From resume to road: Do traffic violations limit your job search?

A TIRF Youth Advisor Program (TIRF YAP) blog.

TLDR (a.k.a. brief summary): A driver’s licence and clean driving record are essential for many careers—both obvious and unexpected—impacting your job search, job eligibility, advancement opportunities, and employer trust, while a poor record can limit growth or even lead to job loss.

A driver’s licence is essential for many jobs and careers, especially those you’d expect like delivery drivers, couriers, truck drivers, and sales reps. But there are also roles that might not be immediately obvious, such as healthcare or social services, trades like electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians as well as law enforcement, and emergency services, all of which often require a valid licence. When applying for these positions, employers are probably going to check your driving history because they need to ensure they’re hiring safe and reliable drivers. These practices are crucial for companies to avoid legal liability, higher insurance costs, and damage to their business reputation.

Maintaining a clean driving record (i.e., no traffic violations) is crucial for roles involving company vehicles or frequent travel as it can be key to promotions and other opportunities within the organization. On the other hand, a poor driving record could hold you back from advancement or, worse, lead to disciplinary actions that could stall your career. In some cases, it might even cost you your job and make it harder to secure future positions.

Why does your driving record matter in your job search?

The transition from learning to drive, getting your licence, and gaining a few years of driving experience is a huge step toward adulthood and independence. I know it was for me! That first solo drive around town quickly turned into commuting to school or work and highway travel to new places. The days of relying on parents for rides were finally over. But the road to independence wasn’t without its bumps, and there were some scary moments that made me realize the importance of safe driving, not just for me, but for everyone around me.

I also saw firsthand how easily things could take a turn for the worse. A few of my friends learned that the hard way after getting caught speeding or, even worse, driving under the influence. What they didn’t realize was how quickly these bad decisions could wreck their driving records and the costs that came with it. In many jurisdictions, repeat or particularly egregious offences (like speeding 40km over the limit and impaired driving) can lead to steep fines, points on your licence, demerit points or even having your vehicle impounded. And once your car is in the impound lot, getting it back comes with hefty fees, to say nothing of managing without a car for days or weeks.

Some may not realize that vehicle owners are responsible for all the related costs including towing and daily storage for the length of the impoundment; not to mention, higher insurance premiums or the risk of losing coverage altogether. These choices didn’t just cost them money; they put their licence and even their career at risk. It was a harsh wake-up call for them to learn firsthand how a few poor decisions behind the wheel can lead to long-term financial and professional consequences.

The connections between driving and careers

Stepping into the job market as a recent university graduate is both exciting and a little daunting. There’s so much to think about when you are evaluating potential career paths, but one thing that might not immediately come to mind is your driving skills and record. Believe it or not, how well you drive and your history behind the wheel can influence your career options more than you might expect.

There are a bunch of jobs out there that require a driver’s licence simply because getting from point A to point B is a big part of the job. Think about delivery drivers, couriers, and truck drivers; they need a valid licence to make sure goods get where they need to be on time. Sales reps? They often need reliable transportation to visit customers and clients. And if you’re considering a role in home healthcare or social services, you’ll likely need to drive to see patients or clients. Then there are the trades; electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. They’ve got to transport tools and equipment to different sites, and a licence is a must. Even in fields like construction, law enforcement, and emergency services, being able to drive and drive well is essential. So, it’s easy to see why a valid driver’s licence and clean driving record are often non-negotiable in these careers.

How important is a clean driver record?

When applying for a job that involves driving, be prepared for some background checks, which can include pulling your driver abstract. A driver abstract is essentially a summary containing highlights of your driving record, such as traffic violations like speeding or impaired driving, licence suspensions, and at-fault collisions, usually from the past five years. While this abstract gives employers an overview, it’s important to remember that only licensing authorities have access to your full driving record, which may include older infractions or more detailed information. This means that while employers might only see a portion of your history, your complete record is still on file.

Employers are likely to take a close look at your driving abstract as part of their pre-employment screening. They’ll want to see if you’ve had any traffic violations, crashes, or a pattern of unsafe driving. A clean driving abstract? That’s a big plus. It shows you’re reliable and responsible, qualities any employer would appreciate. But if your driving history isn’t so great, it could raise some red flags, making employers think twice about the risks of hiring you. This is where your driver abstract comes into play and likewise, where your driving history can impact your employability.

Three reasons employers care about driving abstracts

There are several reasons why employers care about your driving abstract, especially if the job involves being behind the wheel.

1. Employers need to ensure you have a valid driver’s licence and the correct class for the role. Whether you’re driving a company car or a commercial vehicle, regulatory compliance is key. For instance, if you’re applying for a commercial driving position, employers must check your commercial driver’s licence (CDL), medical fitness, and ensure compliance with transportation laws. These checks help them avoid legal risks and ensure everyone’s safety.
2. Any collisions or violations on your record can directly impact the company’s insurance costs if you are driving a company vehicle. The liability falls on your employer when you’re driving for work, so a history of collisions or tickets is a red flag that leads to higher insurance premiums. Speaking of insurance, that’s another major concern for employers when their employees are out on the road. Insurance costs can really add up, especially if a company has a lot of vehicles or hires younger drivers under 25, who statistically are more likely to be crash-involved. For the company, this means higher premiums, which isn’t great for their bottom line. Companies with large fleets or younger drivers already face high costs, and a bad driving abstract can raise these costs significantly.
3. Some employers may allow you to use your own insurance when driving for work, but this option typically requires a clean driving abstract. If you have a solid record, the company may not need to add you to their insurance, reducing risk. However, if your driving record shows a pattern of risky behaviour, they won’t offer this, making you a liability on their insurance policy.

Additionally, your employer pays into a fund to cover workplace injuries, such as Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). The WSIB provides coverage for work-related injuries but also ensures employers are keeping their employees safe on the road. If they fail to meet safety standards, it could result in higher WSIB premiums or even fines, which further strain the company’s finances. If you’re based in BC, like me, WorkSafeBC fulfills a similar role, overseeing a no-fault insurance system for BC-based workplaces. Each province has its own agency for workplace safety and insurance, so it’s important to know the organization responsible in your jurisdiction. And remember, in most places, these organizations typically operate under the Ministry of Labour which ensures that employers comply with safety regulations.

Most importantly, on top of insurance and liability concerns, your driving record impacts how you’re perceived at work. If your job involves driving company vehicles, crashes and traffic violations can damage your reputation and make you seem irresponsible or inattentive. However, a clean driving record can enhance your reputation as a reliable and work-oriented employee, which is a valuable asset to any employer.

Risky driving can put the brakes on your career

Let’s not forget how your driving record can affect your career growth. Many roles, especially those involving company vehicles or frequent travel, require a clean driving record for promotions and opportunities to explore other positions within the organization. If your record isn’t great, it could hold you back from these opportunities or worse, lead to disciplinary actions that could put the brakes on your career. In some cases, it might even cost you your job, making it harder to land future positions. A criminal conviction on your driving record, such as impaired driving, can be even more damaging. Not only could it result in immediate job loss, but it could also disqualify you from any future roles that require driving as part of the job. For some careers, especially in industries like transportation, logistics, emergency services or delivery, a conviction could halt your employment altogether, making it nearly impossible to continue in that line of work.

So, while driving might not be the first thing on your mind when you’re thinking about your career, it’s worth considering how your driving skills and record can affect your professional life. Being mindful of road rules and avoiding risks can keep your driving record clean and create more opportunities which can set you up for success. After all, your career path isn’t defined by your driving history alone, but being proactive about it can help you steer toward a successful and fulfilling future.

#MySafeRoadHome authors: Kylee Bowman, TIRF Lead, Youth Advisor Program (TIRF YAP) taps into the views, experiences and attitudes of young road users and helps TIRF develop educational strategies and communicate risks in ways that are relatable and engaging for young audiences. Kylee was crash-involved as an 8-year-old, and since 2011, she has been part of TIRF’s Drop It And Drive® education program. Robyn Robertson, TIRF President & CEO, collaborates with Kylee to blend the youth perspective with her background as a criminologist with 25 years of experience in road safety research. Robyn authored TIRF’s knowledge translation model and is well-versed in implementation strategies and operational practices across several sectors.

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