Many Texas companies may have a few questions about their background screening process.

One common question is whether they should perform driver’s license checks.

A motor vehicle records (MVR) check can offer important insight into the candidate’s driving history and character. As a screening provider, we find these checks very insightful. For roles that involve driving (or operating any vehicle or heavy machinery), you may even find them essential.

What Does an MVR Check Entail?

An MVR check looks into a candidate’s driving-related information from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It generally goes over this information in each state. This means that if an applicant has moved across state lines, their driving record will follow them.

Here are some of the results that appear in an MVR report:

• Driver’s license validity
• Length of time driving in the U.S. (including in different states)
• Major and minor driving violations (from DWI to speeding tickets)
• License class, endorsements, and restrictions

While a lone speeding ticket may not be disqualifying, frequent violations or a more serious offense will almost certainly affect your hiring decision.  

Why Do MVR Checks Matter?

Generally, an applicant’s MVR report only matters if the job requires driving or the use of heavy machinery.

Here are some examples of roles that may require (or benefit from) an MVR check during the hiring process:

• Delivery or rideshare driver
• Ambulance driver
• Bus driver
• Truck driver
• Construction industry role
• News reporter

For roles that include driving as a primary or otherwise important part of the position, MVR checks are key. They’ll reduce your liability as a company, and protect your staff and other people on the road.

How Far Back Do MVR Checks Go?

Each U.S. state has a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with its own laws and limits on how far back an MVR check might go.

In most states, MVR checks go back anywhere from three to seven years. Some states go back as far as 10 years.

Most employers look more critically at recent infractions than they do at, say, offenses from many years ago. This is especially relevant if the driver’s more recent driving record is clean.

What Do Employers Look for in an MVR Check?

All industries regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) are federally obligated to perform MVR checks before making a hiring decision. In these sectors, a flawless (or near-flawless) record is ideal.  

Employers across the board are hoping to hire workers who don’t have a history of reckless or dangerous driving. To this end, hiring managers will generally look for:

• License suspensions or revocations
• Extensive driving infractions
• The right license class and/or endorsement for the role
• Accidents and speeding tickets (a high number of which can be disqualifying)
• A history of driving while intoxicated or committing other offenses behind the wheel

By eliminating these risks, employers can rest assured they are hiring safe drivers. Click here for more information.

Protect Your Texas Business with Driver’s License Checks

Employers in Texas cities like San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Austin will save money—and safeguard their reputation—by hiring skilled drivers with clean records.

This is where an expert third-party screening solution may come in. At Redstar Backgrounds and DrugScreenKits.com, our team will guide you through every step of conducting a comprehensive MVR check.

We promise to craft the exact screening solution you need—focusing on what matters while staying compliant with the law.

Please contact us for details, or to set up a free consultation. For more information on our screening services, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Jobseekers can send employers their resume with the press of a button.

While most people are truthful, it’s important for hiring managers to get a clear sense of the person’s character.

This where a reference check may come in.

What Do Professional Reference Checks Entail?

Chances are you’ve heard of background checks. Before onboarding a new team member, you might look into their criminal record and do a bit of digging into the candidate’s history.

Reference checks offer a vivid picture of an applicant—in a very specific way.

During a reference check, the hiring manager or screening provider will reach out to the candidate’s former employers and personal references to learn more about them.

Typical questions posed during a reference check include:

• What do you know about the applicant’s educational background or employment history?
• Can you speak to the applicant’s character, skills, and qualifications?
• What are the applicant’s strengths and weaknesses?
• How was the applicant’s job performance?
• Is the applicant eligible for rehire?

These are just some examples of the questions that come up during a standard reference check. That said, these checks may vary depending on the industry or role. Department of Transportation (DOT) reference checks, for example, are designed to meet DOT requirements. This means they will almost certainly include questions about the applicant’s drug and alcohol use as well.

Why Do Reference Checks Matter?

Reference checks offer a unique assessment of the applicant’s integrity, background, and overall qualifications.

While unfortunate, some people do lie in order to get ahead. From time to time, candidates—specifically, those who assume employers won’t check references—may embellish their resume.

A reference check is a subtle yet effective way to fact-check someone’s application or interview. It’s a great way to supplement traditional background screening. Most employers consider it an essential part of the screening process.

While personal references are always appreciated, employers should note that professional ones are just as important. A former boss or supervisor can offer a unique perspective on how the candidate behaves in the workplace.

Reference Check Warning Signs

What if a red flag comes up during a reference check?

If something doesn’t sit right with you, don’t be afraid to investigate. For example, if a candidate lists former colleagues rather than direct employers as references, ask for additional names. At the very least, you’ll want to understand the reason for this.

In addition, you’ll want to keep an eye out for gaps in employment references. Always ask questions if something doesn’t look right to you.

And finally, be sure to call professional references on their company phone line. This is key to making sure the person you are speaking with is who they say they are.

In today’s digital landscape, employers can connect with applicants from all over. This makes verifying your potential team members’ backgrounds more important than ever. Reference checks can help bring clarity and peace of mind amid the chaos of the hiring process.

Comprehensive Reference Checks for Texas Employers

Employers in Texas cities like San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Austin will save money—and preserve their reputation—by hiring well-qualified, properly-vetted people.

This is where pre-employment screening comes in. Reference checks are no exception. At Redstar Backgrounds and DrugScreenKits.com, our team will help you through every step.

No matter your industry, we’ll craft the exact screening solution you need—searching for the same things your competitors look for in a background check.

Please contact us for details, or to set up a free consultation. For more information on our screening services, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.