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.
