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Are you aware of what a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) is and why it's crucial for your trucking career? If not, you're in the right place.
Below, we break it down so you can understand exactly what an MVR is, what it includes and why it matters to you as a truck driver.
What is an MVR in trucking?
An MVR is a comprehensive record of a driver’s driving history, maintained by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The report can include details such as:
1. License information.
- License class: Information about whether the driver holds a class A, B or C license. This determines the type of vehicles they can operate.
- License status: Information about whether the license is active, suspended or revoked.
- Issue and expiration dates: The dates when the license was issued and when it will expire.
2. Endorsements and restrictions.
- Endorsements: Extra qualifications on the license. Examples include hazardous materials (hazmat), tanker, doubles/triples and other specialized endorsements.
- Restrictions: Limitations on the license. Examples include the requirement to wear corrective lenses or to use automatic transmissions only.
3. Violations and convictions.
- Traffic violations: Records of any traffic violations. Examples include speeding tickets and reckless driving offenses. Also details the date, location and nature of the offense.
- Convictions: Information about any misdemeanor moving violations or other convictions.
4. Suspensions and revocations.
- Suspensions and revocations: A record of time the license was suspended or revoked. Also includes the reasons for these actions.
5. Accidents and crashes.
- Crash reports: Details of any accidents the driver was involved in while operating a CMV. This includes the date, location, fault and any citations.
6. Medical certification.
- Medical status: Information on the driver's medical certification, including status and expiration dates. This is to ensure they meet physical qualifications for safe driving.
- Medical examiner information: Details about the medical examiner who conducted the examination.
7. State driving record points.
- Driving record points: Points assigned based on state-specific regulations for various violations.
Why is an MVR important for CDL drivers?
An MVR is more than a driving record; it’s a critical document that can influence a trucker’s career. Here’s why this document is so vital:
Employment opportunities
MVRs are important because companies use them when deciding whether to hire a driver. Your MVR is one of the first things a potential employer will look at when considering you for a job.
A clean MVR can open doors to more job opportunities, while a poor record can limit your options.
Compliance
MVRs are also important because carriers are required by the DOT to keep an MVR for every driver.
Carriers must request each driver's MVR every 12 months and must keep the record for three years. Carriers must also review the MVRs of their drivers. This is to determine whether drivers meet the minimum requirements for safe driving.
Are MVRs the same in every state?
No, MVRs vary from state to state. While most information in an MVR is consistent across states, the way this data is reported and maintained varies.
Each state has its own DMV responsible for issuing, updating and managing MVRs. Some states might include specific details that others do not, and the format of the MVR can also differ.
How do you get your MVR?
You can get a copy of your MVR by contacting your state's DMV or equivalent agency. Many states offer online services on their websites where you can request your MVR.
You’ll likely need to provide some personal information, such as your:
- Driver's license information.
- Date of birth.
- Social Security number.
There is usually a fee to receive a copy of your MVR. This varies depending on the state you live in and the method you choose to receive the report. If online services are not available in your state, you can still get your MVR through mail or in person by visiting your local DMV office.
