Driving Success: 5 Pieces To Compliance Episode 1: Driver Files

FMCSA Driver Qualification Files

• Any driver with a commercial driver’s license operating a commercial vehicle as defined by the FMCSA needs a driver qualification (DQ) file.

• A DQ file consists of onboarding, safety, and eligibility documents for each driver and must be kept for three years, or longer in the case of onboarding documents which demonstrate compliance with FMCSA onboarding standards.

• The FMCSA‘s driver qualification requirements ensure proper vetting of drivers, contributing to a company’s safety, health, and culture, and impacting CSA scores which can lead to fines or closure.

• Companies must retain onboarding documentation for three years to demonstrate compliance with FMCSA onboarding regulations.

Driver Monitoring and Compliance

• A Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) is required annually and must be reviewed with the driver.

• The FMCSA Clearinghouse requires a new query once a year to check for any new drug or alcohol offenses.

• Random drug testing must be conducted on 25% of a company’s driver roster.

• Ignoring driver violations can lead to additional violations and fines. Poor communication between departments can contribute to unaddressed violations.

• Regularly reviewing driver files, using compliance software, documenting compliance efforts, conducting internal audits, and participating in monitoring programs are recommended best practices for managing driver files and maintaining compliance.

Our Next Webinar

• The next webinar will feature a guest speaker from Geotab to discuss hours of service.