Hiring safe, responsible drivers starts with knowing their history on the road. An online motor vehicle report (MVR) is a key tool for employers looking to assess a candidate’s driving record before handing over the keys. But not all MVRs provide the same level of detail, and relying on one without understanding its limitations can leave gaps in your hiring process.
Here’s what an MVR can tell you, what it won’t, and how to use the information effectively when hiring drivers.
What an MVR Can Tell You
A motor vehicle report pulls official driving records from state departments of motor vehicles (DMVs) and other relevant agencies. Depending on the jurisdiction, reports typically include:
- License Status – Verifies if the driver’s license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. A suspended or revoked license is a red flag that requires further investigation.
- Endorsements and Restrictions – Shows whether the driver has special permissions (e.g., commercial vehicle endorsements) or restrictions (e.g., corrective lenses required).
- Moving Violations – Lists speeding tickets, reckless driving, failure to yield, and other traffic offenses. The severity and frequency of violations can help assess risk.
- DUIs and Other Serious Offenses – Convictions for driving under the influence (DUI/DWI) and other majorinfractions are included, but reporting periods vary by state.
- Accidents – Many reports list accidents, though details may be limited. A report may show that a driver was involved in a crash, but not who was at fault.
- Points on a License – Some states assign point values to violations; a high point total may indicate a pattern of risky driving.
What an MVR Won’t Tell You
While an MVR is a valuable hiring tool, it’s not a complete picture of a candidate’s background. Here’s what it doesn’t cover:
- Non-Traffic Criminal History – If a driver has past convictions unrelated to driving, those won’t appear on an MVR. A separate criminal background check is necessary.
- Out-of-State Offenses – Some reports may not include driving records from other states unless specifically requested.
- Traffic Citations Without Convictions – If a driver received a ticket but it was dismissed or reduced, it may not appear.
- Drug or Alcohol Test Results – While DUIs are listed, MVRs don’t include drug test results or employer-mandated substance screenings.
Using MVRs for Smarter Hiring Decisions
An MVR is an essential part of screening commercial drivers, delivery personnel, and employees who drive company vehicles, but it works best as part of a broader background check strategy. Checking a candidate’s full driving history helps reduce risk, protect company assets, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
Before making a hiring decision, be sure to review how far back your state’s MVRs go, what details are included, and whether additional checks are necessary. A well-rounded screening process ensures your drivers are safe, reliable, and qualified for the road ahead.
