T h e B u s in e s s Of D a ir y
What Does It Take to Qualify a New Driver? BY MICHAEL DODD
I
t’s no secret that truck drivers are in high demand, but when a company is successful in hiring one, there are certain steps necessary before that driver can take to the road. Some of the common questions I get when someone is trying to put on a new driver are: How quickly can I put a new driver on the road? What items do I need to have in my hands before letting a driver go out on the road? What minimums should I have for hiring a driver?
THE “MUST HAVE” ITEMS BEFORE LETTING A PERSON DRIVE INCLUDE:
• DOT employment application • Current medical card certification (either a medical card or an motor vehicle record showing current medical certification) • Medical examiner certification where you have checked the National Registry of Medical Examiners to be sure that the driver used a certified examiner • A negative pre-employment drug test • Clearinghouse Full Query with no prohibitions • A road test form and certificate (391.31(g)) or CDL license or certificate accepted in lieu of road test (391.22).
• A CDL is acceptable. Doubles/triples or cargo tankers must have a road test certification for the specific vehicle within the previous three years.
ITEMS THAT YOU MUST HAVE WITHIN 30 DAYS INCLUDE:
• A motor vehicle record from states (391.23), which must be obtained within 30 days of employment and must be for the prior three years. Note that regulations require this within 30 days, but I suggest that you have this and review it prior to letting the driver operate your vehicles. • Previous employer information (391.23), which much be obtained within 30 days of employment, must be for the prior three years. The information must be verification of employment, and include any information on DOT accidents, or any other accidents that the previous employer may want to provide), and the drug and alcohol test results/violations. The drug and alcohol inquiries from previous employers will be phased out by Jan. 6, 2023. This is being replaced by the Clearinghouse Full Query as it adds three years of data to the database. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE ► NED Magazine | Third Quarter 2021 • 29
