What are psychotechnical tests?
Psychotechnical tests typically consist of several parts – written, equipment-based, and oral. The duration of the tests varies from 2 to 3 hours, depending on the position and the course of the session. At the end, an opinion on the presence or absence of contraindications to driving vehicles is issued.
The tests usually involve filling out standard psychological tests that help determine the personality type, reactions to sudden situations, perceptiveness, reaction time, stress resistance, and social adaptation of the driver. The equipment-based part is conducted on special devices that assess reflexes, visual-auditory coordination, and concentration. The third part of the psychotechnical examination involves a psychologist conducting an interview with the driver. The psychological interview lasts about 10 minutes.
Who and when should undergo psychotests?
All drivers wishing to drive professionally must undergo psychotests. The tests are conducted in a workplace equipped with appropriate equipment for occupational medicine. The first psychological examination should be completed before the day of obtaining professional qualifications, and each subsequent one should be done within the appropriate time frame to complete periodic training. Psychotechnical examinations for professional drivers must be repeated every 5 years until the age of 60 or every 30 months after the age of 60.
What do psychotechnical tests look like?
Many people undergoing psychotechnical examinations for the first time wonder what they might look like. To reduce unnecessary stress, it is worth obtaining basic information on this topic.
In the first part, one can expect a short conversation and filling out questionnaires. The tests aim to assess the intellectual abilities and cognitive processes of the driver. The questionnaires contain sets of questions that the candidate must answer. The responses help determine personality traits indicating social and emotional maturity of the future professional driver. This part alone allows assessing whether a person can concentrate, control themselves, understand legal norms, and adapt to them.
In the second part of the examination, the psychomotor skills of the driver are tested using psychotechnical devices. The devices commonly used for this purpose include a reaction time meter, a stereometer, a Piórkowski apparatus, and a cross apparatus. Special emphasis is placed on visual-motor coordination, as well as the speed and adequacy of reactions to a given stimulus on the road.
Psychotechnical examinations for drivers – how to prepare for them?
When preparing for psychotechnical examinations, you need to allocate enough time for them. Most facilities offer psychotest sessions within one day. For taxi drivers, the examination takes an average of 2 hours. Instructors, examiners, and drivers of privileged vehicles and specialized machines should prepare to spend about 3 hours at the center. When going for psychotechnical examinations, you should bring with you:
- ID card or passport
- valid driver’s license
- referral for psychotechnical examination issued by the employer or doctor (the examination can also be done without a referral)
- referral from the city or county office (if issued)
- contact lenses or glasses (if used).
You should come to the examination well-rested and in good spirits. In the case of increasing stress, it is not recommended to take sedatives. Importantly, on the day before the examination, it is contraindicated to consume psychoactive substances and alcohol, as they can disrupt reaction time and concentration.
Do you have more questions? Contact us! Avalon Logistics Group is an intermediary between drivers and the largest taxi service companies. We will help you navigate the recruitment process and guarantee the best employment conditions. Fill out the contact form on the website, and wait for a response. Our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.
