Driver Qualification Files

This is a request to renew a currently approved information collection, OMB No. 2126-0004, “Driver Qualification Files.” This ICR estimates the burden commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers and motor carriers incur to comply with the mandatory reporting and recordkeeping tasks required for motor carriers to maintain driver qualification (DQ) files. FMCSA’s authority to require carriers to maintain DQ files is in 49 U.S.C. 504, 31133, 31136, and 31502; 49 CFR 391.51; and 49 CFR 1.87. A motor carrier is required to maintain specified information in a DQ file for each CMV driver it employs. The purpose of the information is to document the driver’s qualifications to operate a CMV. DQ files assist the motor carrier in assessing the safety risk of hiring an individual to drive a CMV. The DQ file documents that a driver: (1) is physically qualified to operate a CMV, (2) has the experience and training to safely operate the type of CMV he or she is assigned to drive, (3) has the appropriate driver’s license, (4) has not been disqualified from operating a CMV, and (5) has a history of avoiding high-risk behavior. The annual burden associated with this information collection consists of the Driver Hiring Process (IC-1), the Annual Review of Driver Qualifications (IC-2), the Limited Exemptions from Driver Qualification Documentation (IC-3), and the Driver Review and Rebuttal of Safety Performance History (IC-4). The DQ file assists Federal and State safety investigators in determining that motor carriers are weighing these factors in deciding who may drive CMVs on their behalf. Motor carriers collect and maintain part 391 information, and FMCSA does not require that information to be submitted to the Agency. A motor carrier must make the part 391 information available when an FMCSA or State investigator conducts an on-site review at the motor carrier’s place of business or terminal. The ICR is a renewal of a currently approved ICR. This renewal increases estimates of labor and non-wage costs and slightly decreases the estimated burden hours. These changes are caused by driver population growth and increased driver turnover rates.

The latest form for Driver Qualification Files expires 2028-08-31 and can be found here.

IC-1.1 Driver Prepares and Submits Employment Application

Federal Enterprise Architecture: Transportation - Ground Transportation