Manage Driver Qualification Files without the gaps.
Every driver, a complete DQF — application, MVR, medical card, road test, and Clearinghouse — with alerts before anything expires.
14-day free trial · No card required · Cancel anytime
| Driver | Contact | Status | CDL | Medical Card | Assigned Vehicle | DQF Status | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
JD John Doe Company Driver | john.doe@example.com (614) 555-0142 | Active | OH4471825OH Exp Oct 12, 2026 | Exp Sep 16, 2026 | Unit #APX-101P | 8/11 Valid | View |
MJ Mike Jon Owner Operator | mike.jon@example.com (555) 123-4567 | Active | DL34722822CA Exp Jun 8, 2026 | Exp Jun 17, 2026 | Unit #APX-104P | 11/11 Valid | View |
OA Omar Ali Company Driver | omar.ali@example.com (859) 123-4455 | Active | SGS322233AL Exp May 24, 2026 | — | Unassigned | 1/11 Valid | View |
SL Sarah Lopez Company Driver | sarah.lopez@example.com (213) 456-7890 | Active | CY7782145CA Exp Jan 22, 2027 | Exp Nov 3, 2026 | Unit #APX-102P | 11/11 Valid | View |
DK David Kim Owner Operator | david.kim@example.com (469) 555-0188 | Invited | — | — | Unassigned | — | View |
What is a Driver Qualification File (DQF)?
A Driver Qualification File is the record a motor carrier must keep for every commercial driver under 49 CFR §391.51. It contains the driver’s employment application, Motor Vehicle Record and annual review, road test or CDL equivalency, and medical examiner’s certificate — the proof that the driver is legally qualified to operate.
How Fleetive helps
- 1
Collect the required documents
The employment application, MVR, road test or CDL equivalency, and medical examiner’s certificate required under 49 CFR §391.51.
- 2
Run pre-employment screenings
MVR, PSP, and an FMCSA Clearinghouse query before the driver’s first dispatch — with the results stored on file.
- 3
Verify and track the medical card
Capture the medical examiner’s certificate and keep the MEC current with automatic expiration alerts.
- 4
Automate annual reviews & renewals
Fleetive flags the annual MVR review, medical card, and license renewals before they lapse.
- 5
Keep audit-ready copies with history
Every DQF lives in one place with a full audit trail, so you can hand an auditor a complete file in seconds.
Common questions
What documents are in a Driver Qualification File?
At minimum: the employment application, the annual MVR and review, the road test certificate (or CDL equivalency), the medical examiner’s certificate, and Clearinghouse query results — per 49 CFR §391.51.
How long must you keep DQF records?
Most DQF records must be retained for the duration of employment plus three years after the driver leaves. Some documents (like the application) have their own retention rules — Fleetive keeps everything with soft-delete so nothing is lost.
Do owner-operators need a Driver Qualification File?
Yes. If a driver operates a CMV under your authority — including a leased owner-operator — a DQF is generally required.
What is the annual MVR review?
Carriers must obtain a Motor Vehicle Record for each driver at least once every 12 months and review it to ensure the driver still meets qualification standards.
Is a digital DQF compliant?
Yes — FMCSA permits electronic records as long as they are accurate, accessible, and reproducible. Fleetive stores DQFs digitally with audit trails.
Ready to Pass Your Next DOT Audit?
Start your 14-day free trial. Get set up in five minutes and see your whole operation in one place.