Driver qualification files - Alberta

Carriers are required to maintain driver files for all drivers operating commercial vehicles that are registered in the name of the carrier. Each file should include, but is not limited to, the following:

• The driver’s completed application filed with the carrier;
• A copy of the driver’s abstract or commercial driver’s abstract dated within 30 days of hiring (either before or after the hire date), and annual updated copies (Note: carriers with an excellent safety rating, or those who provide evidence of the equivalent when registered outside of Alberta, will not be charged fees for obtaining the driver abstracts or commercial driver abstracts; three-, five-, and 10-year abstracts are available);
• The driver’s employment history for three years immediately preceding the time the driver started working for the carrier;
• A record of any administrative penalty imposed on the driver under safety laws;
• A record of any convictions issued to the driver of any safety laws relating to operating a motor vehicle in the current year and in each of the four preceding years;
• A record of all collisions reported to a peace officer involving any motor vehicle operated by the driver registered to that carrier (current year plus the previous four years’ worth);
• A record of the driver’s completed training enabling him/her to operate a commercial motor vehicle and compliance with safety laws;
• Notifications from the driver to the carrier of accidents, violations, or convictions;
• Copies of the driver’s certificates in electronic or paper form, for the previous five years, issued upon completion of training under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Control Regulations under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (Canada); and
• A copy of the driver’s current medical certificate (a carrier could meet this requirement by keeping a copy of the driver’s licence and/or a current copy of the driver’s abstract or commercial driver’s abstract).

The driver file requirements apply to carriers with Provincial operating status and to carriers with Federal operating status.