Pre-employment driver qualification checklist

Employment application on the carrier’s form, signed

49 CFR 391.21

Collect three years of addresses, licenses, experience, accidents, convictions, employer history, and the signed certification before the driver operates a CMV.

Prior-employer and Clearinghouse notices

49 CFR 391.21(d), 391.23(i)

Tell the applicant that previous employers will be contacted and provide the due-process notice about investigative information.

Pre-employment Clearinghouse full query with consent

49 CFR 382.701(a)

Run a full query before the first safety-sensitive function. If the driver refuses consent, do not permit CMV operation.

Verified negative pre-employment drug test

49 CFR 382.301

Hold a verified negative result before safety-sensitive work unless a limited exception applies.

Consent to seek alcohol and controlled substances history

49 CFR 391.23(f)(1)

Without Part 40–compliant consent, the driver must not operate a CMV for you. Keep consent in the investigation history file.

Motor vehicle records from each licensing state (3-year history)

49 CFR 391.23(a)(1), (b)

Request within 30 days of the start date and file copies within those 30 days. Document good-faith efforts when a state sends nothing.

Safety performance history investigations

49 CFR 391.23(c)–(e)

File each employer reply or good-faith documentation in the driver investigation history file, not the open qualification file.

Road test certificate or accepted CDL equivalent

49 CFR 391.31, 391.33

Retain road test forms and certificates, or a legible copy of an accepted CDL or prior certificate.

Medical certification and Registry verification

49 CFR 391.23(m), 391.51(b)(6)

Non-CDL: certificate plus Registry note. CDL: CDLIS record from the current licensing state with self-certification type documented.