Autonomous Vehicle Safety and Test Drivers

Trucking companies typically look for applicants who have a CDL and who have extensive driving experience (including familiarity with driving on various types of roads, the operation of types of trucks, and the safety issues encountered in the transportation of goods by truck). Some employers require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or engineering.

Drivers must have knowledge of vehicle inspection and maintenance processes, be able to use a touchscreen smartphone or tablet, and have familiarity with bug tracking and worker collaboration software.

Successful safety drivers and testers are decisive, have good judgment, and are flexible regarding changing systems and workflows, enthusiastic about autonomous technology, and eager to learn new technologies. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are important because drivers work closely with software engineers as a team while testing vehicles and because they need to communicate (both orally and in writing) the precise infrastructure, traffic, and environmental conditions that existed when an issue arose during a test. All drivers must be extremely alert and focused as they sit at the ready to immediately take control of a vehicle should an issue arise during use.