---
title: Safety performance history
description: Prior-employer accident and controlled-substances information carriers must investigate before hire.
date: 2026-10-20
lastReviewed: 2026-10-23
canonical: /glossary/safety-performance-history
---
**Safety performance history** is the accident and alcohol or controlled substances information motor carriers must obtain from DOT-regulated previous employers during the three years before hire ([49 CFR 391.23(d)–(e)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-391.23)). Replies are kept in the driver investigation history file, not the open qualification file.