Driver Qualification Standards
To ensure that potential new and existing drivers meet your company's qualification standards for motor vehicle records as set forth in the Fleet Safety Plan, the following standards should be instituted:
- Actions taken should be based on the number of points and violations shown from the MVR checks and evaluations.
- Standards and penalties should be enforced for drivers involved in preventable accidents.
7-Point System
To help evaluate the driving records of new and current employees, many companies use a 7-point structure system. This system assigns points to different types of driving offenses. The higher the number of points, the more serious the offense. A driver’s total points can help decide if they are qualified to drive for the company.
Here are the seven types of offenses and examples of each:
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Major Violations (7 Points): These are the most serious offenses.
- Example: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident, or using a vehicle to commit a felony.
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Reckless Driving (5 Points): This includes dangerous or careless behavior behind the wheel.
- Example: Speeding through heavy traffic, racing on public roads, or ignoring traffic signals in a way that puts others at risk.
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Speeding (4 Points): Speeding becomes more serious based on how far over the limit the driver was.
- Example: Driving 20 mph or more over the posted speed limit.
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Improper Turns or Lane Changes (3 Points): This includes unsafe movement that could lead to an accident.
- Example: Changing lanes without signaling or making an illegal U-turn.
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Failure to Obey Traffic Signals (3 Points): Not following traffic signals or signs can be dangerous.
- Example: Running a red light or ignoring a stop sign.
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Accidents (3 Points): At-fault accidents show risky driving behavior.
- Example: Causing a rear-end collision or a crash while merging without checking blind spots.
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Minor Violations (2 Points): These are less serious offenses but still show poor driving habits.
- Example: Not wearing a seatbelt or having expired registration tags.
This policy outlines the criteria for evaluating motor vehicle records (MVRs) of all current and potential drivers using the 7-point offense structure. The purpose is to promote safety and reduce risk by ensuring only qualified drivers operate company vehicles.
Point Evaluation Criteria:
- 0 – 3 Points: Driver is approved. The record shows low risk. The individual may operate company vehicles without restrictions.
- 4 – 6 Points: Driver is placed under review. The company may require driver safety training or a probation period. Continued driving privileges depend on management approval.
- 7 or More Points: Driver is disqualified. The record indicates high risk. The individual may not operate company vehicles until the point total is reduced and reevaluated after a set time period.
Evaluation Process:
- All applicants must submit a current MVR before being considered for a driving position.
- Current employees with driving responsibilities must have their MVRs reviewed annually.
- Any driver involved in an incident or who receives a new violation must report it immediately. A new evaluation will be performed based on updated points.
Point Assignment System:
- Major Violations – 7 Points
- Reckless Driving – 5 Points
- Speeding (20+ mph over limit) – 4 Points
- Improper Turns or Lane Changes – 3 Points
- Failure to Obey Traffic Signals – 3 Points
- Accidents (At-fault) – 3 Points
- Minor Violations – 2 Points
This policy applies to all employees who are required to drive as part of their job duties. Management will use this system to fairly and consistently evaluate driver qualifications for safety and compliance.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-4. To evaluate potential new and current driver motor vehicle records, it's a good idea to _____.
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