Same Day
Turnaround on most reports
All 50
States — MVR reports available nationwide
1996
Serving Connecticut employers since
Research Services provides Connecticut Driver History Reports that give employers a clear picture of an applicant’s driving performance, license status, and identity. Whether you’re hiring a delivery driver, fleet operator, school bus driver, or anyone else who will drive on behalf of your organization, a driver history report is an essential part of the screening process.
What a Driver History Report Includes
A Connecticut Driver History Report (also called a Motor Vehicle Record, or MVR) pulls directly from the Connecticut DMV. It provides:
- An applicant’s complete driving record and license endorsements
- Identity validation through name, date of birth, and address verification
- Identification of discrepancies between provided information and DMV records
- Confirmation of a valid driver’s license for position requirements
- Disclosure of any license suspensions, revocations, or restrictions
- History of traffic violations, accidents, and DUI/DWI convictions
Connecticut License Classes Explained
Connecticut issues Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) in three classes. Understanding which class applies to a role helps employers confirm that candidates hold the correct credentials before they start.
Class A
Permitted to drive any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed unit exceeds 10,000 pounds. Required for tractor-trailers and most long-haul trucking.
Class B
Covers single vehicles over 26,001 pounds, or those towing a unit up to 10,000 pounds. Typical for straight trucks, large buses, and dump trucks used in construction and municipal operations.
Class C
For vehicles under 26,001 pounds that transport 16 or more passengers, or hazardous materials requiring placarding. Requires medical certification and is common for small passenger transport operations.
Standard License
For non-commercial drivers. Still included in Connecticut driver history reports and relevant for any role where an employee will drive a company or personal vehicle on company business.
Endorsements & Restrictions
Connecticut CDL holders may carry additional endorsements that expand what they’re legally permitted to operate. Common endorsements include:
- S — School Bus: Required to transport school-age passengers
- H — Hazardous Materials: Required for transporting placarded hazmat loads; requires TSA background check
- P — Passenger Transport: Required for vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers
- N — Tank Vehicle: Required to operate liquid or gaseous bulk tankers
- T — Double/Triple Trailers: Required for pulling more than one trailer
Restrictions limit what a driver may do and are equally important to verify. Common restrictions include corrective lenses required (B), daylight-only operation (G), and medical waiver requirements (W). A driving history report will show all active restrictions so employers can confirm compliance with role requirements.
Traffic Violations in Connecticut
Connecticut categorizes driving violations into three tiers, each carrying different consequences for employment screening:
Infractions
Minor violations resulting in fines only. Examples include speeding below a threshold, failure to signal, and equipment violations. No jail time. Still appear on driving history records and can affect insurance rates.
Misdemeanors
More serious violations that can result in fines and potential jail time. DUI/DWI, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended license typically fall into this category in Connecticut.
Felonies
The most serious driving offenses, which can result in significant prison sentences. Examples include vehicular manslaughter, felony DUI involving injury or death, and leaving the scene of a serious accident.
Suspensions & Revocations
A suspended or revoked license is critical information for any driving role. Driver history reports reveal current status and the history of any prior suspensions, giving employers a complete picture before making a hiring decision.
2025–2026 Updates
- CDL medical certificates now electronic (June 2025): As of June 16, 2025, Connecticut DMV no longer accepts paper medical certificates for CDL holders. Certificates are transmitted electronically directly to the DMV. Employers verifying CDL medical compliance should confirm this has been completed, as a missing electronic certificate can affect a driver’s CDL status.
- CT Clean Slate Act & driving records: Connecticut’s Clean Slate law began automatically erasing eligible criminal convictions in 2025. However, driving violations on driver history reports are administrative DMV records — not criminal records — and are not erased by Clean Slate. DUI convictions are a special case: the state has indicated DUI erasures require additional scrutiny and are being processed into 2026. Employers should confirm with counsel how Clean Slate intersects with their specific screening policies.
- Federal CDL rule (March 2026): A new FMCSA Final Rule effective March 16, 2026 affects non-domiciled Commercial Learner’s Permits and CDLs. All states are required to comply. Employers hiring out-of-state CDL drivers should ensure records are pulled from the correct issuing state.
Common Questions
How quickly are driver history reports returned?
Most Connecticut driver history reports are processed same-day. Turnaround can vary depending on DMV system availability, but Research Services works to return results as quickly as possible to keep your hiring process moving.
Can I order driver history reports for drivers in other states?
Yes. Research Services can pull motor vehicle records from all 50 states, not just Connecticut. If you have employees or applicants who hold licenses from other states, we can obtain those records as part of a comprehensive driving history check.
Is FCRA authorization required before ordering a driver history report?
Yes. When a driver history report is used for employment purposes, it is considered a consumer report under the FCRA. You must obtain written authorization from the applicant before ordering the report and follow proper adverse action procedures if the results affect a hiring decision.
What industries order driver history reports most often?
Transportation, construction, healthcare (home care), municipal, and staffing agencies are among the most common. Any organization where employees operate a vehicle as part of their duties should include a driver history report in their standard background screening package.