What is Part 391?
The rule section covering driver qualification standards and DQ file requirements.
Dispatch • Back Office • Carrier Resources • Compliance Support
Part 391 is the driver qualification rulebook. It explains who is qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle, what motor carriers must verify before dispatching a driver, what documents belong in the driver qualification file, and when a driver may be disqualified from operating.
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The rule section covering driver qualification standards and DQ file requirements.
Explains which drivers and carriers must follow driver qualification requirements.
Minimum driver standards covering age, English ability, medical status, license, and road test.
The core documents that prove a driver was properly qualified before dispatch.
The driver application is a compliance document, not just a basic hiring form.
MVR checks confirm license status, restrictions, endorsements, and ongoing qualification.
Medical qualification must be verified and tracked before a driver is dispatched.
The carrier must verify and document that the driver can safely operate assigned equipment.
A carrier must not dispatch a driver who is disqualified or not verified.
A practical checklist before adding a driver under your authority.
How weak DQ files create audit, insurance, roadside, and hiring-risk problems.
DispatchHQ helps small carriers organize driver onboarding, DQ files, safety documentation, compliance reminders, carrier packets, and back-office workflows so nothing important gets missed.
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