When a role involves driving, whether it’s delivering products, transporting passengers, or operating company vehicles, an applicant’s driving history is more than a formality. Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) checks give employers a detailed look at a candidate’s past behind the wheel, helping protect your business, your employees, and the public.

What Is an MVR Check?

An MVR check is a review of a candidate’s driving history, typically obtained from the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. It can include:

License status and expiration date
Endorsements or restrictions
Moving violations (speeding, reckless driving, etc.)
At-fault accidents
DUI/DWI convictions
Points on the license
License suspensions or revocations

Why MVR Checks Are Important

If driving is part of the job, your company could be held liable for an employee’s actions on the road. MVR checks help you:

Reduce Liability: Identify unsafe driving patterns before they result in accidents or lawsuits.
Lower Insurance Risk: Many insurers require clean driving records for coverage or offer better rates to companies that screen drivers.
Maintain Compliance: Certain industries, such as transportation and logistics, have federal or state MVR check requirements.
Protect Your Reputation: Drivers are often the public face of your business. Unsafe drivers can damage your brand image.

When to Run MVR Checks

Pre-Hire- Before extending an offer for any role involving vehicle operation.
Post-Hire- Periodic re-checks to ensure continued compliance and safety.
After an Incident- If an employee is involved in an accident, citation, or other driving-related event.

Best Practices for MVR Screening

Define Driving Standards
Decide in advance what violations or patterns will disqualify a candidate.
Be Consistent
Apply your driving standards equally to all candidates for similar roles to avoid discrimination claims.
Stay Compliant
MVR checks are subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when conducted by a third party. Always provide disclosures and obtain written consent.
Document Your Decisions
Keep records of the check, your review process, and any decisions made based on the results.

If driving is part of the job, an MVR check is not optional, it’s essential. By identifying potential risks before a candidate gets behind the wheel, you protect your people, your customers, and your bottom line.

Need Help with Background Checks or Compliance?

Whether you’re hiring new talent or updating your screening processes, the Swailes Background Check team is here to help. From criminal background checks and FCRA compliance to drug testing, employment and education verifications, MVR reports, credit history reviews, and Social Security number validation, we provide fast enrollment and expert support every step of the way.