Your driving record, also called your motor vehicle report, is important for a few reasons: a clean record keeps your insurance rates lower and a bad record can keep you from getting certain jobs and lead to your license being revoked . Some states have a driver’s license point system, where the points represent the number and/or severity of traffic violations on your record. If you rack up too many points, like say you keep getting caught going live on Instagram while you drive, your license could get suspended. So don’t do that.
You should check your record periodically to ensure that it is correct, to keep up with the points on your license, and to be sure of the status of your license. There are a couple of different avenues (get it? avenues? because we’re talking about driving?) of obtaining your driving record.
The DMV
While your local Department of Motor Vehicles may not be the most exciting place to visit, they will definitely provide you with the most up to date record. Some states allow you to find this information online. There will be a small fee for the official record, but every result from the past three years will be provided, allowing you an accurate look at your history. You will need your valid drivers license number, and if the online option is available in your state, you may need to create a username and password to access the information.
Your Insurance Agent
Your car insurance agent has access to your driving record as long as they have your license number. They will probably provide you with a copy for free, and while it won’t be your official record, it can give you a good idea of the number of violations and accidents you’ve racked up.
Online Vendors
There are a few websites that will look up your driving record for you. These vendors will generally charge a higher fee and the results won’t be official, but if you need your results quickly, this is your best bet.
Part of being a responsible driver is ensuring that you are keeping track of your violations, paying fees and fines on time, and staying in good standing with your state. Check your driving record to stay on top of it.
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