CDL Driver Employment Documents: The Checklist

When hiring a CDL driver, there are certain documents they must provide. These documents are important to verify the driver’s qualifications, compliance and fitness for the job. Here’s what a CDL driver should have ready:

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): The driver must bring their valid CDL, for the class of vehicle they will be driving. Any endorsements for specific cargo, like hazmat.

Medical Examiner’s Certificate: CDL drivers must have a physical exam by a certified medical examiner and bring a copy of their medical certificate to prove they are physically qualified to drive a commercial vehicle.

Social Security Card or Number Verification: For payroll and tax purposes, the employer will need to verify the driver’s social security number.

• Proof of Right to Work: In the US this could be a U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Document, etc. as part of the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification process.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing Records: If the driver has been employed in a safety sensitive position (another driving job subject to DOT regulations) the new employer must get the driver’s drug and alcohol testing history from past employers as required by the FMCSA.
• FMCSA Clearinghouse Query Consent: Drivers must consent for the employer to query the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a database that contains information on violations of the drug and alcohol testing program for CDL holders.
• Previous Employment Verification: The driver should bring contact information for all DOT regulated employers they have worked for in the past 3 years to comply with FMCSA requirements for employment verification.
• Road Test Certificate or Equivalent: If not doing a road test themselves, the employer may require a copy of a road test certificate from a previous employer as long as it meets DOT standards.
• Training Certificates: If applicable, any certificates from completed training programs for the job, like hazmat, defensive driving, industry specific safety training.
• Resume or Application: A detailed resume or completed application that outlines the driver’s employment history, education and qualifications.
• Background Check Consent: The driver will need to sign a consent form for the employer to do a background check which can include criminal history, previous employment verification and other relevant background information.

These documents help the employer verify the driver meets all regulatory requirements and is qualified for the job. Employers must keep copies of these documents in the driver’s personnel file as part of their DOT compliance.