What does 49 CFR 391.51 (General requirements for driver qualification files) require?

Short answer

A driver qualification file must include eight items:

1. The driver's application for employment

2. A copy of the motor vehicle record

3. The certificate of driver's road test or equivalent

4. The motor vehicle record from the annual driver record inquiry

5. A note relating to the annual review of the driver's driving record

6. The medical examiner's certificate

7. A Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate or Medical Exemption document

8. A note relating to verification of medical examiner listing on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners

The rule says

1. "The driver's application for employment completed in accordance with 391.21" (49 CFR 391.51(b)(1))

2. "A copy of the motor vehicle record received from each driver's licensing authority pursuant to 391.23(a)(1)" (49 CFR 391.51(b)(2))

3. "The certificate of driver's road test issued to the driver pursuant to 391.31(e), a copy of the license or certificate which the motor carrier accepted as equivalent to the driver's road test pursuant to 391.33" (49 CFR 391.51(b)(3))

4. "The motor vehicle record received from each driver's licensing authority to the annual driver record inquiry required by 391.25(a)" (49 CFR 391.51(b)(4))

5. "A note relating to the annual review of the driver's driving record as required by 391.25(c)(2)" (49 CFR 391.51(b)(5))

6. "The medical examiner's certificate as required by 391.43(g) or a legible copy of the certificate." (49 CFR 391.51(b)(6)(i))

7. "A Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate issued by FMCSA in accordance with 391.49; or the Medical Exemption document issued by a Federal medical program in accordance with part 381 of this chapter" (49 CFR 391.51(b)(7))

8. "For drivers not required to have a CDL, a note relating to verification of medical examiner listing on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners required by 391.23(m)(1)." (49 CFR 391.51(b)(8)(i))

In plain English

It serves as a centralized repository for all the necessary documents and information related to a driver's qualifications, including their application, driving record, medical certification, and road test results. The file must be maintained for as long as the driver is employed and for three years thereafter. Motor carriers must ensure that the file is complete and up-to-date, as it will be subject to review during audits and inspections. Incomplete or inaccurate files can lead to fines, penalties, and even loss of operating authority.

What to do

• Verify that all required documents are included in the driver qualification file
• Ensure that the file is maintained for the required period
• Review the file regularly to ensure it is complete and up-to-date
• Provide training to personnel on the importance of maintaining accurate and complete driver qualification files