§391.51 Driver qualification files

Question 1: When a motor carrier purchases another motor carrier, must the drivers of the acquired motor carrier be requalified by the purchasing motor carrier?

Guidance: No.

Question 2: Is a driver training school required to keep a driver qualification file on each student?

Guidance: A training school must maintain a driver qualification file when the training school is acting as the student’s employer or when the school leases a CMV to the student and is operating in interstate commerce.

Question 3: If a motor carrier maintains complete driver qualification files but cannot produce them at the time of the review or within two business days, is it in violation of §391.51?

Guidance: Yes. Driver qualification files must be produced on demand. Producing driver qualification files after the completion of the review does not cure a record-keeping violation of §391.51.