An MVR report, also known as a Motor Vehicle Record report, is a driving history report used by employers to review a candidate’s driving record during the hiring process.
MVR reports are commonly used for:
- commercial driving positions
- DOT-regulated jobs
- delivery drivers
- fleet vehicle operators
- employees who drive company vehicles
- positions involving transportation responsibilities
Employers use MVR reports as part of employment background checks to help evaluate driving history, license status, and potential driving-related risk.
What Does an MVR Report Show?
An MVR report typically contains information maintained by a state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or licensing agency.
Depending on the state, an MVR report may include:
- driver’s license status
- license class and endorsements
- license suspensions or revocations
- traffic violations
- DUI or DWI convictions
- reckless driving violations
- accident history
- points on a license
- CDL status
- expiration dates
- driving restrictions
The amount of historical information available may vary by state and reporting rules.
Why Employers Use MVR Reports
Employers often use MVR reports to help:
- evaluate driving risk
- verify license validity
- confirm CDL status
- meet insurance requirements
- support workplace safety
- comply with DOT regulations
- reduce liability exposure
For positions involving driving responsibilities, MVR reports are an important part of the pre-employment screening process.
What Can Disqualify Someone on an MVR Report?
Employer policies vary, but potential concerns on an MVR report may include:
- DUI convictions
- suspended licenses
- excessive speeding violations
- reckless driving
- multiple at-fault accidents
- invalid CDL status
- repeated moving violations
- major safety violations
The relevance of driving history depends on the position being filled and the employer’s screening policy.
How Far Back Does an MVR Report Go?
The reporting period for MVR reports varies depending on:
- the state
- the type of violation
- employer requirements
- insurance carrier standards
Many MVR reports show:
- 3 years
- 5 years
- 7 years
Some serious driving-related offenses may remain visible longer depending on state law and the licensing authority.
DOT vs. Non-DOT Driving Record Searches
Driving record screening requirements may differ significantly between DOT-regulated and non-DOT positions.
DOT-Regulated Positions
DOT employers often conduct more extensive driver screening that may include:
- MVR reports
- CDLIS searches
- PSP Crash History reports
- DOT drug testing
- FMCSA compliance reviews
These screenings help employers comply with federal transportation regulations.
Non-DOT Positions
Non-DOT employers may still conduct MVR reports for:
- delivery drivers
- sales representatives
- field technicians
- employees operating company vehicles
However, screening requirements are often less extensive than DOT-regulated hiring.
What Is CDLIS?
CDLIS stands for Commercial Driver’s License Information System.
A CDLIS search helps identify:
- states where a CDL may have been issued
- duplicate CDL licenses
- CDL status information
Transportation employers often use CDLIS searches alongside MVR reports during commercial driver screening.
What Is a PSP Crash History Report?
A PSP report, also known as a Pre-Employment Screening Program report, is maintained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
PSP reports may contain:
- roadside inspection history
- DOT-reportable crash information
- driver safety history
Transportation employers commonly use PSP Crash History reports when hiring commercial drivers.
Employers Must Follow Compliance Requirements
Employers using MVR reports and driving record searches must comply with applicable laws, including:
- the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- DOT regulations
- state privacy laws
- disclosure and authorization requirements
Employers should also apply driving-related screening policies consistently and based on legitimate business necessity.
Final Thoughts
MVR reports play an important role in employment background checks for positions involving driving responsibilities.
Whether screening commercial drivers, delivery personnel, or employees operating company vehicles, employers use MVR reports to help evaluate driving history, safety concerns, and licensing status.
A well-designed driver screening program may combine MVR reports, CDLIS searches, PSP Crash History reports, and DOT compliance procedures to support informed hiring decisions and workplace safety.