5 Essential Driver Background Checks For Safe Hiring

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A yellow folder, linked by a dotted line to a stack of documents labeled MVR Report, features a photo of a smiling man. This driver background check report includes checkmarks and a warning symbol, set against a teal map pattern.

Hiring safe and reliable drivers is critical for maintaining a compliant and accident-free team. A comprehensive driver background check not only helps you assess a candidate’s qualifications but also safeguards your organization from potential risks. Below are five essential driver background checks every employer should conduct to ensure safe hiring practices.

1. Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check

MVR pulls, or MVR Monitoring, are key driver background checks, as they offer a detailed report of a driver’s history, including traffic violations, license status, and accident records. This information helps identify high-risk drivers and ensures compliance with FMCSA regulations.

Who should get this check?
All candidates applying for driving positions, including those with commercial driver’s licenses or employees driving personal vehicles for work.

What to look for:

  • License status, such as suspended or revoked
  • History of DUIs or reckless driving
  • Frequency of violations

2. Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) Report

The PSP report is a supplementary driver background check. It offers more insights into a driver’s crash and inspection history as recorded by the FMCSA, allowing you to evaluate a candidate’s safety performance over time.

Who should get this check?
All CDL drivers applying for positions requiring compliance with FMCSA standards.

What to look for:

  • Crash involvement history
  • Roadside inspection violations
  • Patterns indicating risky behavior

3. CDLIS (Commercial Driver’s License Information System) Check

A CDLIS driver background check helps verify that a driver holds only one CDL and identifies the issuing state. It also provides a summary of the driver’s license history.

Who should get this check?
All CDL holders applying for driving positions.

What to look for:

  • Valid CDL information
  • History of license suspensions or revocations
  • Multiple licenses issued in different states

Read more: MVR vs. PSP Reports vs. CDLIS Reports: What’s The Difference?

4. Drug and Alcohol Testing

Substance abuse is a leading cause of accidents on the road. Conducting pre-employment drug and alcohol testing ensures that your drivers are fit to operate vehicles safely.

Who should get this check?
All drivers, especially those operating heavy machinery or working under DOT-regulated guidelines.

What to look for:

5. Employment History Verification

Verifying a candidate’s employment history provides insights into their experience and reliability. This check helps confirm previous roles, length of employment, and reasons for leaving.

Who should get this check?
Drivers applying for roles requiring specific skills or significant experience, such as operating commercial vehicles.

What to look for:

  • Gaps in employment history
  • Discrepancies in job roles or responsibilities
  • Feedback from previous employers regarding performance and safety

Why Background Checks Are Non-Negotiable

Safe hiring begins with a proactive approach to screening candidates and employees. Conducting thorough driver background checks not only enhances safety but also protects your company’s reputation and minimizes liability risks. By identifying potential red flags early in the hiring process, you can make informed decisions that prioritize safety and compliance. Remember, the cost of a thorough background check is far less than the cost of a preventable accident.

Need help to qualify your drivers? Learn about our driver risk mitigation solutions: MVR Monitoring, PSP Reports, CDLIS Report

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