Driving Record Checks

Types of Employee Driver Records

Why Are Driver Record Checks Important?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires employers to obtain and review a motor vehicle record from every state in which a commercial driver has held a license during the previous three years.

In addition, at least once every 12 months, companies are required to obtain motor vehicle records from every state in which their drivers held licenses. Cisive Driver iQ can help you manage these requirements quickly and efficiently whether through our Onboarding Solution or integrated with your Application Tracking System.

Why Employers Check Employee Driver Records

Employers check employee driver records to ensure drivers are qualified, safe, and compliant with FMCSA regulations before and during employment. Federal requirements mandate reviewing motor vehicle records from all states where a driver has been licensed, helping uncover violations, suspensions, or patterns of risky behavior that could impact safety.

By reviewing CDLIS, MVR, and PSP data together, employers gain a more complete view of a driver’s history and reduce the risk of missed records. This process helps protect the public, maintain strong safety ratings, and minimize liability for the organization.

FMCSA Motor Vehicle Record Requirements

Under FMCSA regulations, employers must obtain and review motor vehicle records (MVRs) from every state where a driver has held a license within the past three years, both at hire and annually thereafter. Many carriers also opt for continuous MVR monitoring to exceed this requirement and ensure fleet safety.

CDLIS is used to identify all current and prior licensing states, ensuring no records are missed during the investigation process.

In addition, PSP reports provide required insight into a driver’s crash and roadside inspection history, helping employers evaluate safety performance before placing a driver in a safety-sensitive role.