What Is a Driving Record Background Check?

What Is a Driving Record Background Check?

The scope of a driving record background check is relatively broad. It can reveal anything from minor traffic violations to civil traffic violations. While most prospective employers do not need to pull a driving record, any company that requires its employees to have a driver’s license will run one.

MVR

An MVR is a driving record background check that gives employers detailed information about an applicant’s driving history. The information can include traffic violations, license restrictions, and misdemeanors or DUI convictions. MVR checks are also required for employers in industries that the Department of Transportation regulates. Most states now maintain electronic driver record databases, making requesting copies of MVR records easy. However, certified copies must be sent by mail, which can take several days. Plus, errors in entering personal information or driver’s license numbers can delay delivery. Driver record checks are often part of pre-employment background screening because troubled drivers can be a safety hazard on the highway. An MVR check is an excellent way to identify responsible drivers for businesses. Companies hire employees to drive for them; because they’re representing the company, the business needs to ensure they’re responsible drivers. A driving record check can help employers weed out unsuitable employees and streamline the hiring process.

Drivers Privacy Protection Act

The Driver’s Privacy Protection Act of 1994 is a law that protects the privacy of your personal information. This Act governs the collection, use, and disclosure of your information. It protects your right to privacy and ensures that your personal information is only used for lawful purposes. In many cases, the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act requires law enforcement agencies to ask for permission before using or disclosing your information.

Despite the Act, state and local governments can obtain some information about drivers for law enforcement purposes. Personal information is necessary for federal, state, and local functions, such as ensuring the safety of drivers and market research. 

Importance

Driving record background checks are essential to an employer’s overall background check and character assessment. A poor driving record can say many things about an individual. For instance, multiple speeding tickets can mean recklessness or a lack of attention to detail. Speeding tickets are also a red flag that could make hiring a person risky.

Employers also check driving records when they hire new employees. Whether for a driver’s position, such as a truck driver or delivery driver, employers want to ensure that a new hire is safe behind the wheel. They can mitigate the risk of negligent hiring people by requesting a driving record background check.

Scope

A driving record background check is a comprehensive background check of a person’s driving record. Typically, it is done using a driver’s license number. The DMV compiles this report and contains information on an individual’s license class, citation history, accident history, suspension information, and current status. The report’s scope depends on the state but is generally three years in length.

Results

Driving record background checks are a valuable tool when hiring a driver. They contain detailed information on traffic violations, accidents reported to the police, and fees owed. These records are helpful for employers and insurance companies when hiring drivers. They can also be used to verify that a driver is qualified for a specific job. Driving records can be obtained for up to seven years, depending on the state. These records are available from the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, or DMV.