A driving record check and a criminal background check are two different types of screening services, although both are commonly used during employment investigations and risk assessments. Each serves a unique purpose and provides different types of information about an individual.
A driving record check focuses specifically on a person’s motor vehicle history. It includes information such as driver’s license status, traffic violations, speeding tickets, DUI convictions, license suspensions, accident history, reckless driving incidents, and commercial driving credentials. Employers use this type of screening when a position involves operating a vehicle or driving on company business.
A criminal background check, on the other hand, reviews an individual’s criminal history. This may include felony convictions, misdemeanor charges, arrests, warrants, incarceration records, court proceedings, and other criminal justice information. Criminal background checks are commonly used to assess overall trustworthiness, workplace safety concerns, and potential liability risks.
While some driving offenses such as DUI convictions may appear on both reports, driving record checks provide much more detailed information related specifically to vehicle operation and traffic-related behavior.
Businesses often conduct both types of screenings together for comprehensive risk evaluation. For example, a transportation company hiring commercial drivers may review criminal history, driving records, employment verification, and drug testing results before making a hiring decision.
Professional investigation and screening companies help employers determine which reports are appropriate based on job responsibilities, legal requirements, and industry standards. Combining multiple screening methods gives organizations a clearer understanding of potential risks associated with a candidate.
Using both driving record checks and criminal background checks allows employers to create safer workplaces, protect company assets, comply with regulations, and make more informed hiring decisions based on verified information from trusted sources.