Loss Control Overviews Online
Southwide Safety Committee
Forest Resources Association Inc.

CDL DRIVER QUALIFICATION AND RECORD FILES
Number 42
February 2004

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INTRODUCTION: For all Department of Transportation (DOT) drivers that operate vehicles/equipment interstate (i.e., across state lines) with a combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds, the following records must be established and maintained in their respective Driver Qualification Files. (Additional requirements for vehicles over 26,000 pounds GVWR are listed below. HAZMAT drivers are subject to additional requirements.) Details may be found in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).

In addition to the above requirements, for drivers that operate vehicles/equipment with a GVWR over 26,000 pounds, the following records shall be established and maintained in their respective Driver Qualification Files:

  1. Photocopy of the driver’s current Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
  2. Request/Consent for Information from Previous Employer for Alcohol and Controlled Substance Test Records.
  3. Driver Drug Testing Acknowledgment.
  4. Receipt of Educational Materials – Alcohol & Controlled Substance Testing and Employee Assistance Program.
  5. Drug Test Results.

The six items in every Driver Qualification File that require periodic maintenance/renewal are:

  1. Abstract of Driver Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) – ANNUALLY
  2. Driver’s Certification of Motor Vehicle Violations and Review Record – ANNUALLY
  3. Review of Driving Record – ANNUALLY
  4. Physical Examination - EVERY 2 YEARS (unless medical reasons dictate more frequently.)
  5. Copy of Current Driver’s License - UPON EXPIRATION
  6. HAZMAT Training - EVERY 2 YEARS

For additional information, please go to the Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website, www.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Prepared by the Southwide Safety Committee, Forest Resources Association Inc.

Please follow equipment manufacturer's recommendations for safe operation and maintenance procedures.

Forest Resources Association Inc.
600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 350, Rockville, Maryland 20852
Phone: (301) 838-9385     Fax: (301) 838-9481