Employers hiring commercial drivers must ensure their candidates have a safe and legally compliant driving history. Knowing how to perform background check driving record is essential for making informed hiring decisions, preventing liability, and maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations.
A driving record background check helps employers assess a candidate’s history of violations, accidents, license status, and other crucial factors. This guide explains how employers can conduct background checks on driving records, what information is included, and how Drivers Files Online simplifies the process.
Why Employers Perform Driving Record Background Checks
Conducting a driving record background check is a critical step in the hiring process for any company employing drivers. Here’s why:
1. Ensuring Public and Workplace Safety
A candidate with multiple moving violations or reckless driving history poses a higher risk to company assets and public safety. A background check driving record ensures that only qualified drivers are hired.
2. Compliance With FMCSA Regulations
For CDL drivers, the background and driving record check process ensures compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules. Employers must verify that drivers meet safety and licensing requirements.
3. Reducing Insurance Costs
A pre-employment driving record check can help lower insurance premiums. Hiring drivers with clean records minimizes risk, making companies more attractive to insurers.
4. Avoiding Legal and Financial Liability
Negligent hiring practices can lead to costly lawsuits if a driver with a poor record is involved in an accident. A driving record check for employment helps companies avoid such risks.
LEARN MORE: Why Do Driving Companies Require Your License Details?
How to Perform Background Check Driving Record
Employers must follow legal procedures and obtain the correct documents to perform a background check driving record properly.
Step 1: Obtain Candidate Consent
Before conducting a background check using driver’s license number, employers must obtain written consent from the candidate. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires businesses to inform applicants about background screenings and get their authorization.
Step 2: Request an MVR Report
A Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check is one of the most reliable ways to verify a driver’s history. Employers can request an MVR background check for employment through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Drivers Files Online, which simplifies MVR retrieval.
Learn about MVR meaning, how insurance agents use MVR reports, and more on our blog! Still have questions? Contact us to see if we can help!
Step 3: Review Key Information in the Driving Record
A DMV background check for employment typically includes:
- License Status (valid, suspended, revoked)
- Traffic Violations (speeding, reckless driving)
- Accidents (history of at-fault crashes)
- DUI or Drug-Related Offenses
- License Endorsements & Restrictions
Step 4: Check the PSP Report for CDL Drivers
For commercial drivers, a DOT Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report provides additional insight into a driver’s five-year crash history and three-year inspection history. Employers use this to supplement MVR checks.
Step 5: Verify Background and Driving Record Consistency
Cross-referencing a candidate’s driving record and employment history ensures there are no discrepancies. Employers should also confirm if past employers noted any violations or safety concerns.
Step 6: Determine Eligibility Based on Company Policy
Each company sets its own standards for acceptable driving records. Some businesses may allow a minor speeding ticket, while others enforce stricter policies.
Step 7: Conduct Ongoing Monitoring
Regular driving record checks ensure that current employees maintain compliance. Employers should perform MVR checks annually or bi-annually to detect new violations.
People also asked: CDLIS vs MVR: What is the Difference? Here’s a Guide!
How Far Back Can an Employer Check Your Driving Record?
The length of time that background check driving record screenings cover depends on state laws. Some states limit driving history checks to three to seven years, while others allow a lifetime record review for CDL holders.
Employers should verify local laws before requesting an MVR check for employment.
What Kind of Motor Vehicle Record Screening is Needed?
Different industries require different levels of screening for drivers.
- CDL Employers: Must request MVR and PSP reports for compliance.
- Delivery Services: Check for traffic violations and at-fault accidents.
- Ride-Sharing Companies: Ensure safe driving history with clean records.
- Construction & Utility Companies: Verify valid commercial licenses.
How Drivers Files Online Simplifies MVR and Background Checks
Manually conducting driving record background check screenings can be time-consuming. Drivers Files Online automates this process, allowing businesses to access critical driving history reports instantly.
1. Instant MVR Reports
Employers can request MVR reports through Drivers Files Online, reducing processing times and ensuring accuracy.
2. PSP Reports for CDL Drivers
We provide access to FMCSA PSP reports, which reveal essential details about a driver’s crash and inspection history.
3. Secure Record Storage
All background check drivers license details, including MVRs, are stored securely for compliance audits.
4. Automated Compliance Tracking
Stay ahead of deadlines with automated reminders for license renewals and annual MVR reviews.
5. Online Driver Applications
Our software streamlines the hiring process with DOT-compliant online applications, ensuring all required details are collected from the start.
See our pricing and features to customize Drivers Files Online to your needs!
The Importance of Background Check Driving Record for Employers
Performing a background check driving record is a crucial step in hiring safe, reliable drivers. It helps businesses comply with regulations, avoid liability, and reduce insurance costs.
With Drivers Files Online, companies can simplify the entire process—from MVR reports to PSP screenings and compliance tracking. Our platform provides instant access to essential records, ensuring businesses hire the most qualified drivers.
Streamline your driver background check process today with Drivers Files Online!
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only. Employers should verify state regulations regarding background checks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to Perform Background Check Driving Record?
Employers must obtain candidate consent, request MVR and PSP reports, and review driving history before hiring.
What Does a Background Check Drivers License Report Include?
It includes license status, traffic violations, accident history, DUIs, and endorsements.
How Far Back Can an Employer Check Your Driving Record?
Most states allow checks ranging from three to seven years, while CDL employers may access longer records.
Can Employers Use a Background Check Using Driver’s License Number?
Yes, employers use driver’s license numbers to request official MVRs and verify driving history.
How Does Drivers Files Online Help With Background Checks?
Drivers Files Online provides instant access to MVR reports, PSP reports, and automated compliance tracking for CDL businesses.
