Please note: Fundamental Labor Strategies does not have the ability to make changes to your MVR or PSP. Please direct those inquires to your state’s DMV or FMCSA at 877-642-9499.
For truck drivers, keeping your PSP and MVR clean is important, not only for protecting your CDL and career, but also for securing truck driving jobs. Carriers review these records before hiring to help them make informed decisions about applicants. Knowing how to check these records, understanding what’s on them, and keeping them “clean” can help you stand out as a safe, professional driver when applying for truck driving jobs.
What is a PSP report?
A PSP report is the FMCSA’s Pre-Employment Screening Program that reports on your most recent 5 years of crash data and the most recent 3 years of roadside inspection data for CDL drivers.
Carriers use it to evaluate your safety and compliance history when making decisions about driver applicants. Here is Everything You Need to Know About FMCSA’s PSP.
What is an MVR?
Your Motor Vehicle Record, or MVR, is an official document that contains information regarding violations, accidents, citations, and CDL status. The MVR report shows your personal and CDL driving history. Carriers use it to confirm you are a licensed CDL driver and safe to hire.
Your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) includes:
- Accidents and citations
- License status (valid, suspended, revoked)
- Moving violations – the most harmful to have on your record. Whether it’s speeding, running a stop sign, careless driving, or some other moving violation, these weigh heavily in a carrier’s decision whether to hire you or not. Most carriers allow two or three moving violations in the past three years. Any more than that, and you will have trouble finding and maintaining employment.
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) information; Medical Card Status (active in most states)
Does my PSP report and MVR show up on background checks?
Your MVR may appear in general background checks. You, the driver, needs to grant access to potential employers so they can have access to your PSP.
Employers rely on PSP for safety data, and MVRs for licensing and driving history.
What does a clean MVR mean?
Typically, a clean MVR means that there are no convictions for violations of any traffic citation on the driver’s MVR report. If a driver has convictions like moving or cell phone violations within the look-back period of the carrier, then the driver will more than likely not meet the carrier’s requirements for employment.
Each carrier’s version of a clean MVR can vary, so if a driver does have violations, it is best to ask the prospective employer if those violations are a problem.
What to do if I have violations on my PSP or MVR?
- Check your Records. CDL drivers should periodically request their MVR and PSP to make sure everything is correct and belongs to them. Drivers with similar names and driver’s license numbers or USDOT numbers might have violations that get erroneously recorded. If you find any incorrect information, be sure to contact the DMV and FMCSA immediately to get your record corrected.
- Request expungement. In some states, you can request that the violation be expunged from your record. For example, in Maryland, you’re eligible to expunge certain violations after three years, as long as you haven’t committed any moving violations since or had your license suspended.
- Contest Unjust Tickets. If you believe you were unjustly cited for a violation, contest it. Photographs can go a long way for certain violations, and even getting an affidavit from a mechanic for equipment violations can help. An attorney may be able to help reduce the charges in some situations.
It’s worth noting that any violation will remain on your PSP and the carrier’s CSA score unless you or the carrier uses the DataQs system to provide FMCSA with a copy of the court ruling to remove the violation or reduce its severity weighting in the system.
What happens if I have violations on my PSP or MVR?
Minor violations may reduce job opportunities, but serious ones like DUIs or reckless driving will make it difficult to get hired for a driving job.
Violations often stay on your record for years, so prevention is the best strategy.
How do I check my PSP?
You can request and review your PSP record at any time by going to https://www.psp.fmcsa.dot.gov/psp/driver/1. The fee to request a PSP record is $10. Drivers may also obtain their own information free of charge from FMCSA by submitting a Privacy Act request.
Checking your own PSP lets you see exactly what trucking companies can see and review when making a hiring decision.
How do I check my MVR?
You can request your MVR from your state’s DMV. For a fee, most states allow you to order it online, by mail, or in person.
How often should I check my PSP and MVR?
Check both records at least once a year, or before applying for a new trucking job.
This helps you catch errors, confirm expired violations are removed, and stay prepared for background checks.
How can truck drivers maintain a clean driving record?
The best way to keep a driving record clean is to always complete your pre-trip inspection, follow all traffic rules, including speed limits, and drive safely and defensively. We have compiled useful driving tips for each season:
As a truck driver, your PSP and MVR are the most important reports tied to your career. By checking them regularly, contesting errors, and practicing safe, compliant driving, you will set yourself up for more job opportunities and long-term stability.