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Vehicle Test Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Operator will be required to unload crane accessories from trailers or support vehicles. The ... Must be able to pass a drug test, background check, and fit for duty test. * Must possess a current ...

The Operator will be required to unload crane accessories from trailers or support vehicles. The ... Must be able to pass a drug test, background check, and fit for duty test. * Must possess a current ...

The Operator will be required to unload crane accessories from trailers or support vehicles. The ... Must be able to pass a drug test, background check, and fit for duty test. * Must possess a current ...

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Vehicle Test Operator information

Are car tester jobs in demand?

Vehicle test operator jobs are generally in demand due to the ongoing need for vehicle safety and quality testing in the automotive industry. Employment opportunities depend on the automotive sector's growth, technological advancements, and regulatory requirements, often requiring skills in vehicle inspection and familiarity with testing equipment.

How much do driver testers get paid?

Vehicle test operators typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. Some positions may offer additional benefits or overtime pay, especially for night or weekend shifts.

What are some common challenges faced by Vehicle Test Operators during on-road testing, and how can they be managed?

Vehicle Test Operators often encounter challenges such as unpredictable road conditions, adapting to rapidly changing test protocols, and ensuring accurate data collection while maintaining safety standards. Managing these challenges involves thorough pre-test planning, clear communication with engineering teams, and staying attentive to both the vehicle's behavior and the surrounding environment. Operators must also be comfortable with technology, as many tests involve advanced driver-assist or autonomous systems that require quick troubleshooting and feedback.

How do you become a car tester?

To become a vehicle test operator, candidates typically need a valid driver's license, a good driving record, and sometimes a background in automotive technology or engineering. Relevant skills include attention to detail, the ability to follow safety protocols, and familiarity with vehicle systems; some positions may require specific certifications or training. Experience in driving different vehicle types and comfort with testing environments are also beneficial.

What are Vehicle Test Operators?

Vehicle Test Operators are professionals responsible for testing vehicles, often under real-world or controlled conditions, to ensure they meet safety, performance, and quality standards. They may drive vehicles on test tracks or public roads, monitor systems, and collect data for engineers. Their work helps manufacturers identify issues and improve vehicle designs before mass production. Vehicle Test Operators play a critical role in the automotive development process, especially for new technologies like autonomous vehicles and electric cars.

How much do Lamborghini test drivers make?

Lamborghini test drivers typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of testing tasks. These roles often require specialized automotive knowledge, driving skills, and sometimes engineering or technical certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Vehicle Test Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vehicle Test Operator, you need a valid driver’s license, a solid understanding of vehicle mechanics, and strong attention to safety protocols. Familiarity with data logging systems, diagnostic tools, and sometimes proprietary autonomous vehicle software is often required. Excellent observational skills, clear communication, and the ability to work independently make candidates stand out in this position. These skills and qualities ensure accurate vehicle testing, uphold safety standards, and support effective collaboration in the development process.

What is the difference between Vehicle Test Operator vs Vehicle Inspector?

AspectVehicle Test OperatorVehicle Inspector
Required CertificationsDriver's license, safety trainingVehicle inspection certification, safety training
Work EnvironmentTest tracks, laboratories, testing facilitiesInspection stations, repair shops, testing sites
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive testing companies, manufacturersGovernment agencies, automotive service centers
Common Search & ComparisonVehicle Test OperatorVehicle Inspector

Both roles involve working with vehicles in testing or inspection environments. Vehicle Test Operators focus on conducting tests on vehicles to assess performance and safety, often requiring driving and safety certifications. Vehicle Inspectors primarily evaluate vehicle conditions for compliance and safety standards, often in inspection stations. While their environments and certifications overlap, their core responsibilities differ: testing vs. inspection.

What job categories do people searching Vehicle Test Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Vehicle Test Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Vehicle Test Operator jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Vehicle Test Operator job openings:
Motor Vehicle Operator-Portsmouth,Virginia

Motor Vehicle Operator-Portsmouth,Virginia

Defense Logistics Agency

Suffolk, VA

$33.02/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Defense Logistics Agency rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

194th of 668 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary
See below for important information regarding this job.
Learn more about this agency
Summary
See below for important information regarding this job.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Accepting applications
Posted this month • Apply today
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 30, 2026
This job will close when we have received 100 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, VA
1 vacancy
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $28.31 - $33.02 per hour Pay scale & grade
WG 8
Promotion potential 8
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
  • 5703 Motor Vehicle Operating

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union Yes
Drug test Yes Security clearance Other Financial disclosure required No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number DLADist-26-12992520-DHA Control number 874009900
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
This is a Direct Hiring Authority Notice open to the Public using the Department of Defense DIB DHA.
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Duties
  • Operates straight-in-line trucks, tractors with semi-trailers or full trailers; and/or motor coaches, which typically have an approximate gross vehicle weight of more than 32,000 pounds.
  • Connects and disconnects the air brakes and electrical lines.
  • Maneuvers vehicles within close tolerance when driving and backing over uneven ground; in narrow or congested areas; between buildings and other vehicles; and when positioning vehicles at loading docks.
  • Directs the arranging of cargo or assists in the operation for proper weight distribution and loading/unloading sequence.
  • Performs operator maintenance tasks: checks gasoline, oil, water, air pressure, steering gear, horn, brakes, etc.
  • Completes trip tickets and fills out reports in case of accident.
  • May perform materials handling and packing duties to include receiving, storing, issuing, picking and packing a variety of materials.
  • May operate material handling equipment (MHE) such as forklifts to load/unload and move materials.

Requirements
Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Tour of Duty: Set Schedule
  • Security Requirements: Non-Sensitive
  • Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, where reciprocity cannot be applied; unfavorably adjudicated background checks will be grounds for removal.
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Non-Exempt
  • Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
  • Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
  • Bargaining Unit Status: Yes
  • Pre-Employment Physical: Required
  • This position and any future selections from this announcement may be used to fill various shifts located anywhere within DLA Distribution Portsmouth, VA.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Material Handling Equipment (MHE) license.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain licenses and/or certifications required by the installation, federal, state, and local laws.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state drivers license/certification to operate government vehicles.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain required hazardous materials handling certifications.
  • Must possess and maintain an active Class A Commercial Driver's License with Hazmat endorsement.

Qualifications
Applicants will be rated in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standard for Trades and Labor Occupations. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required, you must meet any screen-out element listed, and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties at the level for which you are applying. Emphasis is placed on how you gained the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time, and the required ability or potential to perform the job. Applicants who do not meet the screen-out element (SOE) will be eliminated from further competition.
The SOE and minimum qualifications for this position is:
  • Ability to do the work of a Motor Vehicle Operator without more than normal supervision (SOE): I perform the common tasks of the job to be filled on my own initiative and receive help from my supervisor on more complex duties, such as operate vehicles with a gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds and up to 26,000 pounds both on and off the installation, over public roads in all types of traffic and in congested industrial areas.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
PHYSICAL EFFORT: May exert moderate to heavy physical effort in climbing on tractors to hook up service liens, lower landing gears, and opening container doors, and in climbing on trailer to load or tie down cargo. Exerts moderate physical effort in operating, turning, backing, and controlling vehicles which carry heavier loads. Required to stand on hard surfaces for extended periods of time, and to bend, stoop, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. May be required to lift and carry items that weigh up to 40pounds. Heavier items are moved with weight handling equipment or with assistance from other workers.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Works outside and operates vehicles in all kinds of weather. Drivers are exposed to dirt and fumes, and to the possibility cuts, bruises, and broken bones as a result of accidents while driving or from falling objects when loading and unloading vehicles. May work in areas that are hot, damp, cold, drafty, or poorly lighted and regularly exposed to the possibility of cuts, scrapes, bruises, abrasions, falls, and injury from falling stock or mechanized conveyor system and may be exposed to dust, dirt, grease, and solvents and high noise levels in mechanized areas. Must wear appropriate safety equipment as required. Must possess and maintain all appropriate driver's licenses and government licensing to operate assigned motor vehicles and equipment (Class A license with hazmat endorsement is required). Shift work is required.
Additional information
For Important General Applicant Information and Definitions go to: http://www.dla.mil/portals/104/documents/careers/GenAppInfoDef.pdf
Reemployed Annuitants: This position does not meet criteria for appointment of Reemployed Annuitants. The DoD criteria for hiring Reemployed Annuitants can be found at: http://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf
Information for Veterans is available at: http://www.dla.mil/Careers/Programs/veterans.aspx . As of 23 December 2016, Military retirees seeking to enter federal service in the Department of Defense now require a waiver if they would be appointed within 180 days following their official date of retirement.
Drug-Free Workplace: The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has established a Drug-Free Federal Workplace Policy. All applicants tentatively selected for DLA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with DLA for a period of six months. This policy extends to random testing for the use of illegal drugs by employees who occupy testing designated positions defined as sensitive in Section 7(d) of Executive Order 12564. The Defense Logistics Agency's Drug Free Workplace Plan's drug testing panel includes testing for the following illegal substances: marijuana, cocaine, opiates (codeine/morphine), 6-Acetylmorphine (heroin), phencyclidine, amphetamines (amphetamine/methamphetamine), methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone. ADVISORY: By using cannabidiol (CBD) products you are risking a positive drug test result for marijuana.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits .
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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