Whenever you hire a new CDL driver, you are required to complete a few steps before the driver is eligible to drive.
When You Hire a New CDL Driver
- Make sure Driver is registered in the FMCSA Clearinghouse so that you can conduct a Pre-Employment Full Query. Employer must receive a “Driver Not Prohibited” Pre-Employment Query result, or Driver cannot be used to perform safety-sensitive work (drive). Remind him/her to check email for consent request. If Driver does not grant consent, s/he cannot be employed to drive a CMV. If you have engaged InOut Labs for Clearinghouse support, fill out the Query Request Form.
- Have Driver sign General Consent For Limited Queries This is for your employee file. This is in addition to the pre-employment Full Query. Spanish version here.
- Have Driver sign a New Hire Information for FMCSA Clearinghouse form. Spanish version here.
- Send Driver for a Pre-Employment drug test. Driver is not eligible to drive until you receive a negative Pre-Employment drug test result. If your written policy requires a pre-employment breath alcohol test, makes sure to do that for every new driver.
- HOT TIP: Conduct the Query first, to make sure the driver is Not Prohibited before you order and pay for a drug test.
A driver is not eligible to drive until you receive a “Driver Not Prohibited” Pre-Employment Full Query result AND a negative Federal Pre-employment drug test result.
You will also need to begin a Driver Qualification File for each driver.
