Glossary

The A to Z of driver files.

Plain-language definitions for qualification, audit readiness, and ELP—with sources and links to guides.

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Plain language

MVR: plain-language definitionSource and last-reviewed date

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Driver terms

ELP: what it meansRelated guide linked

Definitions

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Showing 29 of 29 terms

Audit readiness
Annual review
The at-least-yearly review of each driver’s record that carriers must document.
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Audit readiness
Audit readiness
Having current driver qualification records organized before an auditor or investigator requests them.
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File records
CDLIS (Commercial Driver’s License Information System)
The system of state motor vehicle records carriers use to verify CDL medical certification status.
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File records
Clearinghouse query
An FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse lookup employers run before hire and annually thereafter.
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File records
Commercial driver’s license (CDL)
A state-issued license that authorizes operation of commercial motor vehicles under 49 CFR Part 383.
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Regulations
Commercial motor vehicle (CMV)
A vehicle defined in 49 CFR 390.5 that triggers FMCSA safety and qualification rules.
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File status
Compliant
A file status in DQid when required documents are present and marked current by your team.
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Compliance
Driver disqualification
A federal bar on driving a CMV under 49 CFR 391.15 after listed events or convictions.
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File records
Driver investigation history file
The secured file for prior-employer safety performance history and alcohol or drug consent.
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File records
Driver qualification file (DQF)
The qualification records a motor carrier must maintain for each employed driver under 49 CFR Part 391.
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ELP
English language proficiency (ELP)
The ability to read and speak English sufficiently to respond to official inquiries and complete required reports.
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Audit readiness
Expiration alert
A reminder tied to a date on the driver file, such as a medical card or review due date.
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Regulations
FMCSA
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration — the U.S. agency that enforces CMV safety regulations.
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File records
Full Clearinghouse query
A pre-employment or follow-up Clearinghouse lookup that releases detailed violation records with driver consent.
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File records
Limited Clearinghouse query
An annual Clearinghouse check that shows only whether detailed records exist for a driver.
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File records
Medical examiner's certificate
Proof that a driver meets medical qualification standards, and how carriers file it since the 2025 National Registry change.
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File records
Medical variance
An FMCSA exemption or alternative standard on which a driver’s medical certification may rest.
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Regulations
Motor carrier
A for-hire or private entity that operates commercial motor vehicles under FMCSA jurisdiction.
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File records
Motor vehicle record (MVR)
A state driving history report carriers use when qualifying drivers and during annual reviews.
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File records
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners
FMCSA’s list of medical examiners authorized to perform driver physicals under 49 CFR 391.43.
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File status
Not submitted
A file status when a required document or response has not been recorded in DQid.
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Regulations
Part 391 (driver qualification)
49 CFR Part 391 — federal rules for qualifying and filing records on CMV drivers.
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File records
Pre-employment application
The signed driver application form a motor carrier must collect under 49 CFR 391.21.
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Sharing
QR share link
A controlled link or QR code that shares selected driver file information with permission.
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Compliance
Return-to-duty (drug and alcohol program)
The SAP evaluation, negative test, and follow-up plan required before a driver with Clearinghouse violations may perform safety-sensitive work.
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File records
Road test certificate
Proof that a driver passed the motor carrier road test required by 49 CFR 391.31.
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File records
Safety performance history
Prior-employer accident and controlled-substances information carriers must investigate before hire.
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File records
Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) certificate
An FMCSA certificate allowing a driver with certain physical limits to operate a CMV when conditions are met.
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File status
Under review
A file status when staff are evaluating a document or qualification question.
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