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 The transportation industry has long been required by federal law to check driving records (also called motor vehicle reports or MVRs) on commercial operators. Auto insurers also make use of the reports in setting premiums for the drivers they are asked to insure.
Individuals with poor driving histories generally have to pay substantially higher premiums than those with good records. Few employers in other industries and professions appreciate the MVR’s value as a standard employment screening device. However, it can be an extremely valuable tool in almost any hiring context. These quickly accessible reports detail basic information about an individual and can supply surprisingly helpful information. What Does an MVR Show?Each state has a department of motor vehicles or similar office with a number of responsibilities relating to the licensing and oversight of its drivers. This department maintains records of all traffic violations and driving-related offenses committed by its drivers. Just as important for employment screening purposes, other identifying information on the driver is kept on file and updated periodically.
A typical MVR pulled on a job applicant will reveal such basic personal data as full name, date of birth, address at the time the license was issued or renewed, physical description, the type of license granted and any restrictions on its use.
The MVR will also list violations of traffic and safety laws committed by the subject while the license has been in effect, as well as any suspensions or revocations.
Why Use MVRs?The MVR might verify data required for access to other records. An employer, for example, might be unable to obtain an applicant’s criminal record without his correct date of birth. The MVR can either supply this date or confirm that the one given by the applicant is correct. Finally, the usefulness of the driving record itself should not be discounted. An employer may not care that a job applicant was stopped for speeding years ago, but a suspended or expired license may warrant a question about how the applicant would get to and from work. A pattern of alcohol or drug abuse documented by a series of driving-while-intoxicated convictions could cause future performance problems. Repeated recklessness behind the wheel may carry over into work-related areas.
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