What Is a MVR Check?
If you apply for any position that requires driving, one of the standard screening questions will be to allow a check of your Motor Vehicle Record, also known as the MVR. The Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) is essentially the driving record of an individual. Based on the record type you order and your state of driving license, the MVR contains data of your license status, traffic tickets, moving violations, crashes and accidents, license suspension etc.
When understanding what is a MVR check, it is important to know that an MVR check is essentially a review of a person’s driving record. Some employers use driving records checks for job candidates or current employees when: The position requires employees to drive company vehicles, drive clients or customers, make deliveries or operate vehicles for a specific task. Insurance companies can use driving record information. Specific content and terms used vary by state, as does how long records are kept and who has permission to view them.
Privacy laws in the U.S. can affect who may access motor vehicle records and for what purposes, making it important to understand the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) when reviewing MVR information.
Protect your individual driver’s record too. Learning about how these types of checks function can help you assess your own driving record, find errors, and recognize what employers or insurers are most likely to examine.
What Does MVR Stand For?
When learning what is a MVR check, it helps to first understand what MVR means. MVR generally stands for Motor Vehicle Record. Used commonly to mean the official driving history of a driver as maintained by the motor vehicle department or other licensing authority in the state. In some states it is called a driving record, driving abstract, or abstract of driving record. The term is confusing because “MVR” is sometimes used more generally for all types of motor vehicles reports.
When referring to screening potential hires or a drivers record in the employment environment, it is common to simply call this information an MVR.
In fact, the federal definition of motor vehicle record is broader than the typical use of an MVR when screening employees, as the code describes a motor vehicle record as a report of the status and history of a licensed driver compiled from the drivers record.
What Information Appears on a Motor Vehicle Record?
The information included depends on the state, record type, and purpose for which the report is requested. A typical driving record can contain several categories of information.
License Status
A MVR may provide info to indicate if the drivers license is Valid, Suspended, Revoked, Expired or has any restrictions such as the type of vehicle that he or she is permitted to operate. This may include licensing class and or endorsements. To the employee, This is a significant part to the report, as for the purpose of the employee to serve in a capacity as a drive, his or her drivers license would need to be valid.
Traffic Violations and Convictions
Driving records may also include information on traffic tickets and convictions. This could include a speeding ticket, a ticket for driving recklessly, running a red light, or other moving violations. However, exactly what information you see on a record depends on the State, and it may distinguish between citations, convictions and otherwise as opposed to simply categorizing all tickets.
Accidents and Collisions
Some driving records include reported collisions or accident-related information. The level of detail can vary considerably.
When considering what is a MVR check, it is also important to understand that a driving record may not provide the full circumstances behind every incident. A record may reflect that a crash occurred, but might not contain the full context. Thus, you should not immediately assume the every accident that is reflected on the MVR is the total picture.
Suspensions and Revocations
Administrative actions involving a driver’s license can also appear. These may include suspensions, revocations, disqualifications, or other restrictions.
For jobs requiring regular driving, this information can be particularly significant because it directly relates to whether the individual is legally authorized to operate a vehicle.
Other Driving-Related Information
When learning what is a MVR check, it is also helpful to understand that the information included can vary by jurisdiction and record type. Beyond driver’s licensing history, depending upon the state or type of record, there can be other information on an MVR. For instance, Washington lists these details on some of their driving records: convictions, violations, collisions, suspensions, revocations, disqualifications, and failures to appear.
This difference of wording is another reason why each individual should investigate what specific driving record description exists in their state, and not generalize to all MVR.
Why Do Employers Run MVR Checks?
The main reason is risk management.
An employer hiring someone to drive on behalf of the company has an interest in knowing whether that person has a valid license and whether their driving history raises concerns relevant to the position.
When understanding what is a MVR check, consider how employers may use driving records in practical situations. As an example, a delivery service who is hiring a delivery person would likely need to check that their potential employee actually has a driving license and for their criminal activity involving driving. An organization which dispatches its employees out to different locations, it would need to ensure all employees driving on official work is up to that corporation’s safety expectations.
Some companies have strict internal standards in which driving record is acceptable or not. The company’s standards may include looking at the types and amount of driving violations, also current drivers license status, position, and job requirements.
Just because someone has an MVR does not mean they get or get denied a position. An employers policy, the specific job requirements, relevant laws and what exactly is contained in the Driving Record is needed to make the determination.
Who Can Request an MVR?
However, obtaining driving records is generally not unrestricted. Personal data collected in motor vehicle records is protected by both federal and state privacy laws, specifically the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) at the federal level.
When learning what is a MVR check, it is also important to understand who may legally access a driving record. Some Authorized Parties Authorized persons or entities may include employers with a permissible purpose, insurance providers, government bodies, law enforcement agencies and others as may be permitted by law. For example, Washington’s licensing agency lists such entities as employers, prospective employers, insurance companies and government agencies to name a few possible entities seeking driving records under applicable laws. The key takeaway is the general prohibition of one obtaining an individual’s complete driving history for just any reason whatsoever.
Do Employers Need Your Permission?
Driving record requirements depend on what you’re asking for, as well as federal and state law. For employment screenings, obtaining your consent is likely one part of the legal process.
If your employer or a potential employer is asking for your authorization to perform a driving record check, review it closely to make sure you understand what information will be accessed and why.
Driving record checks in conjunction with a driving-record screening program may have separate and stricter requirements in addition to federal compliance requirements, such as those governing commercial drivers.
What Is the Difference Between an MVR and a Criminal Background Check?
An MVR focuses primarily on driving history, while a criminal background check examines criminal-record information.
When understanding what is a MVR check, it is important to distinguish it from a standard background check. In some cases, the two may overlap.Driving-related charges that lead to criminal convictions are one example-such a offense might affect both the MVR and criminal record check. The two are not identical reports however, and therefore they shouldn’t be treated as if they are the same thing.
An employer who is about to hire someone that is going to be a secretary in a non-driving capacity likely doesn’t have as much to gain from an MVR check. However, the need for something like that might be very significant for a delivery service, transportation company, trucking firm, or any business where employees will be driving around.
The purpose of the screening matters.
How Is an MVR Check Performed?
The process varies by employer, state, and screening provider, but the basic sequence is straightforward.
Step 1: The employer determines whether a driving record is relevant
The company first establishes whether the position requires driving and whether reviewing the applicant’s record is appropriate.
Step 2: The applicant provides required information or authorization
Depending on the process, the employer or screening provider may request information needed to identify the correct driver record.
Step 3: The record is obtained from an authorized source
The screening process may involve the state licensing agency or an authorized reporting provider.
Step 4: The report is reviewed
The employer evaluates the information according to its policies and the requirements of the position.
Step 5: The employer makes a decision
A record with violations does not necessarily mean automatic rejection. Employers may consider the seriousness, frequency, age, and relevance of the information.
This process should also comply with applicable employment and privacy requirements.
How Far Back Does an MVR Check Go?
There is no single nationwide answer.
The number of years of driving history that will appear on an MVR will be based on the particular State, the type of record that is pulled, and how much information is currently being reported. Depending upon the type of infraction or action, your driving history can be reported for varying amounts of time.
Certain states can provide different types of driving records, sometimes shorter and sometimes longer terms of records for you. For example Arizona can require varying numbers of years to pull driving records based on the request.
It should never be assumed, though, that each employer that pulls your report would receive an equal number of years.
Even for the professional driver you are talking about, they can have different federal records to pull along with driving records, they may not necessarily be the same.
What Can Cause a Problem During an MVR Check?
A driving history can raise concerns for several reasons. The significance depends heavily on the employer’s requirements and the circumstances involved.
A Suspended or Revoked License
A current suspension or revocation can be a major issue for any position that requires legal authorization to drive.
Multiple Recent Violations
Several recent moving violations may suggest a higher level of driving risk than an isolated older violation.
Serious Driving Offenses
Certain serious offenses may receive more attention during employment screening because of their potential connection with safety.
Commercial Driving Issues
Applicants for commercial driving positions may be subject to additional standards and records beyond an ordinary state driving history.
Incorrect Information
A report can sometimes contain outdated or inaccurate information. This is one reason it is useful to review your own record before an employer does.
Does a Bad MVR Automatically Disqualify You From a Job?
Not necessarily.
There is no universal definition of a “bad” MVR. One employer might have strict requirements because employees transport passengers, while another company may have a different risk threshold.
The nature of the violation also matters. A recent serious offense may be viewed differently from an isolated minor violation that occurred years ago.
Employers may consider factors such as:
- How recent the incident was
- The type of violation
- Whether there were multiple incidents
- Whether the license is currently valid
- The requirements of the job
- Company safety policies
- Applicable employment laws
A driving record should therefore be evaluated in context rather than reduced to a simple pass-or-fail label.
How to Get Your Own Driving Record
You do not have to wait for an employer to run a report to find out what is on your record, and understanding background check information can help you know what employers may review during the hiring process.
Your state’s DMV or equivalent licensing agency generally provides a process for requesting your driving history. The procedure, fees, identification requirements, and available record types vary.
For example, Arizona allows eligible individuals to obtain certain records online or request them through other approved methods.
A practical approach is to:
- Identify the agency that maintains your driving record.
- Find its official driving-record request process.
- Determine which type of record you need.
- Provide the required identification or documentation.
- Pay any applicable fee.
- Review the report carefully when you receive it.
Checking your record before applying for a driving job can give you time to identify potential problems.
What Should You Do If Your MVR Contains an Error?
Do not assume that an inaccurate entry will automatically correct itself.
If the record includes violation, suspension or an accident that seems incorrect, ask the agency responsible for generating and managing the record about the process to get the violation, suspension or accident removed or changed. You’ll need to ask what kind of documents they’ll need to remove it from your records. Make copies of anything related to the discrepancy, including any related correspondence you may have, any court documents you have, or any other records that may confirm your claim.
The state in which you live will determine how this works.
Some changes must be made through a regulatory body that licensed the industry for which you were seeking a license, whereas others may be associated with court documents or other sources. Some consumers with pending employers that have already received an inaccurate record from a job screening agency have other rights that vary depending on what kind of job they are seeking.
Common Mistakes People Make
Assuming an MVR Is the Same Everywhere
Driving records are maintained under state systems, so the format and information can vary.
Waiting Until a Job Application
Checking your record only after an employer requests it can leave little time to resolve errors.
Assuming Every Ticket Appears the Same Way
A citation, conviction, suspension, and accident may be recorded differently depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances.
Ignoring an Expired or Suspended License
A driver may remember a traffic violation but overlook an administrative action affecting current license status.
Assuming One Violation Means Automatic Rejection
Employers have different standards, and the relevance of a driving incident depends on the position and applicable policies.
MVR Checks for Commercial Drivers
Commercial driving involves additional considerations, including federal safety requirements and records maintained through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
While a state MVR will provide details regarding a driver’s state-issued license and driving history, commercial carriers rely on more than just this information when screening drivers. Federal and state regulations require the use of additional data, such as from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP), which offers federal crash and inspection history in addition to (or separate from) state-record information.
Being aware of what’s on and what’s not on any given report is crucial, as a commercial driving candidate’s overall safety record often includes various data points.
CDL employment is governed by specific federal and state regulations. As such, a commercial employer’s process should not hinge solely on a consumer driving record search.
Final Takeaway
So, what is a MVR check? It is a review of a driver’s motor vehicle record to understand licensing status and relevant driving history.The record may contain a history of violations, convictions, accidents, suspensions, revocations, and other driving incidents, which differs based on the state and record you are acquiring.
MVR checks are most frequent for driving positions since it is imperative that applicants are compliant with employer-established standards of safety and licensing and driving appropriateness, yet these standards vary significantly between states and due to privacy laws-not everyone can view your driving record; only entities who have specific need can. Checking your own records before a driving job application may help you review any discrepancies and gain perspective into what your employer may find.
FAQs About MVR Checks
1.What is an MVR check?
An MVR check is a review of a person’s Motor Vehicle Record, or driving history, maintained by a state motor vehicle or licensing agency. It can show information such as license status, traffic violations, suspensions, convictions, and other driving-related records. The exact information included varies by state.
2.What does an MVR check show?
An MVR may include the driver’s license status, license class, restrictions or endorsements, traffic violations, reported accidents, suspensions, revocations, DUI-related convictions, and points where applicable. The specific look-back period and information available depend on state rules.
3.Why do employers conduct MVR checks?
Employers commonly use driving-record checks when a job involves operating company vehicles, transporting people or goods, making deliveries, or performing other driving-related duties. The report can help an employer determine whether an applicant is properly licensed and identify driving history that may affect workplace safety or insurance risk.
4.Is an MVR check the same as a background check?
Not necessarily. An MVR check specifically examines driving history, while a broader employment background check may cover areas such as criminal records, employment history, education, or identity verification. An MVR is often ordered separately when driving is part of the job.
5.How far back does an MVR check go?
There is no single nationwide look-back period. States maintain their own driving records and determine how information is reported and retained. Some records may show several years of history, while certain serious violations can remain available for considerably longer.
6.Can an MVR check show accidents?
It can. Depending on the state and the type of report, an MVR may contain information about reported accidents or accident-related driving history. Not every accident will necessarily appear in the same way, so the report should be interpreted according to the issuing state’s rules.
7.Does an MVR check show a DUI?
A DUI or similar impaired-driving conviction can appear on a driving record. The length of time it remains available varies by jurisdiction and the nature of the offense. Employers and insurers may consider such information differently depending on their policies and applicable laws.
Conclusion
An MVR is an in-depth and specific look at a driver’s official file of his or her license status, traffic violations, suspensions or other information that may give employers, insurers, or regulated entities a better assessment of risk associated with that driver. This report, however, must be reviewed in its proper state context because, not only do reporting requirements and record retention vary from state to state, but so do MVR rules.
If you are seeking an employment position that involves driving, or simply want to have an idea of what your potential employer or the insurance company will see, ordering your own MVR is a smart first move. Not only that, but checking your own report for inaccuracies and outdated information will let you get the issues dealt with before they potentially cause you trouble.
