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FMCSA launching online driver screening

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said Oct. 7 it plans to start a Driver Pre-Employment Screening Program in December that expands on private programs by allowing carriers to access driver inspection and crash records electronically.

Private companies, notably USIS with its DAC reports, provide employment screening and other services, including motor vehicle records. A Department of Transportation spokesperson said fees for FMCSA’s program haven’t been set.

Currently federal and state law enforcement personnel have access to commercial driver safety records, and drivers can obtain the information through the Freedom of Information Act. After the pre-employment screening program is triggered, driver safety records will be made available to motor carriers regardless of state or jurisdiction. Under federal privacy laws, drivers must give written consent for their records to be released, as they do for DAC reports.

The new program will allow more carriers to have more information to assess a prospective driver safety risk, FMCSA said. And drivers will have additional opportunities to verify their driving history data and correct discrepancies.

The new program will make use of FMCSA’s Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS). MCMIS data includes roadside inspection and compliance review results, enforcement data, state-reported crashes and motor carrier census data.

“Making this information more transparent will make our roads and highways safer for everyone,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

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