How to run an annual driver review
The yearly inquiry and review under 49 CFR 391.25: what to request, what to weigh, what to write down, and what else comes due that year.
- Published
- Published 2026-03-05
- Reading time
- 4 min read
Federal rules require motor carriers to request each driver’s motor vehicle record and review it at least once every 12 months, and to keep the record and a note of the review (49 CFR 391.25).
Short answer
Request a motor vehicle record covering at least the previous 12 months from every state that licensed the driver, review it, file it, and write a note naming the reviewer and the date. In the same cycle, run the annual Clearinghouse query and confirm medical certification is current. DQid tracks review timing and document status; your compliance team decides outcomes.
Steps many carriers follow
Find the due date
Note the date of the last annual review on the file and set this one’s due date within 12 months.
Request the record
Ask every licensing state where the driver held a commercial license or permit in the past 12 months for a record covering at least that period.
Review it
Decide whether the driver still meets the minimum safe-driving requirements or is disqualified under § 391.15.
File the record and the note
Put the record in the file, with a note that names the person who did the review and the date.
Run the other annual checks
Run the annual Clearinghouse query and confirm medical certification is still current.
Set the next due date
Schedule the following review within 12 months.
What the review looks at
The rule asks the carrier to consider two things. First, any evidence that the driver violated the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations or the Hazardous Materials Regulations. Second, the driver’s accident record and any evidence of violating motor vehicle laws, giving great weight to violations such as speeding, reckless driving and driving under the influence when they show disregard for the safety of the public.
The separate annual list of violations (§ 391.27) is reserved and no longer required. The record and the review note still are.
Example note
If the record shows a new serious violation, the file may move to Under review while your safety staff decides next steps.
- Compliant
- Under review
Sources
Keep reading
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