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The Application for Driver form is an essential document in the hiring process for commercial drivers, serving as a tool for employers to assess qualifications and compliance with federal regulations. This form gathers comprehensive information about an applicant, including personal details such as name, contact information, date of birth, and Social Security number. It highlights the need for legal eligibility to work in the United States. Employers are required to check the applicant's driving experience, professional history, and any traffic violations to ensure a safe and qualified driving workforce.

Furthermore, the form mandates the disclosure of prior driving licenses and experience with various types of vehicles, spanning the last three years of the applicant's residency and employment history. Candidates must also provide insights into accident records and whether their prior jobs involved safety-sensitive functions, as dictated by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Each section demands thorough completion, prompting applicants to detail their educational background and any other relevant qualifications. Ultimately, the form serves as a formal agreement, wherein the applicant acknowledges the truthfulness of the provided information while granting permission for background investigations by potential employers.

Application For Driver Example

This is an example driver employment application. Carriers do not need to use this exact form, but must have a completed and signed employment application for all drivers that contains the information listed in 49 CFR 391.21.

DRIVER EMPLOYMENTAPPLICATION

[COMPANY NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, AND EMAIL]

An Equal Opportunity Employer

COMPLETE IN FULL OR IT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

 

 

 

 

APPLICANT INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MIDDLE

 

 

 

LAST

 

 

 

 

 

FIRST NAME

 

 

NAME

 

 

 

NAME

 

 

 

 

 

PHONE

 

 

EMAIL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DATE OF BIRTH

 

 

SOCIAL SECURITY #

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DATE OF

 

POSITION

 

 

 

 

 

DATE AVAILABLE

 

 

 

APPLICATION

 

APPLIED FOR

 

 

 

 

 

FOR WORK

 

 

 

Do you have legal right to work in the United States?

☐ YES ☐ NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS THREE YEARS RESIDENCY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attach additional sheet if more space is needed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ZIP

# OF YEARS

 

STREET

 

 

 

 

CITY

 

 

STATE

 

CODE

AT ADDRESS

CURRENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAILING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LICENSE INFORMATION

No person who operates a commercial motor vehicle shall at any time have more than one driver’s license (49 CFR 383.21). I certify that I do not have more than one motor vehicle license, the information for which is listed below. Include all licenses held for the past 3 years; attach additional sheets if needed.

STATE

LICENSE #

TYPE/CLASS

ENDORSEMENTS

EXPIRATION DATE

PREVOIUSLY HELD LICENSES

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

CLASS OF

 

TYPE OF EQUIPMENT (VAN, TANK, FLAT, ETC.)

 

DATE FROM

 

DATE TO

APPROX # OF

EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

MILES (TOTAL)

STRAIGHT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRUCK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRACTOR &

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEMI-TRAILER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRACTOR &

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 TRAILERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRACTOR &

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TANKER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 1 of 4

ACCIDENT RECORD FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS

Attach additional sheet if more space is needed. Check this box if none

DATES (List most recent first)

NATURE OF ACCIDENT (Head-on, rear-end, upset, etc.)

CHEMICAL SPILLS

# FATALITIES # INJURIES (Y/N)

TRAFFIC CONVICTIONS AND FORFEITURES FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS (OTHER THAN PARKING VIOLATIONS)

Attach additional sheet if more space is needed. Check this box if none

DATE CONVICTED (Month/Year)

VIOLATION

STATE OF

VIOLATION PENALTY (Forfeited bond, collateral and/or points)

Have you ever been denied a license, permit, or privilege to operate a motor vehicle?

☐ YES

☐ NO

If yes, explain

 

 

Has any license, permit, or privilege ever been suspended or revoked?

☐ YES

☐ NO

If yes, explain

 

 

EMPLOYMENT HISTORYZ

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR 391.21) require that all applicants wishing to drive a commercial vehicle list all employment for the last three (3) years. In addition, if you have driven a commercial vehicle previously, you must provide employment history for an additional seven (7) years (for a total of ten (10) years). Any gaps in employment in excess of one (1) month must be explained.

Start with the last or current position, including any military experience, and work backwards (attach separate sheets if necessary). You are required to list the complete mailing address, including street number, city, state, zip; and complete all other information.

CURRENT (MOST RECENT) EMPLOYER

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAME

 

 

 

 

 

PHONE

 

 

 

ADDRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FROM

 

 

 

TO

 

POSITION HELD

 

 

MO/YR

 

 

 

MO/YR

 

REASON FOR LEAVING

 

 

 

 

 

SALARY

 

EXPLAIN ANY GAPS IN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMPLOYMENT (Include

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

month/year & reason)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 2 of 4

While employed here, were you subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations?

 

 

 

 

☐ YES

☐ NO

 

Was the job designated as a safety-sensitive function in any Department of Transportation-regulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

mode subject to alcohol and controlled substances testing as required by 49 CFR, part 40?

 

 

 

 

☐ YES

☐ NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECOND (MOST RECENT) EMPLOYER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PHONE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FROM

 

 

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

POSITION HELD

 

 

 

 

MO/YR

 

 

MO/YR

 

 

 

 

 

 

REASON FOR LEAVING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SALARY

 

 

 

 

 

EXPLAIN ANY GAPS IN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMPLOYMENT (Include

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

month/year & reason)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While employed here, were you subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations?

 

 

 

 

☐ YES

☐ NO

Was the job designated as a safety-sensitive function in any Department of Transportation-regulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

mode subject to alcohol and controlled substances testing as required by 49 CFR, part 40?

 

 

 

 

☐ YES

☐ NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THIRD (MOST RECENT) EMPLOYER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PHONE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FROM

 

 

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

POSITION HELD

 

 

 

 

MO/YR

 

 

MO/YR

 

 

 

 

 

 

REASON FOR LEAVING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SALARY

 

 

 

 

 

EXPLAIN ANY GAPS IN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMPLOYMENT (Include

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

month/year & reason)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While employed here, were you subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations?

 

 

 

 

☐ YES

☐ NO

 

Was the job designated as a safety-sensitive function in any Department of Transportation-regulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

mode subject to alcohol and controlled substances testing as required by 49 CFR, part 40?

 

 

 

 

☐ YES

☐ NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EDUCATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHOOL

 

NAME & LOCATION

 

 

COURSE OF STUDY

YEARS

GRADUATE

DETAILS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPLETED

Y

N

 

 

 

 

High School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

College

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

Please list any other qualifications that you have and which you believe should be considered.

Page 3 of 4

TO BE READ AND SIGNED BY APPLICANT

I authorize you to make investigations (including contacting current and prior employers) into my personal, employment, financial, medical history, and other related matters as may be necessary in arriving at an employment decision. I hereby release employers, schools, health care providers, and other persons from all liability in responding to inquiries and releasing information in connection with my application.

In the event of employment, I understand that false or misleading information given in my application or interview(s) may result in discharge. I also understand that I am required to abide by all rules and regulations of the Company.

I understand that the information I provide regarding my current and/or prior employers may be used, and those employer(s) will be contacted for the purpose of investigating my safety performance history as required by 49 CFR 391.23. I understand that I have the right to:

Review information provided by current/previous employers;

Have errors in the information corrected by previous employers, and for those previous employers to resend the corrected information to the prospective employer; and

Have a rebuttal statement attached to the alleged erroneous information, if the previous employer(s) and I cannot agree on the accuracy of the information.

This certifies that I completed this application, and that all entries on it and information in it are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. Note: A motor carrier may require an applicant to provide more information than that required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

Applicant Signature

Applicant Name (printed)

Date

Page 4 of 4

File Breakdown

Fact Name Details
Governing Regulations The application must meet the requirements outlined in 49 CFR 391.21.
Employer Information Employers must include their company name, address, phone number, and email on the form.
Equal Opportunity Employment The form includes a statement indicating that the employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Applicant’s Legal Status Applicants must confirm their legal right to work in the United States by selecting 'YES' or 'NO.'
Residency Requirement Applicants are required to list their previous three years of residency, detailing street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
Licensed Operation According to 49 CFR 383.21, individuals are prohibited from holding more than one commercial driver's license at a time.
Driving Experience Applicants must provide details of their driving experience, including the type of equipment operated and total miles driven.
Accident Record For the past three years, applicants must disclose any accidents, including the nature and consequences.
Employment History The application mandates listing employment for the last three years, and additional seven years if applicable, with reasons for any gaps.

Guide to Using Application For Driver

Filling out the Application for Driver form is an important step in the process of obtaining a position as a driver. After you complete it, your information will be reviewed by the employer as part of their hiring decision. Make sure to provide accurate and truthful information and double-check your entries before submitting the form.

  1. Begin with your personal information: Fill in your first name, middle name, and last name. Provide your phone number, email address, date of birth, social security number, and the position you are applying for.
  2. Indicate your legal eligibility: Check "YES" or "NO" to confirm if you have the legal right to work in the United States.
  3. List your residency: Provide your address history for the past three years, including the street, city, state, and zip code. Indicate how many years you lived at each address.
  4. Fill out license information: List all commercial motor vehicle licenses you currently hold or have held in the past three years, including the state, license number, type/class, endorsements, and expiration date.
  5. Detail your driving experience: Include the type of equipment you have driven, the dates of your driving experience, and the approximate total miles driven in each category, such as straight truck or tractor and semi-trailer.
  6. Record your accident history: For the past three years, list any accidents you have been involved in, providing the date, nature of the accident, number of fatalities, and injuries. Check the box if you have no accidents to report.
  7. List traffic violations: Include any traffic convictions and forfeitures for the past three years, specifying the date of conviction, violation, state of violation, and penalty. Check the box if there are no violations to report.
  8. Explain license history: If applicable, describe any instances where your license, permit, or privilege to operate a motor vehicle was denied, suspended, or revoked.
  9. Detail your employment history: Provide information about your current and previous employers over the last ten years. This includes name, phone number, address, dates of employment, position held, reason for leaving, and salary.
  10. Provide educational background: List the names and locations of schools you attended, the course of study, whether you graduated, and the years attended.
  11. Include additional qualifications: Feel free to list any other relevant qualifications that should be considered by the employer.
  12. Sign and date the application: Read the authorization statement. Ensure you sign, print your name, and include the date to certify that the information provided is true and complete.

Get Answers on Application For Driver

What is the purpose of the Application For Driver form?

The Application For Driver form is used for hiring drivers to operate commercial vehicles. Carriers need a completed and signed application from all drivers that contains specific information as outlined in federal regulations. Even though this form serves as a standard example, carriers can use different formats as long as they provide the required information.

What information must I provide on the form?

You will need to provide a variety of personal and employment information. This includes:

  • Your full name and contact details.
  • Your Social Security number and date of birth.
  • Your work history over the last three years and any additional commercial driving experience over the last seven years.
  • Details about your driving licenses and any endorsements.
  • Your accident record and any traffic violations over the past three years.
  • Your education and any other qualifications relevant to the position.

Why is it important to list previous employers?

Listing previous employers is crucial because it helps verify your driving experience and employment history. Federal regulations require a full work history for the past three years for applicants wishing to drive a commercial vehicle. If you have prior commercial driving experience, you must provide a total of ten years of employment history.

What happens if I don't fill out the form completely?

If the form is not filled out completely, it will not be considered. It’s important to provide all requested information accurately and fully, as incomplete applications can lead to delays or disqualification from the hiring process.

Do I need to explain gaps in my employment history?

Yes, any gaps in your employment that exceed one month need to be explained. This provides clarity on your work history and assures potential employers of your reliability and consistency.

What if I have had an accident or traffic violation?

If you have had an accident or a traffic violation, you need to report these details on the application. You will need to provide information on the nature of the incidents and any outcomes, such as fines or injuries. Transparency in this area is important for your application.

What is the significance of federal regulations in this process?

Federal regulations set the standards for the information required in driver employment applications. They help ensure that all applicants meet safety and performance requirements for operating commercial vehicles. Understanding these regulations can help you prepare a more complete application.

What should I do after completing the application?

After you have completed the application, review it carefully for any mistakes. Then, sign and date it. Submitting a signed application indicates that you agree to the terms and have provided accurate information. Ensure that you submit it according to the carrier’s instructions.

Common mistakes

Completing the Application For Driver form accurately is crucial for ensuring a smooth hiring process. However, many applicants make mistakes that can hinder their chances of employment. One common error involves incomplete information. Failing to fill out all sections of the application can result in automatic disqualification. Employers require a comprehensive overview of an applicant’s background, experience, and qualifications. Omitting even a small detail might signal negligence or a lack of attention to detail, qualities that are critical for a driving position.

Another mistake frequently encountered is providing inaccurate or inconsistent information. This could range from discrepancies in employment dates to errors in the license information. Applicants often overlook the importance of maintaining consistency across different sections of the form. For example, if an applicant states a certain employer on one part of the form, they should ensure that the details, such as position held and dates of employment, align with that information elsewhere. Inconsistencies can raise red flags during the review process.

A third significant error is neglecting to disclose all prior licenses or driving experiences. Many applicants might not realize that they need to account for all classes of licenses held over the past three years. Understating qualifications not only leads to potential disqualification but also demonstrates a lack of transparency. Employers appreciate honesty and thoroughness, especially in a field that demands safety and reliability.

Lastly, applicants sometimes fail to provide adequate explanations for gaps in employment history. According to the form, any break longer than one month necessitates an explanation. Leaving these gaps unaddressed can prompt unnecessary concerns from potential employers. By offering clear rationales for any time away from work, applicants can build trust and convey their commitment to the profession.

Documents used along the form

When applying to be a driver, several additional documents may be necessary. These documents ensure that all relevant information is collected for a thorough review of the application. Below is a list of common forms often required alongside the Application for Driver:

  • Background Check Authorization Form: This form allows employers to conduct background checks on candidates. It typically includes consent for checking criminal history, employment verification, and educational credentials.
  • Medical Examination Report: This report is completed by a certified medical examiner. It confirms that the applicant meets the health standards required for commercial driving.
  • Driving Record Request Form: Employers often request this form to obtain the applicant's driving history from their state’s motor vehicle department. It provides information on any violations or accidents.
  • Drug and Alcohol Testing Consent Form: This form grants employers permission to conduct drug and alcohol tests as part of the hiring process, in compliance with federal regulations.
  • Emergency Contact Information Form: This document provides names and contact details of individuals to reach in case of emergencies. It is crucial for safety on the road.
  • Certification of Completion of Defensive Driving Course: Some employers may require proof that the applicant has completed a defensive driving course to enhance road safety knowledge.
  • Social Security Card or Proof of Identification: Applicants may need to provide either a Social Security card or official identification to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
  • Employment Verification Letters: These letters confirm previous employments and roles held by the applicant. They are important for verifying the applicant’s work history.
  • State Driver’s License Copy: A copy of the applicant’s state-issued driver’s license is needed to verify the applicant’s driving qualifications and legal status.
  • Skills Assessment Test Results: Some employers may require results from driving skills tests to evaluate the applicant's driving abilities accurately.

Having these documents ready can streamline the application process and help ensure that the employer has all required information to make informed hiring decisions. Always check with the specific employer for any additional documentation they may require.

Similar forms

  • Job Application Form: Similar to the Application For Driver form, a standard job application collects personal information, work history, and education details of a job candidate. Both forms often require a signature to verify that the information provided is accurate.
  • Pre-Employment Background Check Authorization: Like the driver application, this document ensures that the employer can conduct background checks. It includes personal information and authorizes the employer to explore aspects of the candidate’s history, similar to what is done for driving records.
  • Release Form for Driving Records: This document is comparable to the Application For Driver form, as it requests permission to obtain driving records from relevant authorities. Both forms emphasize ensuring compliance with specific regulatory requirements for driving-related jobs.
  • W-4 Form: This form is also filled out by new employees for tax withholding purposes. While it focuses on financial aspects, it similarly collects personal details and requires factual accuracy, much like the driver application form.
  • Form I-9: Both the Application For Driver and Form I-9 handle employment eligibility verification. While they serve different regulatory needs, each requires personal information and a declaration of the applicant’s right to work in the U.S.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Application for Driver form, attention to detail is crucial. The following list outlines actions that will help you successfully complete the application.

  • Do provide your complete mailing address, including street number, city, state, and zip code.
  • Do include all previous employment for the last three years, and any gaps in employment should be explained.
  • Do sign and date the application to confirm that all information is accurate at the time of submission.
  • Do attach extra sheets if you need more space for additional information.
  • Do review the completed form for any mistakes or missing sections before submission.
  • Don’t leave any sections blank. An incomplete application will not be considered.
  • Don’t use vague terms when describing your job responsibilities or gaps in employment.
  • Don’t lie or provide misleading information. This can lead to disqualification.
  • Don’t forget to check the box indicating your legal right to work in the U.S.
  • Don’t submit your application without reviewing it for accuracy and completeness.

Misconceptions

Many people have misunderstandings about the Application for Driver form. Here are six common misconceptions, along with clarifications for each.

  • Carriers must use the exact form provided.
    It’s a common belief that a specific form must be used. However, while all drivers require a completed application, carriers can create their own version as long as it covers the necessary information outlined in regulations.
  • It is not necessary to disclose past licenses.
    Some applicants think they can omit previous licenses. In fact, you must list all licenses you've held for at least the past three years, ensuring compliance with the law.
  • If I haven’t had any accidents, I don’t need to fill out that section.
    Many people assume that an “accident record” section can be left blank. This is inaccurate. You must acknowledge this section, even if it means checking a box to indicate no accidents.
  • Employment history only needs to cover the last three years.
    Some applicants believe that only three years of employment history is required. Actually, if you've driven a commercial vehicle in the past, you might need to provide a full ten years of employment history.
  • All gaps in employment can be ignored.
    It’s often thought that lengthy gaps in employment don’t need explanation. You must clarify any employment gaps exceeding one month in your application.
  • The information in the application does not need to be verified.
    Some people think that the application content is merely a formality. However, your information can and will be verified by potential employers, so accuracy is crucial.

Understanding these points can help streamline the application process and improve your chances of success in securing a driving position.

Key takeaways

When filling out the Application for Driver form, there are several important points to keep in mind.

  • The form is not a one-size-fits-all document; carriers can create their own version, but it must contain specific details as required by 49 CFR 391.21.
  • Complete every section of the form; if it's not filled out completely, it will not be considered for employment.
  • Provide accurate contact information, including your name, phone number, and email address, to ensure prompt communication.
  • Indicate your legal right to work in the United States; this is essential for employment eligibility.
  • List your previous three years of residency, including complete addresses and the number of years spent at each location.
  • Include all driver’s licenses held in the past three years, along with their expiration dates, to ensure compliance with licensing regulations.
  • Document your driving experience, mentioning the type of equipment you’ve operated and the total miles driven.
  • Completely disclose any accident records or traffic convictions from the last three years; honesty is crucial.
  • Your employment history should cover the last ten years; be prepared to explain any gaps longer than one month.
  • Finally, remember to read the applicant declaration carefully before signing. This certifies that all information provided is true and can impact your employment.

Filling out this form with attention to detail will help pave the way for your application’s success. Make sure to double-check everything before submitting it!