At most dealerships, more employees drive vehicles than many managers realize. Porters shuttle cars between the lot and the service drive. Lot attendants reposition inventory. Salespeople accompany customers on test drives. Parts runners and shuttle drivers take company vehicles onto public roads.
Every one of those trips is a potential risk if the driver is impaired.
The lot is a busy place
Dealership lots are crowded with tightly parked vehicles, customers on foot, and constant movement. Even a low-speed collision can damage multiple vehicles. A more serious incident can injure a customer or employee.
Test drives carry extra exposure
During a test drive, your salesperson is responsible for guiding the customer safely. If the salesperson is impaired, their judgment about routes, conditions, and customer behavior may suffer. And if a dealership employee is driving, the risk is even more direct.
Two screens every driver should pass
1. Drug testing. Pre-employment drug testing screens out applicants who may be impaired on the job. Random and reasonable suspicion testing keep standards high afterward.
2. Motor vehicle reports (MVRs). An MVR shows license status, violations, suspensions, and DUI history. A candidate with a suspended license or recent DUI may not be the right fit for a role that involves driving.
Setting clear driving standards
Work with your insurance carrier to define acceptable driving records for each role. Many dealerships set standards related to:
- Valid license status
- Number of moving violations in recent years
- DUI or reckless driving convictions
- At-fault accidents
Write these standards down and apply them consistently.
Don’t forget current employees
A driving record can change after hire. Periodic MVR checks help you catch new violations or suspensions before they lead to a problem.
One provider for both
Elite Services Workplace Screening offers drug testing and motor vehicle reports nationwide, so your dealership can screen every driver with one simple process. Call 888-738-9297 to get started.
Ready to protect your workplace? Elite Services Workplace Screening provides nationwide drug testing, DOT compliance, background searches, MVRs, and E-Verify. Call 888-738-9297 or contact us online to get started.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws and regulations change; consult qualified counsel about your specific situation.