What’s Included in Motor Vehicle Records Checks?

An employer may check the motor vehicle (or driving record) history of their candidates, particularly those who will drive the employer’s vehicle or operate machinery or whose job duties include frequent driving.

In some states, the Department of Motor Vehicles, rather than the court system, maintains records such as driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI). Employers are generally looking to uncover a history of unsafe driving or poor decision-making that may put the employer, its employees, its customers, or the general public at risk with a motor vehicle records check.

For commercial driving positions regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, motor vehicle records checks are required as a condition of employment.