Many employers do not verify the information they receive about an applicant’s past, either believing they can’t legally check, or do not want to take the time to conduct the check.

The truth is that as long as the checks are being done “for employment purposes,” there is a

significant amount of information available on new applicants as well as current employees that employers are allowed to verify.

Employee background checks are now required when hiring all drivers. Companies are required by

FMCSA 49 CFR Part 391.23, to conduct three levels of checks when evaluating an employee:

1. Initial Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) for the past three years in each state where the applicant
   held a driver’s license during that time.
   
   
2. Prior Employer Verification Inquiry for the past three years to verify dates and times are accurate
   and any gaps in employment are explained.
   
   
3. Safety Performance History Investigation Inquiry for the past three years regarding the applicant’s safety performance history with DOT-regulated employers, alcohol and controlled substances, prohibited conduct and accident records.