---
title: Pre-employment application
description: The signed driver application form a motor carrier must collect under 49 CFR 391.21.
date: 2026-10-20
lastReviewed: 2026-10-23
canonical: /glossary/pre-employment-application
---
The **pre-employment application** is completed on the motor carrier’s form, signed by the driver, and filed in the qualification file ([49 CFR 391.21](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-391.21)). It captures three years of history the carrier uses for hiring and ongoing qualification.