Hiring employees for driving-related positions requires employers to carefully review candidates’ driving records to help maintain workplace safety and reduce potential risks. A motor vehicle report (MVR) background check provides valuable information about a candidate’s driving history, including traffic violations, license status, accidents, and other driving-related offenses. Conducting online MVR checks as part of the pre-employment background screening process helps employers evaluate driver qualifications and make informed hiring decisions. Learn how to obtain an online motor vehicle report, understand the information included, and identify potential red flags to support safer hiring practices and a more reliable workforce.
What Is a Motor Vehicle Report?
A motor vehicle report, also called a driving history report, gives information about a person’s history as a licensed driver. Employers can get these records through state motor vehicle agencies, or by ordering a background check through a third-party company that can check driving records. The process for this and the exact information can vary slightly by state.
Who Can Pull an MVR?
Driving records aren’t generally available to just anyone for any purpose. The Driver’s Privacy Protection Act, or DPPA, is a federal law that limits access to personal information contained in state MVRs, and only allows it to be shared for specific reasons. One of the acceptable reasons for disclosure is for reasons of employment, so as an employer, you should have a legitimate, allowable reason for requesting a person’s driving record. If the MVR is being obtained by a third-party screening company for employment reasons, it can also be considered a consumer report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and so it’s protected under this law as well.
What Information Is Included?
The information on an MVR will vary by state, but a report usually shows the person’s driver’s license status, license class (e.g., whether or not they have a commercial license), restrictions, traffic violations, accidents, suspensions, revocations, and other marks on their driving record. Some reports also include the dates and details connected to driving violations.
What Red Flags Should You Look For?
When reviewing a candidate’s MVR, employers should evaluate driving violations based on their severity, frequency, and relevance to the position. Certain driving infractions may indicate potential safety risks and require further consideration during the pre-employment background screening process. Understanding common MVR red flags can help employers assess driving records, make informed hiring decisions, and maintain a safer workforce. Here are several driving violations and warning signs to look for when conducting an MVR background check:
● Suspended license
● Revoked license
● Numerous moving violations
● Serious traffic offenses
● A pattern of accidents
A single incident doesn’t necessarily give you a complete picture of someone’s driving history. What you’re looking for is a pattern of problems. It’s important to establish consistent standards for looking at these kinds of records, while still giving some leniency for the occasional speeding ticket. You also need to give applicants a chance to point out inaccurate or incomplete information before you make a hiring decision.
If you’re using online motor vehicle reports as part of your hiring process, make sure you’re using them legally and taking the time to evaluate them with care and consideration, rather than tossing out any applicant with a moving violation.
