
Signal					0		0		0		0			Not Rolling				0	Crossing							Communicate to Students	0
Traffic Checks					0		0		0		0			Signal Off				0	Gears	0			0			Traffic Check	0
Spacing					0		0		0		0			Set Parking Brake				0	Traffic/Train Check	0			0			Open Door	0
Smooth Change					0		0		0		0			Resume					Outage	0			0			Student Check	0
Cancel Signal					0		0		0		0			Signal On				0	Stop	0			0			Student Crossing
	NO. OF ERRORS													Traffic Check				0	Completion							Traffic Check	0
														Release Parking Brake				0	Cancel 4-Ways	0			0			Student Communication	0
CURVE										L			R	Traffic Check				0	Traffic/Train Check	0			0			Student Check	0
Speed Enter									0		0			Roll Back				0	Correct Lane	0			0			Resume
Speed Through									0		0			Not Stall Engine				0	Accelerates	0			0			Check All Mirror	0
Stays in Lane									0		0			Accelerates Smoothly				0	NO. OF ERRORS							Stop Arm Off	0
Stays in Lane									0		0			Accelerates Smoothly				0	NO. OF ERRORS							Stop Arm Off	0
Regular Traffic Checks									0		0			Signal Off				0								Warning Lights Off	0
				NO. OF ERRORS											NO. OF ERRORS				TRUCK/BUS SIGN				1	2		Traffic Check	0

																			Bridge/Overpass/Sign				0	0		Shuts All Doors	0	48 CLASS A, B, OR C WITHOUT AIR BRAKES
																			NO. OF ERRORS							Accelerates Into Traffic	0	64 CLASS A OR B AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
																			NO. OF ERRORS							Accelerates Into Traffic	0	64 CLASS A OR B AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
																										NO. OF ERRORS		OTHER
																										NO. OF ERRORS		OTHER

DL 65 ETP PART II (REV. 11/2011)

DL 65 ETP PART II (REV. 11/2011) WWW

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Document Specifications

Fact Name	Description
Purpose	The Driver Performance Score Sheet is used to evaluate a driver's performance during a driving test in California.
Passing Criteria	To pass the road portion of the test, a driver can make no more than 30 errors and must avoid errors in the automatic failure section.
Examiner Information	The score sheet requires the examiner's name, signature, and ID number for validation of the evaluation process.
Vehicle Details	It includes essential details such as the type of vehicle, number of axles, and license plate number to identify the vehicle used during the test.
Scoring Sections	The form contains various categories, like left turns, right turns, and expressway driving, where errors can be documented independently.
Automatic Failures	Certain actions, such as failing to use a safety belt or disregarding traffic signals, are categorized as automatic failures in the driving test.
English Requirement	As per Federal Regulation §391.11(b)(2), the score sheet is available in English only.
Final Result	The result of the examination, including the number of errors made, is recorded to determine if the candidate passes or fails.
State Specificity	This form is specific to the State of California and is governed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ regulations regarding driver licensing.

Steps to Filling Out Driver Performance Score Sheet

After collecting all necessary information related to the driving evaluation process, it's time to fill out the Driver Performance Score Sheet form. This form is crucial for documenting the performance of the driver during the evaluation. Make sure to gather the needed details before you start filling it out.

Begin by entering the state and date of the evaluation at the top of the form.
Provide the test location where the evaluation takes place.
Write down the examiner's signature along with their examiner ID number.
Indicate the result of the evaluation (pass or fail).
Specify the type of vehicle used for the evaluation.
Document the vehicle license number and trailer ID plate number, if applicable.
Fill in the route number taken during the evaluation.
Have the driver’s signature and their driver license number included in the relevant sections.
Complete the sections detailing the number of errors, including specific areas like left turns, right intersections, and freeway driving.
Record scores for each section by marking the appropriate number for errors.
In the general driving section, tally errors across various categories such as spacing, lane usage, and stopping.
Review any automatic failures and mark any instances that led to disqualification during the evaluation.
Count the total number of errors from all sections and input that number in the designated area.
Finally, add any notes that may provide further context regarding the evaluation results.

More About Driver Performance Score Sheet

What is the purpose of the Driver Performance Score Sheet form?

The Driver Performance Score Sheet form is used to evaluate the driving skills of individuals seeking to obtain or renew a commercial driver's license (CDL) in California. It serves as a standardized assessment tool that measures various aspects of driving performance, including maneuvers, compliance with traffic regulations, and overall driving behavior. This form plays a crucial role in ensuring that drivers meet the necessary safety standards required to operate commercial vehicles.

How is the scoring conducted on the form?

Scoring is based on the number of errors made by the driver during the evaluation. The form outlines specific areas of performance, such as lane changes, traffic checks, and stopping procedures. Each area has a designated number of possible errors. To pass the road test, a driver must record no more than 30 errors and must not have any marks in the automatic failure section. The examiner will document the results, which helps determine whether the driver has met the standards necessary to pass the driving test.

What constitutes an automatic failure on the Driver Performance Score Sheet?

An automatic failure occurs when specific critical errors are made during the evaluation. These include violations such as not wearing a safety belt, making a moving violation, or failing to yield to pedestrians and other road users. Additionally, actions that result in an avoidable accident or dangerous situation will also lead to an automatic failure. Understanding these criteria is important for ensuring a safe driving assessment.

What should drivers do if they receive an unsatisfactory result?

If a driver receives an unsatisfactory result on the Driver Performance Score Sheet, they must take steps to improve their driving skills. It is advisable to review the areas where errors were made and seek additional training or practice. Drivers may choose to retake the test after sufficient preparation. This approach helps to increase their chances of passing in the future and ensures that they are equipped to operate a vehicle safely.

Common mistakes

Neglecting to review instructions: Failing to carefully read the instructions before filling out the form can lead to misunderstandings about the scoring criteria. A lack of attention to these details may produce inaccurate results.
Incorrect vehicle information: Providing inaccurate information about the vehicle type or license plate can hinder the evaluation process. It's crucial to ensure that all vehicle details are correct for valid assessment.
Inconsistent marking of errors: Participants may mark errors inconsistently or forget to mark errors altogether. This inconsistency can result in an unfair evaluation of driving performance.
Missing examiner details: Not filling in the examiner’s signature or ID number may lead to complications in validating the assessment. Each score sheet must have these details to confirm authenticity.
Ignoring automatic failure criteria: Road test takers sometimes overlook the automatic failure section, which includes critical errors. Awareness of these criteria is essential to ensure a passing evaluation.
Failing to sign the form: Participants often forget to sign their name at the end of the form. This omission can result in the disqualification of the score sheet and necessitate a retest.

Documents used along the form

The Driver Performance Score Sheet form is an essential tool used to evaluate a driver's performance during road tests. This form not only helps assess driving skills but also aids in ensuring safety standards are maintained. Along with this form, several other documents often support the evaluation process and provide comprehensive records of a driver's qualifications and performance.

Driver's License Application: This is the form individuals submit when applying for a driver's license. It captures personal information, including identity, residence, and driving history.
Medical Examination Report: Required for commercial drivers, this report certifies that an individual is physically fit to drive. It must be completed by a licensed medical professional.
Driving Record History: This document details a driver's past behavior on the road, including any violations or accidents. Insurance companies and employers often review it when assessing a driver's eligibility.
Vehicle Inspection Report: A mandatory form that indicates the condition of the vehicle used during the driving test. It ensures that all safety features are functioning correctly before the test begins.
Road Test Appointment Confirmation: This form provides details of the scheduled driving test, including the time, date, and location, ensuring both the examiner and candidate are prepared.
Driver Education Certificate: Issued upon successful completion of a driver’s education course, this certificate verifies that the individual has learned essential skills and knowledge for safe driving.
Traffic Violation Notice: A form issued by law enforcement during a traffic stop, detailing any violations committed by the driver. This documentation is crucial for maintaining accurate driving records.

By utilizing these documents alongside the Driver Performance Score Sheet, individuals and organizations can ensure thorough evaluations of driver's qualifications and competency, thereby enhancing road safety for all. Proper record-keeping leads to better driver training and improved confidence on the road.

Similar forms

The Commercial Driver License (CDL) Skills Test form closely resembles the Driver Performance Score Sheet. Both documents serve as evaluations of a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely and competently. The CDL Skills Test form includes a checklist that assesses various driving skills, such as maneuvering, lane changes, and traffic checks. Like the Driver Performance Score Sheet, it set specific pass-fail criteria, including the number of errors allowed during the test, ensuring that the assessment is standardized across all applicants.

The Road Test Evaluation form is another document similar in function to the Driver Performance Score Sheet. This form is used to evaluate new drivers’ road skills, focusing on their performance during an actual driving test. It includes criteria similar to those found in the Driver Performance Score Sheet, such as adherence to traffic signals and proper use of turn signals. Both forms emphasize safety and proficiency while driving, offering a structured way to capture a driver's effectiveness behind the wheel.

The Bus Driver Certification Evaluation is a document that evaluates a bus driver’s capabilities in navigating urban and rural environments. This form shares similarities with the Driver Performance Score Sheet, particularly in assessing specific maneuvers, such as left and right turns, and passenger safety protocols. Both documents provide a thorough means to ensure that drivers meet the safety standards required for operating larger vehicles, highlighting the importance of skill and compliance with traffic regulations.

The Driver Training Record is another form that mirrors the Driver Performance Score Sheet's goal of assessing driving skills. This document tracks a driver’s progress throughout their training period, documenting errors and corrections made during practice sessions. Much like the Driver Performance Score Sheet, it establishes benchmarks for success and highlights areas in need of improvement, ensuring that drivers gain the necessary skills before their road tests.

The Defensive Driving Course Completion Certificate also bears similarities to the Driver Performance Score Sheet. This certificate is awarded after course completion, validating that a driver has acquired defensive driving techniques to reduce road risks. Although it is more educational in nature, both documents contribute to the overall assessment of a driver's preparedness and safety on the road, underlining the importance of knowledge in driving performance.

The Adult Learner’s Permit Assessment form is similar in that it evaluates new drivers before they receive a full license. Like the Driver Performance Score Sheet, it assesses students on essential driving skills and understanding of traffic laws. Both forms emphasize the importance of foundational knowledge and practical skills before moving forward in the licensing process, ensuring that new drivers are adequately equipped to handle the road responsibly.

The Motorcycle Skills Assessment form also closely resembles the Driver Performance Score Sheet, though it targets motorcycle riders. This form evaluates vital skills such as turning, braking, and hazard awareness in a motorcycle context. Both documents ensure that operators, whether of cars or motorcycles, demonstrate the necessary capabilities to navigate safely under varying traffic conditions.

The Forklift Operator Evaluation form provides another example of a driving performance assessment, albeit in the realm of industrial vehicle operation. This evaluation measures a forklift operator's skills and adherence to safety protocols. While targeted at a different type of vehicle, both forms include criteria for skilled maneuvering and vehicle control, affirming the need for operators to demonstrate their competencies in a controlled environment.

Lastly, the Teen Driver License Evaluation shares a focus on assessing driving competency. This evaluation is aimed at younger drivers, often requiring additional parameters, such as parent involvement in the assessment process. The structure and purpose parallel that of the Driver Performance Score Sheet, with both documents assessing essential driving skills and knowledge to promote safe driving practices from the start.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Driver Performance Score Sheet form, it is important to approach the task with careful attention to detail. Here are some essential dos and don'ts to help ensure accurate and effective completion.

Do: Review the instructions carefully before beginning to fill out the form. This will help avoid mistakes and ensure all sections are completed as required.
Do: Double-check the information provided, especially the driver's license number and the vehicle license plate number. Accurate data is crucial for the evaluation process.
Do: Make note of the automatic failure sections and ensure there are no errors in these areas to avoid disqualification.
Do: Sign the document once you have completed all sections. Your signature indicates that you agree with the information presented.
Do: Seek assistance if unsure about how to complete certain sections. Clarifying doubts can prevent errors.

Don't: Rush through the form. Taking your time will minimize errors and improve accuracy.
Don't: Leave any sections blank unless explicitly stated. Completing all necessary fields ensures completeness.
Don't: Ignore the requirements regarding the number of allowable errors. Familiarize yourself with these limits to ensure compliance.
Don't: Apply corrections in a way that makes the form difficult to read. If a mistake is made, follow the proper procedures for correction.
Don't: Submit the form without conducting a thorough review. An overlooked error may affect your overall evaluation.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the Driver Performance Score Sheet form can lead to confusion and frustration. Here is a list of ten common misconceptions, along with explanations to clarify these points:

The form is only for new drivers. This is incorrect. The Driver Performance Score Sheet can be used for various evaluations, including those for experienced drivers needing a refresher or assessment.
All errors carry the same weight. Not true. Different errors may have different implications, particularly those in the automatic failure section, which can result in immediate disqualification.
You can have up to 30 errors and still pass. This is misleading. You can have no more than 30 errors total but must also avoid marks in the automatic failure section to pass.
Decelerating while driving is always considered an error. This is false. Deceleration is often necessary, but it must be done safely and appropriately. An error occurs only if it’s not done correctly.
You can retake the test immediately if you fail. This is not typically allowed. There are often waiting periods required before you can attempt the test again, reinforcing the need to prepare adequately.
All evaluations will be identical. Each driving test can vary because routes, weather conditions, and examiner expectations can change. This variability means it's vital to be well-prepared.
Automatic failures are minor mistakes. This is incorrect. Automatic failures represent serious issues such as not wearing a safety belt or disobeying traffic signals, and they lead to an immediate failure.
You don’t need to worry about lane changes unless you’re rated on it. This is a misconception. Lane change techniques are critical and can affect overall performance, even if not rated on that specific form.
Only the examiner's opinion matters. While the examiner's assessment is crucial, drivers should also be aware of their own performance and readiness for the road.
The Driver Performance Score Sheet is only for trucks and buses. This idea is false. The form assesses various types of vehicles, not limited to just commercial trucks or buses, but also including passenger vehicles.

Understanding these misconceptions can help drivers prepare better and approach the evaluation with the right mindset. Aim to be informed and ready to demonstrate safe driving skills.

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the Driver Performance Score Sheet form, several important points should be kept in mind. Understanding these aspects can help ensure effective evaluations of driving performance and adherence to regulations.

Familiarize yourself with error limits: A driver must have no more than 30 errors to pass the road test. It's essential to keep track of these errors diligently as exceeding this limit results in an automatic failure.
Automatic failure sections: Be aware of the specific criteria classified as automatic failures. Notably, violations like not wearing a safety belt or failing to yield to pedestrians can lead to immediate disqualification.
Comprehensive evaluation criteria: The score sheet covers various aspects of driving, including lane changes, signaling, and traffic checks. Each section has its own set of potential errors, which are crucial for a thorough assessment of the driver’s skills.
Ensure clear communication: Clear communication with the driver throughout the evaluation process is vital. This includes informing them about their performance, guiding them on areas that need improvement, and addressing any questions they may have.