Excavator Driver Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Applying for a Excavator Driver job in the UK? Here is what you are likely to be asked. These questions come from our Excavator Driver question bank of 16 questions, written for UK employers at mid-level level.

Eight Excavator Driver interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. What pre-use checks do you carry out on a 360 excavator at the start of a shift?

Why they ask: Daily checks are a legal and safety essential under PUWER.

2. How do you check for underground services before digging, and what do you do if you hit one?

Why they ask: Strike avoidance is critical for excavator operators.

3. You are digging and uncover an unexpected cable or pipe that is not on any plan. What do you do?

Why they ask: Tests response to unknown services.

4. What qualifications and cards do you hold, and what do they allow you to operate?

Why they ask: Employers verify competence and the card scheme.

5. How do you excavate a trench safely, and how do you stop the sides collapsing?

Why they ask: Trench safety is a major cause of fatalities.

6. Tell me about a time you worked accurately to a set level or gradient.

Why they ask: Shows precision and use of grade control.

7. How do you load and transport a spoil to a dumper or lorry efficiently and safely?

Why they ask: Day-to-day productivity and safety around other plant.

8. Why do you want to be an excavator driver, and what do you enjoy about it?

Why they ask: Checks commitment and understanding of the role.

A sample answer to question 1

What pre-use checks do you carry out on a 360 excavator at the start of a shift?

I begin with a walk-round, looking for leaks, damaged hoses, loose or missing bolts, cracks on the boom, dipper and bucket, and wear on tracks and bucket teeth. I check the oil, coolant, fuel and hydraulic oil levels, and grease the pins and bush points. I also look at the quick hitch and its safety pin, as an unsecured attachment is a common cause of serious incidents. In the cab, I check the seat belt, mirrors, cameras, lights, horn, reversing alarm, beacon and fire extinguisher. I test the controls, brakes and swing function, and check that any rated capacity indicator or lifting point is working if the machine is used for lifting. I record the check on the daily sheet, and report defects to my supervisor. If a defect is unsafe, such as a hydraulic leak or defective quick hitch, I do not use the machine.

Common mistake to avoid: Skipping checks on a familiar machine; ignoring small hydraulic leaks

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 16 questions are on the Excavator Driver interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.