The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration yesterday launched a Web site where trucking companies can register for access to a safety database they will be able to use for screening applicants for driving jobs.

The data is not available yet and probably won't be for another couple of months, according to Michael Johnsen of the agency's Analysis Division. But carriers and third party driver service providers can start registering for the Pre-Employment Screening Program that the agency is creating.

The program will give employers access to five years of an applicant's crash history and three years of his inspection history - with the driver's permission. The data will be drawn from the Motor Carrier Management Information System and will include the same information that is used by agency staff and state police for enforcement. Drivers will have access to the information, as well, and can make the report a part of their application if they wish.

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The registration Web site is at http://www.psp.fmcsa.dot.gov. The site includes a list of frequently asked questions.