MVR (Motor Vehicle Report) Background Checks: Explained

What As An MVR Background Check?

Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) are essential reporting tools that provide detailed insights into an individual's driving history. These reports are accessed using the individual's license number and are based on official driving records maintained by relevant authorities such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

One area where MVR checks hold particular importance is the hiring process for transportation-related jobs. Companies that employ drivers for various purposes, including transportation services and delivery, heavily rely on MVR checks to make informed decisions about potential candidates.

By conducting MVR checks, companies can gain access to valuable information regarding an individual's driving behavior and history. This includes records of traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and any other pertinent details that may indicate the candidate's driving competence and responsibility.

Transportation jobs often require individuals to operate vehicles on behalf of the company, placing a significant emphasis on safety and risk management. By utilizing MVR checks, companies can assess the risk associated with potential hires. These reports provide a comprehensive overview of a candidate's driving habits, allowing companies to evaluate their adherence to traffic laws, level of responsibility, and overall driving competence.

Understanding MVR Background Checks

MVR background checks have emerged as vital screening tools employers employ during the pre-employment vetting process, particularly for positions involving motor vehicle operations. Whether it's driving a school bus, operating a tractor-trailer, or utilizing company vehicles, MVR checks provide valuable insights into an individual's driving history.

Understanding Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) & What It Exposes

An MVR, short for "motor vehicle record," provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's driving history. This essential document contains pertinent information, including the individual's license class, current status with driving authorities, license endorsements, restrictions, suspensions, and expiration dates. Additionally, MVRs capture valuable details about driving infractions such as speeding tickets, moving traffic violations, and certain driving-related criminal convictions.

Are MVRs Important During A Background Check?

While not all companies incorporate MVR checks into their background investigation process, such checks hold immense value when a job involves frequent driving or operating heavy machinery. Roles such as delivery drivers, ambulance drivers, public transit drivers, contract drivers, and positions in the construction industry heavily rely on driving as a core aspect. Even employees with access to company vehicles may be subject to MVR requests.

The significance of checking a candidate's MVR report for such positions can be likened to verifying a medical license for a physician's job at a hospital. Neglecting to review driving records could lead to legal violations or potential liabilities related to negligent hiring.

Businesses must ensure that candidates applying for driving-related positions possess a valid and clean license. Verifying that the candidate holds the appropriate driver's license type and specific endorsements required for the role is crucial. Additionally, hiring managers should ascertain that the applicant has no history of reckless or dangerous behavior behind the wheel.

Industries regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT), such as trucking, freight, and logistics, are federally mandated to conduct MVR checks as an integral part of their hiring process. Compliance with these regulations ensures adherence to safety standards and reduces potential risks associated with employing drivers.

By incorporating MVR checks, companies can prioritize safety, maintain legal compliance, and make informed decisions when selecting candidates for positions involving driving or heavy machinery operations.

Key Factors Employers Consider During An MVR Evaluation

Conducting MVR background checks serves as a crucial method for businesses to assess the competence and responsibility of candidates seeking positions involving substantial transportation responsibilities. When hiring individuals to drive on behalf of the company or organization, employers recognize that these employees represent their brand while on the road. Consequently, businesses bear partial responsibility for the actions of their drivers behind the wheel.

Employers scrutinize applicants who aspire to drive for their business to mitigate potential risks. Hiring drivers with a history of license suspensions or numerous infractions can create legal and financial liabilities. Employing individuals whose licenses don’t align with the job requirements can lead to severe consequences if they’re involved in a significant accident.

MVR reports simplify the process of conducting due diligence. Businesses must be vigilant for any red flags that indicate a candidate may not be suitable for operating a company vehicle or representing the brand on the road. Employers should pose specific questions during the evaluation to assess the candidate's suitability.

Determining whether the candidate's driver's license is currently valid and in good standing is crucial. Has the license expired, been suspended, or even revoked? Does the candidate meet these requirements if the position requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a higher license class or endorsement level? Employers should investigate whether the driver has been involved in excessive accidents or received a high volume of speeding tickets. It’s vital to know if the driver has any history of driving under the influence of alcohol or other vehicular crimes.

MVR checks answer these questions and offer employers a comprehensive understanding of the candidate's level of responsibility as a driver. By evaluating MVR reports, businesses can make informed decisions, ensuring the selection of qualified and responsible individuals for transportation roles.

How Long Does An MVR Background Check Take?

In states where motor vehicle records have been digitized, employers have the potential to receive MVR screening outcomes on the very day of request. The majority of MVR reports are typically finalized within a matter of minutes. However, there are situations where electronic access to MVR reports might not be feasible, leading to potential delays. Delays can also arise from errors in the MVR report requisitions, such as misspelled names or incorrect driver's license numbers.

The duration of an MVR check is also contingent upon whether the search is conducted through the state's DMV, if the candidate is tasked with providing the report, or if a third-party service is engaged.

Opting for a proficient background check provider to administer MVR screenings is the swiftest alternative due to our cutting-edge technology and extensive data networks.

How Far Back Does A Motor Vehicle Report Go?

Without a standardized national standard, each state operates its own Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and enforces specific laws that govern the extent of historical data included in an MVR check.

State laws dictate a lookback period ranging from three to seven years for MVR checks. Some states may extend the timeframe up to ten years.

As companies navigate MVR checks, they should familiarize themselves with state-specific regulations to ensure compliance and make informed decisions based on the relevant driving history. Businesses can effectively assess candidates' recent driving behavior in lookback periods, allowing for a more accurate evaluation of their qualifications and driving record.

How Can I Obtain A Motor Vehicle Report?

To obtain a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) efficiently, partnering with a reputable background check company like PeopleWhiz is recommended to provide accurate results. These providers possess expertise in identifying the relevant Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) databases to search and understand the distinct terminology used in driving history reports. By leveraging a professional background check, companies can simplify obtaining and comprehending MVR check results, ensuring that unsafe driving records are recognized.

The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) governs DMVs nationwide and has established a standardized "code dictionary" for MVR background check reports. Each driving infraction or conviction is assigned a specific code within this dictionary. Background check companies like PeopleWhiz can offer the guidance and resources required by hiring managers to decode, interpret, and comprehend driving records along with their codes.

By following the proper procedures and partnering with a reputable background check company, businesses can streamline acquiring and understanding MVR records, ensuring compliance, and making well-informed decisions during the hiring process.