[Rizner]

To choose drivers we start with a written test. Then, as the robot starts to be finished (at least the base with drivetrain) and when you can attach bumpers and the goal to it (don't want someone to break it before comp) you have a test. It's a pressure situation because they know it's their chance to be driver, and you have a group of people watch them (mentors who choose the driver, not other students). You then have one mentor stand near them and tell them what to do before the start, and see if they can do it.

i.e. in 2007 we had a field set up, the robot together, but the manipulator wasn't quite working. they put ringers on the floor, had us drive next to them, say pick them up (as if we had a manipulator and a person to say it to), then the mentor would judge if they were close enough to pick it up or not. If not then say you didn't get it and have them reallign. Then have them drive to the rack as if they scored, and try to end up on a ramp at the end of the time (we had about 1 minute I think, and they said when 20 seconds was left). Things to keep in mind while people do this is see their technique, how well they accomplish things, and also the way the pick what to do (backing up when it's faster instead of turning around, if they make a mistake fixing it instead of saying that wasn't good, was it?, etc.)