How to Hire a Commercial Truck Driver – Step-by-Step Guide f

Hiring a CDL driver isn’t just about finding someone who can drive — it’s about making sure they’re qualified, safe, and DOT-compliant. Missing even one required step can lead to serious FMCSA violations.

Here’s a complete guide to hiring a truck driver the right way:

Step 1: Collect a Fully Completed Driver Application

Use an FMCSA-compliant application
Include 10 years of employment history, license info, and accident/violation disclosures

Step 2: Perform Previous Employer Verifications

Contact all employers from the past 3 years

Document responses (required under §391.23)
Include drug & alcohol testing history if applicable

Step 3: Obtain & Review Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)

Request a current MVR from each state where the driver held a license in the past 3 years
Ensure they meet your company’s safety standards

Step 4: Conduct a Pre-Employment Drug Test

Complete a DOT-compliant drug test at an approved facility
Driver must have a negative result before operating a CMV

Step 5: Enroll the Driver in a Random Drug & Alcohol Testing Program

Add the driver to your drug & alcohol consortium
Maintain signed testing policy acknowledgment in their file

Step 6: Verify CDL & Medical Card

Ensure the driver holds a valid CDL with proper endorsements
Confirm they have a current DOT medical examiner’s certificate

Step 7: Run a Clearinghouse Query

Conduct a full pre-employment query through the FMCSA Clearinghouse
The driver must be registered and must give electronic consent

Step 8: Create a Driver Qualification (DQ) File

This file must include:

Driver application
MVRs
CDL & med card copies
Drug test results
Employer verifications
Safety performance history
Signed documents and driver certifications

Step 9: Provide Safety Training & Orientation

Review HOS, logbooks/ELD usage, roadside inspection procedures, and company safety policies
Keep documentation of training completion in the driver’s file

🛠️ Need Help Managing the Hiring Process?

At LT Advisors, we handle the entire driver qualification and onboarding process for you — from DQ file setup to drug testing and Clearinghouse management.

Whether you're hiring your first driver or growing your fleet, we make sure every step is compliant, documented, and audit-ready.

📧 Email: info@safetyltadvisors.com
📞 Call: +1 267 777 1767