You should become familiar with your insurance company’s driver standards and ensure that you do not qualify any drivers who fall below your insurance company’s standards. The following is an example of some insurance companies’ requirements. Note that these are more stringent than the FMCSR’s, as written above.
Age, Experience, Physical Condition.
- All drivers must be at least 23 years of age.
- Drivers must meet all other DOT requirements.
- All drivers must have at least two years commercial driving experience in a comparable class of vehicle.
- 391.41:On and after May 21, 2014, each medical examination required under this subpart must be conducted by a medical examiner who is listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
Ineligible Drivers (To Be Declined).
- Any driver without a valid driver’s license or any disqualified driver.
- Any driver with more than two (2) at-fault (preventable) accidents in the last three (3) years, or more than one (1) at-fault accident in the last year.
- Any driver with more than three (3) moving violations (including at-fault accidents) in the last three (3) years or with more than two (2) moving violations (including at-fault accidents) in the last year.
- Any driver with any of the following violations regardless of the time period:
- Homicide involving a vehicle.
- Using a vehicle to elude an officer.
- Hit and run.
- Manslaughter with a vehicle.
- Felony with a vehicle.
- False report to law enforcement.
- Permitting an unlicensed driver to drive.
- Any driver convicted of any of the following within the last three (3) years:
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Refusal to submit to an alcohol or drug test.
- Reckless driving
- Any driver convicted of more than five (5) of the following non-moving violations during the last twenty-four (24) months:
- Defective equipment (lights, tires, etc.).
- Oversize.
- Overweight.
- Log book.
As mentioned, the above is merely an example. Particular attention should be given to drivers’ driving history. In addition, multiple violations, of any type, should be reviewed closely and given proper consideration in the hiring decision.
