: Discover the differences between PSP and MVR reports, and learn how each can enhance driver safety and compliance. Find out which report best suits your needs.

Many motor carriers and business owners that employ drivers need to screen their employees for insurance and employment purposes.

What is an MVR?

Understanding MVR Reports

The MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) is our most popular report. This report allows you to search DMV records online to instantly identify a driver’s license class (CDL) and driving violations. Almost all employers need this report for both CDL and non-CDL drivers to ensure they can insure their drivers and verify they are placing safe, licensed drivers in their company vehicles.

Key Information in an MVR

• Personal Information: Name, address, driver’s license number, and date of birth.
• License Status: Valid, suspended, disqualified, etc.
• Endorsements and Restrictions: Class A, HAZMAT, Motorcycle endorsements or restrictions like glasses or hearing aids.
• Suspensions and Disqualifications: Historical suspensions or disqualifications.
• Convictions for Moving Violations: Traffic citations processed through the courts.

What is PSP?

Understanding PSP Reports

The FMCSA PSP (Pre-Employment Screening Program) is a screening tool that allows motor carriers and individual drivers to purchase driving records from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS). Each PSP report contains the most recent 5 years of crash data and the most recent 3 years of roadside inspection data on CDL drivers, including serious safety violations. Some insurance providers require a PSP record, but not all.

Benefits of Using PSP

PSP is a voluntary program with proven safety benefits for motor carriers. According to FMCSA, “Companies using PSP to screen new hires lower their crash rate by 8% and driver out-of-service rates by 17%, on average, compared to those that do not use PSP.”

Key Information in a PSP Report

• Personal Information: Name, date of birth, driver’s license number, and state of issuance.
• Crash Data: 5 years of DOT recordable crash data.
• Roadside Inspection Data: 3 years of roadside inspection data, including safety violations and out-of-service orders (OOS).

PSP vs. MVR: Understanding the Differences

Scope of Data

• PSP: Nationwide data from all CDL numbers a driver has held for the past 5 years, managed by FMCSA using the MCMIS.
• MVR: State-specific data; includes a driver’s motor vehicle convictions in a given state.

Type of Information

• PSP: Includes a driver’s 5-year crash history and 3-year roadside inspection history, including all safety violations cited during an inspection. Always includes original violations, regardless of whether they resulted in different convictions.
• MVR: Conviction-based; only includes events that resulted in a conviction by the state, such as traffic citations, license suspensions, DUI convictions, and accident reports.

Frequency of Updates

• PSP: Updated with each roadside inspection; provides a real-time snapshot of a driver’s safety record.
• MVR: Periodically updated based on each state’s resources and processes.

Usage and Accessibility

• PSP: Motor carriers can access PSP records in one place by enrolling in the PSP service.
• MVR: Motor carriers can access an MVR by contacting the motor vehicle division in the license-issuing state.

Advantages of Using Both Reports

Enhanced Safety and Compliance

Motor vehicle records (MVRs) are a great first step for mitigating the risk of unfortunate outcomes. Running MVRs on prospective and current drivers is a requirement for any Department of Transportation (DOT)-regulated company. It is also a best practice for private companies that employ workers with driving responsibilities.

Supplementing MVR with PSP

While MVRs are useful and informative, they do not present a complete picture of a commercially licensed driver (CDL). To further minimize risk, companies that hire CDL drivers should strongly consider using PSP reports to supplement MVRs.

Continuous Monitoring: Bridging the Gaps

Benefits of Continuous MVR Monitoring

To help close the gaps between MVR checks, more companies are implementing continuous MVR monitoring. This technology sends email alerts when new violations, suspensions, DUIs, disqualifications, and other events appear on employees’ driving records. This proactive approach helps reduce risk, protect a company’s bottom line, and secure the best commercial insurance rates as more insurance carriers recognize the importance of this practice.

Leveraging Technology to Improve Safety Records

Driver Management Software

Many carriers are turning to software to coach drivers on improving driving behavior and safety to boost both PSP reports and CSA scores. Driver management and safety software ultimately helps fleets coach drivers to be safer, more productive, and efficient.

FAQs

What is the main difference between PSP and MVR reports? PSP reports provide a comprehensive nationwide history of a driver’s crash and roadside inspection data for the past 5 and 3 years respectively, while MVR reports provide state-specific data on convictions and license status.

Why should motor carriers use PSP reports? Using PSP reports can lower crash rates by 8% and driver out-of-service rates by 17% on average, providing a safer and more compliant fleet.

How often are PSP reports updated? PSP reports are updated each time a driver has a roadside inspection, offering a real-time snapshot of the driver’s safety record.

Are PSP reports mandatory for motor carriers? No, PSP reports are not mandatory, but they are highly recommended for a more complete view of a driver’s safety history.

How can continuous MVR monitoring benefit companies? Continuous MVR monitoring alerts companies of new violations, suspensions, and other events in real-time, helping to reduce risk and protect the company’s reputation.

What information is included in an MVR report? An MVR report includes personal information, license status, endorsements, suspensions, disqualifications, and convictions for moving violations.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between PSP and MVR reports is crucial for making informed hiring decisions and ensuring compliance with FMCSA regulations. While MVR reports provide essential state-specific information about a driver’s history, PSP reports offer a more comprehensive, nationwide view of their safety record. Combining these reports and implementing continuous monitoring can significantly enhance driver safety and reduce risks for motor carriers.