Driver Hiring Checklist
What to verify before putting a driver behind the wheel — MVR, CDL, prior history, and insurance implications.
The Carrier's Guide to Hiring Safe Drivers
Your drivers are your biggest asset and your biggest liability. One bad hire can ruin your safety rating and send your insurance premiums through the roof. Follow this checklist for every new hire.
1. The Employment Application
The FMCSA requires a specific set of information on driver applications, including a 10-year employment history. Ensure the driver signs off on background check authorizations.
2. Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
Pull an MVR for every state the driver has held a license in for the last 3 years. Look for "major" violations like DUIs, reckless driving, or excessive speeding. Most insurance carriers will reject drivers with more than 2 minor violations or any major violation in the last 3-5 years.
3. PSP Report (Pre-Employment Screening Program)
While the MVR shows citations, the PSP shows the driver's crash and inspection history for the last 5 years. This tells you if the driver is prone to equipment violations that could hurt your CSA score.
4. CDL Verification
Ensure the license is valid, hasn't expired, and has the correct endorsements (Tanker, Hazmat, etc.) for the work they'll be doing.
5. Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Query
You MUST perform a full query of the FMCSA Clearinghouse before the driver can perform any safety-sensitive functions. This confirms they don't have any outstanding violations with other carriers.
6. Previous Employer Inquiries
You are required to contact previous employers from the last 3 years to verify their safety and drug/alcohol history. Document your attempts, even if they don't respond.
7. Road Test
Don't take their word for it. Have a qualified person ride with them to evaluate their shifting, backing, and overall safety awareness. Issue a Certificate of Road Test once completed.
Insurance Approval is Key
Before you officially hire a driver, send their MVR to us. We will check with your insurance carrier to make sure the driver is "schedulable." Hiring an unapproved driver can lead to a denial of coverage if an accident occurs.
