What is one of the criteria for assessing a soldier's driving performance?

Keen observation of surroundings is a critical criterion for assessing a soldier's driving performance. This skill indicates a driver's ability to be aware of their immediate environment, which is vital for ensuring safety while operating a vehicle. Being attentive to surroundings allows the driver to react promptly to changes, such as obstacles, other vehicles, pedestrians, and road signs. This situational awareness is essential for defensive driving and helps prevent accidents, ensuring not only the driver's safety but also that of others on the road.

The other options, while related to driving, do not encompass the broader and more critical aspect of performance assessment. Speed of travel may indicate control but does not necessarily reflect safety or situational awareness. The ability to drive at night is important but does not apply to all situations and does not measure overall driving effectiveness. Knowledge of all vehicle colors has little to do with driving performance or safety and is not relevant to the skillset needed for effective vehicle operation.