What must a driver's application for employment contain under 49 CFR 391.21?

Short answer

A driver's application for employment must contain the following information:

1. The name and address of the employing motor carrier

2. The applicant's name, address, date of birth, and social security number

3. The addresses at which the applicant has resided during the 3 years preceding the date on which the application is submitted

4. The date on which the application is submitted

5. The issuing driver's licensing authority, number, and expiration date of each unexpired commercial motor vehicle operator's license or permit that has been issued to the applicant

6. The nature and extent of the applicant's experience in the operation of motor vehicles

7. A list of all motor vehicle accidents in which the applicant was involved during the 3 years preceding the date the application is submitted

8. A list of all violations of motor vehicle laws or ordinances of which the applicant was convicted or forfeited bond or collateral during the 3 years preceding the date the application is submitted

9. A statement setting forth in detail the facts and circumstances of any denial, revocation, or suspension of any license, permit, or privilege to operate a motor vehicle that has been issued to the applicant

10. A list of the names and addresses of the applicant's employers during the 3 years preceding the date the application is submitted

11. For those drivers applying to operate a commercial motor vehicle as defined by part 383 of this subchapter, a list of the names and addresses of the applicant's employers during the 7-year period preceding the 3 years contained in paragraph (b)(10) of this section for which the applicant was an operator of a commercial motor vehicle

12. The certification and signature line

The rule says

1. "The name and address of the employing motor carrier" (49 CFR 391.21(b)(1))

2. "The applicant's name, address, date of birth, and social security number" (49 CFR 391.21(b)(2))

3. "The addresses at which the applicant has resided during the 3 years preceding the date on which the application is submitted" (49 CFR 391.21(b)(3))

4. "The date on which the application is submitted" (49 CFR 391.21(b)(4))

5. "The issuing driver's licensing authority, number, and expiration date of each unexpired commercial motor vehicle operator's license or permit that has been issued to the applicant" (49 CFR 391.21(b)(5))

6. "The nature and extent of the applicant's experience in the operation of motor vehicles, including the type of equipment (such as buses, trucks, truck tractors, semitrailers, full trailers, and pole trailers) which he/she has operated" (49 CFR 391.21(b)(6))

7. "A list of all motor vehicle accidents in which the applicant was involved during the 3 years preceding the date the application is submitted, specifying the date and nature of each accident and any fatalities or personal injuries it caused" (49 CFR 391.21(b)(7))

8. "A list of all violations of motor vehicle laws or ordinances (other than violations involving only parking) of which the applicant was convicted or forfeited bond or collateral during the 3 years preceding the date the application is submitted" (49 CFR 391.21(b)(8))

9. "A statement setting forth in detail the facts and circumstances of any denial, revocation, or suspension of any license, permit, or privilege to operate a motor vehicle that has been issued to the applicant, or a statement that no such denial, revocation, or suspension has occurred" (49 CFR 391.21(b)(9))

10. "A list of the names and addresses of the applicant's employers during the 3 years preceding the date the application is submitted, (ii) The dates he or she was employed by that employer, (iii) The reason for leaving the employ of that employer" (49 CFR 391.21(b)(10))

11. "For those drivers applying to operate a commercial motor vehicle as defined by part 383 of this subchapter, a list of the names and addresses of the applicant's employers during the 7-year period preceding the 3 years contained in paragraph (b)(10) of this section for which the applicant was an operator of a commercial motor vehicle, together with the dates of employment and the reasons for leaving such employment" (49 CFR 391.21(b)(11))

12. "The following certification and signature line, which must appear at the end of the application form and be signed by the applicant: This certifies that this application was completed by me, and that all entries on it and information in it are true and complete to the best of my knowledge." (49 CFR 391.21(b)(12))

In plain English

It provides essential information about the driver's qualifications, experience, and safety record. The application must be completed by the driver and signed by them, and it must contain specific information, including the driver's name and address, employment history, and details of any accidents or violations. This information helps motor carriers assess the driver's suitability for the job and ensure that they meet the necessary safety standards. In a real-world setting, motor carriers must carefully review the application and verify the information provided to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

What to do

• Ensure that the application for employment is completed by the driver and signed by them
• Verify the information provided on the application, including employment history and safety record
• Maintain a copy of the application in the driver's qualification file
• Review the application carefully to ensure compliance with federal regulations
• Use the information provided on the application to assess the driver's suitability for the job and ensure that they meet the necessary safety standards