The Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulate businesses that employ commercial vehicle drivers. These organizations require background checks for drivers operating specific types, sizes, and weights of vehicles. New hires must be screened, and the files of current drivers undergo annual updates. These background checks include driving history, employment verification, an FMCSA drug and alcohol screen, a DOT drug test, a DOT physical, and a road driving test. A driver qualification file must also be kept for all drivers of commercial vehicles.
