Free Checklist

Driver Qualification File Checklist

Every item a DQ file needs, when it's due, and the rule behind it. One printable page per driver.

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The Checklist

What Goes In A DQ File

Here's the short version. The PDF has checkboxes and a date line for each item.

Before the first trip

  • Employment application, signed. It lists the last 3 years of employers. CDL drivers also list CMV employers for the 7 years before that.
  • Road test certificate, or an accepted equivalent: a valid CDL for the type of truck, or a road test certificate from the last 3 years.
  • Medical certification. For CDL drivers, that's the state driving record (CDLIS MVR) showing medical status. For non-CDL drivers, a copy of the medical examiner's certificate and a note that you checked the examiner is on the National Registry.
  • Clearinghouse pre-employment full query.
  • Negative pre-employment drug test. Keep it with your drug and alcohol records, not in the DQ file.

Within 30 days of hire

  • Driving record (MVR) from every state the driver held a license in over the last 3 years.
  • Safety performance history from DOT-regulated employers over the last 3 years. Keep it in a separate, secure file.

Every 12 months

  • New driving record from each state, and a signed note that you reviewed it.
  • Clearinghouse query. A limited query is fine with the driver's consent.

How long to keep it

While the driver works for you, plus 3 years after they leave. Annual MVRs, review notes and medical certificates can come out once they're 3 years old.

No Longer Required

The driver's annual list of violations is gone. That rule (49 CFR 391.27) was removed. A lot of older checklists still include it.

Want us to build and track these files for you? See Driver & Safety Compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

For as long as the driver works for you, and 3 years after they leave. Some items, like annual MVRs and medical certificates, can be removed once they're 3 years old.

No. 49 CFR 391.27 was removed. You still need the annual driving record and a signed note of your review.

For CDL drivers, the medical certification comes from the state driving record (CDLIS MVR), and that record goes in the file.

No. Drug and alcohol testing records are kept separately from the DQ file.

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