InstituteDriver qualificationsDrivers qualification (DQ file)Driver qualification and hiringEnglishAnalysisFocus AreaCompliance and Exceptions (Level 2)USA
What is required at the time of hire?
['Driver qualifications']

- Carriers should refer to the FMCSRs and build a DQ file when hiring a driver.
When hiring a driver, including using a temporary agency driver or borrowing a driver from a DOT carrier, including a sister company under the same parent company, carriers should refer to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and build a driver qualification (DQ) file, which is required for each driver.
The FMCSR requirements are in addition to the usual employment procedures (W-4 forms, I-9 forms, etc.) and nondiscrimination provisions that are part of federal and state laws.
When building a new hire DQ file, carriers should ensure that these requirements in 391.51 are met:
- Driver-specific application for employment;
- Motor vehicle record(s) (MVR);
- Road test, satisfied by:
- Road test/certificate conducted by the carrier;
- Photocopy of commercial driver’s license (CDL) in lieu of road test; or
- Road test certificate less than three years old in lieu of road test;
- Background investigation (safety performance history);
- Proof of medical certification and any medical variance
- Medical examiner’s certificate; or
- For CDL drivers, proof of current medical certification must be shown on the MVR, so a copy of the medical certificate is not required (unless the exam was within the past 15 days); and
- Verification that medical examiner is listed on the National Registry.