The FMCSA requires drivers and fleets to maintain a proper driver qualification record or file. The driver file is a complex document with multiple parts that need to meet the guideline and standards as outlined by FMCSA.
We at TDS guide our customers through this process and make sure to keep them compliant for the next audit.
Enroll Now PricingA driver must not drive a CMV unless an application for employment is completed and signed.
A person must not drive a commercial motor vehicle until he/she has successfully completed a road test and has been issued a certificate.
Safety Performance History Records Request. Carriers must investigate the driver's employment record during the preceding three years. This investigation must be completed within 30 days of the date employment begins. The carrier must retain a record of the request and all response documentation.
Driver Correction or Rebuttal (if applicable). Carriers must maintain a record of both the request for a driver’s safety performance history and any related documentation; for example, if a driver documents that information in the history is inaccurate.
Carriers must contact State agencies for the driver’s MVR for the past three years. The request must be made within 30 days of hire. MVR must be kept in the driver’s personnel file and updated annually. See the “Review of Driving Record” entry above.
Employers must ask potential employees if they have tested positive or refused to test on any pre-employment drug or alcohol test within the past three years.
Motor carriers must contact State agencies annually for an updated copy of each driver’s MVR.
At least once every 12 months, the carrier must collect a current motor vehicle record (MVR) from the State issuing a driver’s license, and review the MVR to determine whether the driver still meets the minimum requirements for safe driving, and to confirm they are not disqualified pursuant to 49 CFR 391.15. A note including the name of the person who performed this review and the date must be retained in the file with the MVR.
At least once every 12 months, drivers must submit a list of all convicted violations of motor vehicle traffic laws and ordinances during the previous 12 months. The carrier must review this and compare it with the driver’s annual MVR. Note: Drivers who have provided the information required by 49 CFR 383. 31 need not repeat information in this annual list of violations.
All commercial drivers are required to pass a physical exam conducted by a licensed medical examiner at least once every 24 months. The carrier must retain a copy of this certificate. For CDL drivers, the carrier must retain a copy of the CDLIS motor vehicle record, which contains the examination information.
Employer note verifying that medical examiner is listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners A note must be included in the driver’s qualification file to verify that the medical examiner is listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
Non-CDL drivers:
CDL drivers:
All CDL drivers with less than one year of experience must provide this certificate.
A driver must not operate an LCV unless the driver can produce an LCV Driver Training Certificate or an LCV Driver Training Certificate of Grandfathering.
https://csa.fmcsa.dot. gov/safetyplanner/documents/ Forms/Driver%20Qualification%20Checklist_508.pdf
The Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) is an electronic record system that helps carriers make more accurate and informed hiring decisions. This report provides secure electronics access to a commercial driver’s five-year crash and three years inspection history from the FMCSA Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS).
We are ready to help you throughout the process.