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Fill Out Your Driver Qualification Form

The Driver Qualification form is a crucial document used by employers to assess the eligibility of commercial drivers. It collects comprehensive information such as employment history, driving experience, and any traffic violations that may affect a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. Completing this form accurately is essential for ensuring the safety of the roadways and compliance with federal regulations.

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Article Structure

Driving a commercial vehicle isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it involves a rigorous vetting process to ensure safety on the roads. The Driver Qualification form plays a critical role in this process, acting as a comprehensive checklist for employers. Key components of this form include the Driver Application for Employment, which collects essential personal information and employment history, as well as inquiries into previous employment and driving records. Safety regulations require that employers verify the applicant’s driving history through queries to state agencies and past employers from the last three years. Furthermore, health-related criteria come into play, necessitating a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, which confirms the driver's fitness to operate commercial vehicles. Road performance is also assessed via documented road tests. Additional elements such as the Annual Driver's Certificate of Violations and reviews of driving records underscore the ongoing commitment to safety and compliance. Understanding the multifaceted nature of the Driver Qualification form is not just about paperwork; it's about fostering a culture of accountability and safety in the transportation industry.

Driver Qualification Example

DRIVER QUALIFICATION FILE

CHECKLIST

1.	DRIVER APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT	391.21
2.	INQUIRY TO PREVIOUS EMPLOYERS (3 YEARS)	391.23(a)(2) & (c)
3.	INQUIRY TO STATE AGENCIES	391.23(a)(1) & (b)
4.	MEDICAL EXAMINER’S CERTIFICATE*	391.43
	(MEDICAL WAIVER, IF ISSUED)
5.	DRIVER’S ROAD TEST	391.31
6.	CERTIFICATION OF ROAD TEST*	391.31
7.	ANNUAL DRIVER’S CERTIFICATE OF VIOLATIONS	391.27
8.	ANNUAL REVIEW OF DRIVING RECORD	391.25
9.	CHECKLIST FOR MULTIPLE EMPLOYER	391.51(d)

*NOTE: DRIVERS MUST BE ISSUED COPIES OF THESE CERTIFICATES. DRIVERS NEED ONLY HAVE A COPY OF THE MEDICAL EXAMINER’S CERTIFICATE IN THEIR POSSESSION WHILE DRIVING.

(enter company name)

(enter address)

__________________

(enter phone number)

COMMERCIAL DRIVER APPLICATION

FILL IN ALL BLANKS & PROVIDE ALL INFORMATION REQUESTED--PRINT OR TYPE

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Date: _______________________

Name:	First_____________________ Middle_________________ Last______________________________________
Address _________________________________________________				Home telephone: _____________________
City_______________________ State _______ Zip ___________			Cellular telephone: _____________________
Date of Birth: ____________________________		Social Security Number: _______ - _______ - __________


If your above address is less than 3 years continue listing them below to cover the previous 3 year period:
1	Street_________________________________________________			Dates: From_________ To_________

City_______________________ State _______ Zip ___________

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

2 Street_________________________________________________ Dates: From_________ To_________

City_______________________ State _______ Zip ___________

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

3	Street_________________________________________________	Dates: From_________ To_________
	City_______________________ State _______ Zip ___________
	Use backside of sheet for additional addresses

Driver’s License Information: all licenses held, last 3 years:

State_______________ Number___________________________________________ Expiration Date _______________

Experience:
__________________________________	________________ to ________________	____________________________
Type of vehicle driven	Dates	Approximate mileage driven
__________________________________	________________ to ________________	____________________________
Type of vehicle driven	Dates	Approximate mileage driven
__________________________________	________________ to ________________	____________________________
Type of vehicle driven	Dates	Approximate mileage driven

All Accidents, last 3 years: (If none, write NONE)

Date________________ Describe_______________________________ Fatalities_____________ Injuries_____________

July2003,dlnm2

revised 08/04

List all Traffic Violations Convictions, last 3 years: (If none, write NONE)
Date______________ Violation____________________________________ State_______ Commercial Vehicle: Yes / No
Date______________ Violation____________________________________ State_______ Commercial Vehicle: Yes / No
Date______________ Violation____________________________________ State_______ Commercial Vehicle: Yes / No
Date______________ Violation____________________________________ State_______ Commercial Vehicle: Yes / No
Date______________ Violation____________________________________ State_______ Commercial Vehicle: Yes / No
Date______________ Violation____________________________________ State_______ Commercial Vehicle: Yes / No
Date______________ Violation____________________________________ State_______ Commercial Vehicle: Yes / No
Date______________ Violation____________________________________ State_______ Commercial Vehicle: Yes / No


Have you ever had any driver license denied, suspended, revoked or canceled by any issuing state agency?
	Yes	No	If yes; state of issuance; explanation: ___________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________


Employment History, last 10 years (383.35)—account for gaps between employers: (If owner/operator, list carriers leased to)
1)	Employer:_____________________________________________			Dates: ________________to________________
	Address: _____________________________________________			Supervisor: ______________________________
	City, State, Zip code:____________________________________			Telephone: ______________________________
Were you subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations during this period?					Yes	No
Were you subject to 49 CFR part 40 controlled substance and alcohol testing during this period?					Yes	No
Reason for Leaving: __________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________

………………………………………………………………….……………………….………………………………………...
2)	Employer:_____________________________________________			Dates: ________________to________________
	Address: ___________________________________________ Supervisor:________________________________
	City, State, Zip code: ____________________________________			Telephone: ______________________________
Were you subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations during this period?					Yes	No
Were you subject to 49 CFR part 40 controlled substance and alcohol testing during this period?					Yes	No
Reason for Leaving: __________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
………………………………………………………………….……………………….………………………………………...
						July2003,dlnm	3
						revised 08/04

3)Employer:_____________________________________________ Dates: ________________to________________

Address: _____________________________________________ Supervisor: ______________________________

City, State, Zip code: _____________________________________Telephone: ______________________________

Were you subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations during this period?	Yes	No
Were you subject to 49 CFR part 40 controlled substance and alcohol testing during this period?	Yes	No

Reason for Leaving: __________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

………………………………………………………………….……………………….………………………………………...

4)Employer:_____________________________________________ Dates: ________________to________________

Address: _____________________________________________ Supervisor:________________________________

City, State, Zip code______________________________________ Telephone: ______________________________

Were you subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations during this period?	Yes	No
Were you subject to 49 CFR part 40 controlled substance and alcohol testing during this period?	Yes	No

Reason for Leaving: __________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

………………………………………………………………….……………………….………………………………………...

5)Employer:_____________________________________________ Dates: ________________to________________

Address: _____________________________________________ Supervisor: ______________________________

City, State, Zip code:_____________________________________ Telephone: ______________________________

Were you subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations during this period?	Yes	No
Were you subject to 49 CFR part 40 controlled substance and alcohol testing during this period?	Yes	No

Reason for Leaving: __________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

………………………………………………………………….……………………….………………………………………...

6) Employer:_____________________________________________ Dates: ________________to________________

Address: _____________________________________________ Supervisor: ______________________________

City, State, Zip Code:_____________________________________Telephone: ______________________________

Were you subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations during this period?	Yes	No
Were you subject to 49 CFR part 40 controlled substance and alcohol testing during this period?	Yes	No

Reason for Leaving: __________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

………………………………………………………………….……………………….………………………………………...

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revised 08/04
July2003,dlnm

7) Employer:_____________________________________________ Dates: ________________to________________

Address: _____________________________________________ Supervisor: ______________________________

City, State, Zip code:_____________________________________ Telephone: ______________________________

Were you subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations during this period?	Yes	No
Were you subject to 49 CFR part 40 controlled substance and alcohol testing during this period?	Yes	No

Reason for Leaving: __________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Use backside of sheet for additional employers

For driver applicants of commercial motor vehicles that require a Commercial Driver License (CDL) the applicant must disclose their controlled substance and alcohol status per the requirements of 49 CFR part 40.25(j).

As a prospective driver employee, you have the right to review information provided by previous employers. You have the right to have errors in the information corrected by the previous employer(s) and for that previous employer(s) to re -send the corrected information to the prospective employer; the right to have a rebuttal statement attached to the alleged erroneous information, if the previous employer and the driver cannot agree on the accuracy of the information.

Driver employees who have previous Department of Transportation regulated employment history in the preceding three years, and wish to review previous employer provided investigative information, must submit a written request to the prospective employer, which may be done at anytime, including when applying or as late as thirty (30) days after being employed or being notified of denial of employment. The prospective employer must provide this information to the applicant within five (5) business days of receiving the written request. If the prospective employer has not yet received the requested information from the previous employer(s), then the five (5) business day deadlines will begin when the prospective employer receives the requested safety performance history information. If the driver has not arranged to pick up or receive the requested records within thirty (30) days of the prospective employer making them available, the prospective motor carrier may consider the driver to have waived their request to review the records.

Certification

“I certify that this application was completed by me, and that all entries on it and information in it are true and complete to the best of my knowledge.”

___________________________________________________________			__________________________________
Applicant’s Signature			Date Signed


TO BE COMPLETED BY THE EMPLOYER:
Application received by:		Application reviewed for completeness by:
______________________________________________		______________________________________________
Name		Name
_________________________	_______________	__________________________		_______________
Title	Date	Title		Date


SIGNIFICANT DATES:	Date of Hire:		_____________________________________
	Date of Hire:		_____________________________________
	Time & Date of Pre-Employment CST:		_____________________________________
	Time & Date of Pre-Employment CST Results Received:		_____________________________________
	Date First Used in Safety Sensitive Position:		_____________________________________
	Date of Termination:		_____________________________________

revised 08/04	5
July2003,dlnm

(enter company name)

___________________________

(enter address)

__________________

(enter phone number)

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE DRIVER APPLICANT

Controlled Substance and Alcohol Questionnaire

Pursuant to 49 CFR part 40.25(j)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Application Date _______________________
Name ______________________			_______________________		______________________________________
First			Middle		Last
Address _________________________________________________					Home Telephone	_____________________
City_______________________ State _______ Zip ___________					Cell Telephone	_____________________
Date of Birth	____________________________			Social Security Number ________ - ________ - ________


				49 CFR 40.25(j)

Have you ever tested positive, or refused to test, on any pre -employment
drug or alcohol test administered by an employer to which you applied						YES	NO
for, but did not obtain, safety-sensitive transportation work covered by						YES	NO

DOT agency drug and alcohol testing rules during the past two years?

If YES —		Have you successfully completed the return-to-duty				YES	NO
If YES —		process?				YES	NO
		process?

		Documentation MUST BE PROVIDED before any				safety-sensitive
If YES —		transportation function is performed.

___________________________________________________________	__________________________________
Applicant’s Signature	Date Signed

TO BE COMPLETED BY EMPLOYER:

………………………………………………………………….……………………….………………………………………...

______________________________________________		______________________________________________
Received by:		Reviewed by:
____________________	_______________	____________________	_______________
Title:	Date:	Title:	Date:

July2003,dlnm	6
revised 08/04

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require all previous employers of this applicant to respond to this request for information within 30 days. Failure to comply with this request is in violation of 49CFR 391.23 and 40.25, for which you may be prosecuted. Questions concerning the requirements of this regulation should be directed to the Minnesota Division Office of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at 651-291-6150, during business hours.

TO:	(enter former employer's name)
TO:	________________________________________________ DATE: _________________
	Former Employer’s Name
	(enter mailing address)
	Mailing Address
	(enter city / state / zip)
	City / State / Zip
	_____________________	(enter fax number)
	Telephone #	Fax Number

(enter name)

I, ______________________________, hereby authorize ___________________________ to release to all records of

employment, including assessments of my job performance, ability, and fitness, including the dates of any and all alcohol or drug tests, with confirmed results, and/or my refusal to submit to any alcohol and drug tests and any

rehabilitation completion under direction of Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and/or Medical Review Officer (MRO) to each and every company (or their authorized agents) making such request in connection with my application for employment with said company. I, hereby, release the above named company, and its employees, officers, directors, and agents from any and all liability of any type as a result of providing the following information to the below mentioned person and/or company.

Applicant’s Signature & Date	_______________________________	___________________
Witness’s Signature & Date	_______________________________	___________________

REQUEST FROM:	(enter company name)
Company:	(enter company name)
Company:	_______________________________________________________
Address/City/State/Zip:	_______________________________________________________
Telephone Number:	(enter phone number) Fax Number: (enter fax number)
Contact Person & Title	_________________________________	_____________________
NAME OF APPLICANT:	_________________________________ SSN _________________
JOB APPLYING FOR:	_______________________________________________________

INQUIRY INTO EMPLOYMENT HISTORY, PRECEDING 3 YEARS

•Did applicant work for you as a ____________________________ from ____/____/____ to ____/____/____ YES or NO IF NO, please explain:

_______________________________________________________________________________

•If employed as driver, please answer the following: Company Driver? ______ Owner/Operator? ______ Other? ______

Type of truck(s) and/or truck/tractor(s) operated: ______________________________________________________

Commodities transported: ____________________________ Area of operations: ____________________________

• Accidents? YES or NO IF YES, please give date(s) and brief description of each accident:

__________________________________________________________________________________________

•Why did this employee leave your company?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

• Would you re-employ this person? YES or NO IF NO, please explain:

__________________________________________________________________________________________

•Additional comments:

__________________________________________________________________________________________

INQUIRY FOR ALCOHOL AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES INFORMATION, PRECEDING 2 YEARS

•
•	Alcohol tests with a result of 0.04 or greater? ……….	YES or NO	If yes, please give date(s): ________________
• Verified positive controlled substances test results? …		YES or NO	If yes, please give date(s): ________________
• Refusals to be tested? …………………………………		YES or NO	If yes, please give date(s): ________________
•	Was rehabilitation completed as required? …………...	YES or NO	If yes, please give date(s): ________________

Person providing the above information:

Name: ________________________________________________ Title: ______________________________

Company: ________________________________________________ Date: ______________________________

revised 08/04

(enter employer

name and

information

here)

Driver's Name

Driver's Operators Lic. No.

Driver's Social Sec. No.

Dear

The above listed individual has made application with us for employment as a driver. Applicant has indicated that the above numbered operator's license or permit has been issued by your State to applicant and that it is in good standing.

In accordance with Section 391.23(a)(1) and (b) of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, we are required to make inquiry into the driving record during the preceding 3 years of every State in which an applicant-driver has held a motor vehicle operator's license or permit during those 3 years.

Therefore, please certify to us what the individual's driving record is for the preceding 3 years, or certify that no record exists if that be the case.

In the event that this inquiry does not satisfy your requirements for making such inquiries, please send us such forms of yours as are necessary for us to complete our inquiry into the driving record of this individual.

Respectfully yours,

(printed) name of person making inquiry

Title of person making inquiry

(enter company name)

Motor Carrier Name

(enter address)

Street

City

State

Zip

revised

08/04

MEDICAL EXAMINER’S CERTIFICATE

I certify that I have examined ______________________________ in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety

Regulations (49 CFR 391.41-391.49) and with knowledge of the driving rules, I find this person is qualified, and, if applicable,

only when:
wearing corrective lenses	driving within an exempt intracity zone (49 CFR 391.62)
wearing hearing aid	accompanied by a Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate (SPE)
accompanied by a ____________waiver/exemption	qualified by operation of 49 CFR 391.64

The information I have provided regarding the physical examination is true and complete. A complete examination form with any attachment embodies my findings completely and correctly, and is on file in my office.

Signature of Medical Examiner			Telephone			Date

Medical Examiner’s Name (Print)			MD	DO	Chiropractor
			Physician		Advanced
			Assistant		Practice Nurse
Medical Examiner’s License or Certificate No. / Issuing State

Signature of Driver			Driver’s License No.			State
		PLE
		M
Address of Driver

Medical Certificate Expiration Date
	SA

DRIVER’S ROAD TEST EXAMINATION

Driver’s Name: _______________________________________________________________________

Driver’s Address: _____________________________________________________________________

City: ________________________________________ State: ______________ Zip: _______________

The road test shall be given by the motor carrier or a person designated by it. However, a driver who is a motor carrier must be given the test by another person. The test shall be given by a person who is competent to evaluate and determine whether the person who takes the test has demonstrated that he or she is capable of operating the vehicle and associated equipment that the motor carrier intends to assign.

Rating of Performance
__________________	The pre-trip inspection (as required by 49 CFR 392.7).
__________________	Coupling and uncoupling of combination units, if the equipment he or she
	may drive includes combination units.
__________________	Placing the equipment in operation.
__________________	Use of vehicle’s controls and emergency equipment.
__________________	Operating the vehicle in traffic and while passing other vehicles.
__________________	Turning the vehicle.
__________________	Braking and slowing the vehicle by means other than braking.
__________________	Backing and parking the vehicle.
__________________	Other, explain: _______________________________________________

Type of equipment used in giving the test: _________________________________________________

Examiner’s signature: _____________________________________ Date: ______________________

Remarks:

If the road test is successfully completed, the person who gave it shall complete a certificate of driver’s road test.

Get Driver Qualification PDF Form

Form Characteristics

Fact Name	Description
Federal Regulation	The Driver Qualification Form is governed by federal regulations outlined in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, particularly Parts 391 and 383.
Driver Application Requirement	Each applicant must complete a Driver Application for Employment, following 49 CFR 391.21.
Previous Employment Inquiry	Employers must conduct inquiries to previous employers for up to three years as required by 49 CFR 391.23(a)(2) and (c).
State Agency Inquiry	The form requires inquiries to state agencies about the driver's record, per 49 CFR 391.23(a)(1) and (b).
Medical Certificate	A Medical Examiner’s Certificate must be obtained and kept on file as specified in 49 CFR 391.43.
Road Test Certification	Drivers must complete a driving road test, which is confirmed by a certification per 49 CFR 391.31.
Annual Review	Annual reviews of the driver's record and a certification of violations are mandatory, adhering to 49 CFR 391.25 and 391.27.

Guidelines on Utilizing Driver Qualification

Completing the Driver Qualification form is a structured process that requires detailed personal and employment information, including your driving history. This careful documentation helps ensure compliance with relevant regulations for commercial drivers.

At the top of the form, enter your company name, address, and phone number.
Fill in the date in the specified field.
Provide your name in the designated fields for First, Middle, and Last names.
Complete your address, home telephone number, city, state, and zip.
Enter your cellular telephone number and date of birth.
Provide your Social Security Number in the specified format (###-##-####).
If you have moved within the last 3 years, list your previous addresses, including the street, dates (from/to), city, state, and zip for each.
Document your driver's license information, listing all licenses held in the last 3 years, including state, number, and expiration date.
Describe your driving experience, indicating the type of vehicle driven, dates, and approximate mileage driven.
List any accidents you have had in the last 3 years, specifying the date, a brief description, and whether there were any fatalities or injuries.
Record all traffic violation convictions from the last 3 years. If applicable, note if the violation involved a commercial vehicle.
Answer whether your driver’s license has ever been denied, suspended, revoked, or canceled. If so, provide an explanation.
Detail your employment history for the last 10 years. Include the employer's name, dates, address, supervisor’s name, telephone number, and whether you were subject to relevant regulations. Explain your reason for leaving.
Review the section regarding controlled substance and alcohol testing requirements, making sure to provide accurate information.
Sign the form, certifying that all information is true and complete.
The employer will complete their section at the end of the form.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the Driver Qualification form?

The Driver Qualification form is a comprehensive document used by employers in the transportation sector to assess the qualifications of drivers applying for commercial driving positions. It collects essential information regarding the driver's experience, medical fitness, safety history, and driving records to ensure they meet regulatory standards and the company's safety expectations.

What documents are required to complete the Driver Qualification form?

The form requires several critical documents including a Driver Application for Employment, inquiries to previous employers, medical examiner's certificate, certification of road test, and an annual driver’s certificate of violations. These documents help ensure that each driver has the necessary qualifications and adheres to safety regulations.

How long does the Driver Qualification process take?

The duration of the Driver Qualification process can vary depending on the completeness of the submitted information and the responsiveness of previous employers. Typically, the review process can be completed within a few days. However, obtaining records from previous employers may take longer, especially if they need to verify details about a driver's past employment or driving history.

What happens if a driver has a history of traffic violations?

A driver with a history of traffic violations is still eligible to apply, but the violations will be reviewed in detail. The severity and nature of these violations will be considered. Each case is assessed individually to determine whether the driver's history meets safety standards required for commercial driving positions.

Do drivers need to carry their medical examiner’s certificate while driving?

Yes, drivers are required to carry their medical examiner’s certificate while driving. This certificate proves that they have passed a medical examination and are fit to operate commercial vehicles. This requirement ensures that drivers maintain their medical eligibility as mandated by safety regulations.

Can a driver contest information provided by previous employers?

Yes, drivers have the right to contest any information reported by previous employers. If they believe there are errors in the safety performance history, they may request corrections. Additionally, drivers can attach a rebuttal statement if they disagree with the reported information. This process ensures transparency and fairness in the qualification procedure.

What should a driver do if they don't have a complete work history for the last 10 years?

If a driver does not have a complete work history for the past 10 years, they should provide an explanation for any gaps in employment. It is essential to document the reason, whether it’s due to personal circumstances or other factors, to provide context for their employment history. This transparency can help in the decision-making process for their qualification.

What rights do drivers have regarding their driving records?

A driver has the right to review and correct any inaccuracies in the information contained in their driving records. If a driver is denied employment based on this information, they can request to see the relevant records from their previous employers within thirty days. Employers are obliged to provide these records within five business days upon request.

What happens after a driver submits the Driver Qualification form?

Once a driver submits the form, the employer will review the application for completeness. Employers may contact previous employers and conduct necessary background checks to verify the information provided. Following this, the employer will make a decision regarding the driver's eligibility for the position. If approved, the driver can then proceed with the onboarding process.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Driver Qualification form accurately is crucial for both applicants and employers. However, many applicants make common mistakes that can lead to delays or issues with their applications. Being aware of these mistakes can help ensure a smoother process.

One common mistake is failing to provide accurate contact information. When applicants do not complete all address and phone number fields correctly, potential employers may struggle to reach them for follow-up questions or to clarify information. It's essential to double-check these details before submitting the form.

Another frequent error is not listing all addresses from the past three years. Applicants sometimes forget earlier residences or neglect to include all required information. This omission can raise flags for employers and complicate background checks. Including a full and accurate address history demonstrates transparency and thoroughness.

Many applicants often underestimate the importance of detailing their driving history correctly. This section is critical because it reflects the driver’s qualifications and safety record. Inaccurate dates, omitted driving experiences, or unreported accidents can lead to misunderstandings and may disqualify an otherwise eligible candidate.

Furthermore, neglecting to disclose all traffic violations is another significant pitfall. Applicants sometimes believe that minor violations may not need to be reported. However, all convictions from the last three years should be listed. Transparency in this area is vital as it impacts the employer's ability to make informed decisions.

Completing the form without fully understanding the federal regulations can also present issues. Some applicants overlook questions about federal regulations, indicating whether they were subject to these rules in past employment. Inaccuracies in answering these questions can complicate eligibility for positions within regulated industries.

Lastly, skipping the certification statement can lead to issues as well. Applicants sometimes forget to sign and date the form, assuming their submission is complete without this certification. This oversight can result in the form being deemed incomplete and delay the hiring process.

Avoiding these common mistakes can enhance the application experience for both the driver and the employer, paving the way for a successful outcome.

Documents used along the form

When hiring drivers for commercial vehicles, several key documents accompany the Driver Qualification Form. Each plays an essential role in ensuring compliance and maintaining safety standards.

Driver Application for Employment (391.21): This is the initial application that drivers complete when seeking employment. It collects personal information, employment history, and driving experience.
Inquiry to Previous Employers (391.23(a)(2) & (c)): Employers must reach out to former employers to verify the driver’s work history and performance over the past three years.
Medical Examiner's Certificate (391.43): This certificate confirms that the driver has passed a medical examination and is physically fit to operate a commercial vehicle. A medical waiver may be included if applicable.
Annual Driver’s Certificate of Violations (391.27): Each year, drivers must certify any traffic violations they have incurred. This document ensures ongoing compliance and accountability.
Annual Review of Driving Record (391.25): Employers are required to conduct an annual review of each driver’s driving records. It helps identify any issues that need attention and ensures a safe driving environment.

These documents work together to provide a thorough assessment of a driver’s qualifications and safety record. Proper documentation is crucial for maintaining high standards within commercial transportation.

Similar forms

The Driver Qualification form is essential for ensuring that operators of commercial vehicles meet the necessary requirements for safety and compliance. There are several other documents that share similarities with the Driver Qualification form. Each of these documents plays a vital role in verifying different aspects of a driver’s background and qualifications. Here’s a closer look:

Driver Application for Employment (391.21): This document collects personal and employment information from a potential driver, similar to the Driver Qualification form, which also focuses on gathering necessary details about the driver's background.
Inquiry to Previous Employers (391.23(a)(2) & (c)): This inquiry assesses the driver’s work history and performance, paralleling the Driver Qualification form’s emphasis on verifying past employment and experiences.
Inquiry to State Agencies (391.23(a)(1) & (b)): This document seeks information regarding the driver’s state driving records, akin to the Driver Qualification form’s goal of confirming a clean driving history.
Medical Examiner’s Certificate (391.43): This certificate verifies the driver’s medical fitness to operate a commercial vehicle, reflecting the health-related components required in the Driver Qualification form.
Driver's Road Test (391.31): Completing a road test confirms a driver’s practical skills behind the wheel, much like the verification section in the Driver Qualification form that assesses driving capabilities.
Certification of Road Test (391.31): The certification indicates that the driver has successfully completed the road test, similar to how the Driver Qualification form compiles records that showcase driver competency.
Annual Driver's Certificate of Violations (391.27): This document requires drivers to report any violations throughout the year, which complements the ongoing compliance review process found in the Driver Qualification form.
Annual Review of Driving Record (391.25): This review ensures that drivers maintain a safe driving record over time, paralleling the Driver Qualification form’s approach to continuously verifying the driver's performance.

Each of these documents contributes to a thorough evaluation of a driver’s qualifications, ensuring safe practices within the industry.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Driver Qualification form, adhering to best practices ensures accuracy and completeness. The following guidelines detail what you should and should not do:

Do: Fill in all blanks completely. Each section requires specific information, so be thorough and precise.
Do: Use clear and legible printing or typing. The information must be easily readable for processing.
Do: Review all information before submission. Double-check dates, addresses, and names to avoid errors.
Do: Keep a copy for your records. Retaining a copy may be beneficial for future reference.

Do Not: Leave any sections incomplete. Omissions can delay processing and complicate your application.
Do Not: Provide inaccurate or misleading information. Honesty is crucial, as inaccuracies can lead to disqualification.
Do Not: Forget to sign and date the application. An unsigned form is invalid and cannot be processed.
Do Not: Submit outdated information. Ensure all data reflects your most current status and history.

Misconceptions

Misconception 1: The Driver Qualification form is only necessary for new drivers.

This is incorrect. The form is also required for drivers who are transferring between jobs or employers within the trucking industry. Proper documentation ensures that all drivers meet safety and regulatory requirements regardless of their employment history.

Misconception 2: Drivers do not need to keep copies of the documents provided.

In reality, drivers must keep copies of their Medical Examiner's Certificate at all times while driving. This is crucial for compliance with federal regulations and to avoid potential penalties.

Misconception 3: Past driving violations do not affect current employment opportunities.

This statement is misleading. Employers often conduct thorough background checks. Serious driving violations can impact a driver's eligibility for employment in safety-sensitive positions.

Misconception 4: All document requests and reviews can happen at any time.

There are specific time frames established by regulations. For instance, if a driver wishes to review previous employer information, they must submit a written request within a specific period. Failure to do so may result in losing the right to review those records.

Key takeaways

Complete all sections accurately: Ensure that every part of the Driver Qualification form is filled out thoroughly. Incomplete forms can delay the hiring process.
Collect past employment data: Provide a detailed employment history for the last ten years, including job titles, addresses, and reasons for leaving each position.
Document driving experience: Clearly list the types of vehicles driven and approximate mileage. This information helps employers understand your qualifications.
Be transparent about violations: Report all traffic violations or accidents from the last three years. Honesty is crucial in this step to build trust with potential employers.
Keep your medical documentation handy. Drivers only need to carry a copy of their Medical Examiner’s Certificate while driving. Make sure it is current and issued legally.
Understand your rights: Know that you have the right to review information provided by previous employers regarding your driving record. If there are errors, you can request corrections.

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