What is a driving record check?
A driving record check is a report that outlines an individual's driving history. It captures all sorts of traffic infractions, accidents, and license status. Don't be fooled into thinking that it is just for high-risk professions or commercial drivers - employers, landlords, and insurance companies now commonly use it to understand a candidate's driving history.
There are two types of driving record checks – personal and employment. Personal driving records are typically requested by individuals who are curious about what's on their record. On the other hand, a driving record check for employment is different, and it usually stems from the need for an employer to check an applicant's driving history before hiring them for a job. In any event, when requesting a driving record check, the requester needs to have your authorization or your signature on the request.
The background of driving record checks
Driving record checks began to gain popularity in the 1990s, and now it's a common requirement in many industries. Offering the checks has become quite easy too - all that is needed is an agreement form signed by the applicant and a $5-20 fee, depending on the state.
What do employers look for in a driving record check?
Employers look for different things in a driving record check. In most cases, employers want to see if an applicant has a history of reckless driving, DUI, or any criminal record. Driving history is especially important for applicants that will be behind the wheel during their regular work activities, such as truck drivers, delivery drivers, or chauffeurs.
On the other hand, driving history is essential for employers in industries that may require driving. For example, if you apply for a job in retail management and have to manage a fleet of delivery trucks, your driving record can be essential information to your employer.
What is included in a driving record check?
A driving record check typically includes a wide range of information about your driving history, such as:
- The legitimacy of your license
- The infractions, accidents, and traffic tickets you have received
- Any record of DUI, drug, or alcohol charges
- Any collisions or accidents where you were at fault
- Your license endorsements
In general, driving record checks provide a variety of information that employers can use to assess an applicant's reliability. For example, if an applicant has a significant number of traffic tickets, such information may suggest that they may be unreliable, reckless, or a liability when behind the wheel.
Limitations of driving record checks
Driving record checks are far from perfect. The checks cannot always provide a complete picture of an applicant's driving history, and the information provided may not reflect an applicant's abilities, or character. For example, a driver may have had one or two accidents that were not their fault, yet this information will go on their record.
The system used to assign driving record points is also different from state to state, which means that the points that an applicant receives in one state may not be the same in another. These variations can influence an applicant's driving history and may not necessarily paint an accurate picture of what happened.
It is essential to recognize that even perfect driving records cannot guarantee that an applicant will behave appropriately in the future. Employers should also consider additional information, such as employment references and other background checks, to build a comprehensive picture of a job applicant.
In summary, a driving record check can be an invaluable tool to assess an applicant's performance on the road. Employers rely on it to assess an applicant's character, responsibility, and dependability, which could translate into their job performance. However, it is important to realize the limitations of driving record checks and to consider this information in conjunction with other sources, such as job references, to generate a more complete picture of a candidate.
In today's fast-paced world, driving record checks have become a necessary part of the hiring process. Whether you are planning to hire a new driver for your business or looking for a nanny for your kids, it is essential to know if the person has a clean driving record or not. But what exactly is a driving record check, and why is it so important? In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about driving record checks and how they work.
What is a driving record check?
A driving record check is a process of examining an individual's driving history. It is done by accessing the government records of an individual's driving history. The driving record check provides information about the person's driving-related violations, including traffic tickets, fines, accidents, license suspensions, and revocations.
Why is a driving record check important?
Driving record checks are crucial for a variety of reasons, including:
1. Hiring employees:
If you are an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that your employees are reliable and have a clean driving record. By conducting a driving record check, you can verify whether your prospective employees have a history of reckless driving or are prone to accidents. This can help you make a hiring decision based on facts rather than assumptions.
2. Personal Safety:
If you are looking for a nanny or caregiver for your family, it is essential to know if the person has a history of reckless driving or has been involved in any accidents. This information can help you make an informed decision and ensure the safety of your family.
3. Insurance purposes:
The information obtained from a driving record check can be used by insurance companies to determine the risk level of an individual and adjust their insurance rates accordingly.
How does a driving record check work?
A driving record check is typically done by accessing the government records of an individual's driving history. The process may vary depending on the state, but generally, it involves the following steps:
Step 1: Authorization
The individual whose driving record is being checked must provide written authorization to the requesting party. This is typically done by signing a release form that allows the requesting party to access their driving record.
Step 2: Accessing Records
The requesting party then contacts the state department responsible for maintaining driving records. They will provide the required information and submit any necessary fees associated with the request.
Step 3: Reviewing the Record
Once the driving record information has been obtained, it is reviewed by the requesting party. The information provided includes all driving-related violations, including traffic tickets, fines, accidents, license suspensions, and revocations.
Step 4: Making a Hiring Decision
After reviewing the driving record, the requesting party can make an informed decision regarding whether or not to hire the individual. If the individual has a clean driving record, it may be an indication that they are a reliable and safe driver. On the other hand, if the individual has a history of violations and accidents, it may be a red flag that they are not a good fit for the position.
What information is included in a driving record check?
A driving record check typically includes the following information:
1. Identification Information:
This includes the driver's name, address, date of birth, and license number.
2. Traffic violations:
This includes information about any traffic violations, such as speeding tickets, reckless driving, and failure to obey traffic signs.
3. Accidents:
This includes information about any accidents the individual has been involved in, including the date, location, and description of the accident.
4. License Status:
This includes information about the individual's current license status, including any suspensions or revocations.
Conclusion:
In summary, a driving record check is a process of examining an individual's driving history. It is an essential part of the hiring process and can help ensure that you hire reliable and safe drivers. A driving record check can also provide valuable information for personal safety and insurance purposes. By understanding how driving record checks work and what information they provide, you can make informed hiring decisions and promote safety on the road.