Mock DOT Audit Services | FMCSA Compliance Review Preparation | Expert DOT Audit Readiness Testing

Mock DOT Audit. No surprises when the real audit comes.

Professional mock audits since 2015 | Last updated: October 2025

Actual LBC Fleet onsite audit report showing critical DOT violations discovered during mock compliance review

Real violations discovered in actual mock audits

Our approach: We test your program using federal investigator methods - sampling, evidence standards, and response timing that matches real audits. The report shown demonstrates actual critical violations we discovered during a passenger carrier mock audit.

Critical violations found: Driver qualification maintenance failures (391.51a), medical certification gaps (391.45a), and pre-employment drug testing violations (382.301a) - exactly the types of issues that cause Unsatisfactory safety ratings.

Why this matters: These violations were corrected before the real DOT audit. Without our mock audit, this carrier would have faced an Unsatisfactory rating and potential shutdown.

Be audit-ready before the investigator arrives. We run comprehensive reviews across DQ files, drug and alcohol testing, HOS, vehicle maintenance, accidents, and safety management controls.

What is a mock DOT audit and why conduct compliance reviews?

Updated: October 2025

Quick Definition

A mock DOT audit is a comprehensive simulation of an FMCSA compliance review conducted by experienced consultants using the same methods, sampling techniques, and evidence standards that federal and state investigators employ during real audits. The purpose is to identify compliance gaps, test response capabilities, and provide corrective action plans before a real regulatory review occurs.

Who needs mock DOT audits?

Trucking companies with rising CSA BASIC scores or roadside inspection issues requiring mock compliance review
Construction companies operating commercial vehicles over 10,001 lbs needing DOT audit preparation
New entrant carriers preparing for mandatory 18-month safety audits through mock DOT audit simulation
Carriers with Conditional ratings seeking upgrade to Satisfactory through compliance review preparation

Real client success story

Passenger carrier, 150+ drivers. Our mock audit discovered the critical violations shown in the report above: driver qualification maintenance failures, medical certification gaps, and pre-employment drug testing violations.

Perfect timing: As we were finishing the mock audit, they received a call announcing a real DOT audit in two weeks. We spent those weeks implementing fixes for every violation we found. They passed their compliance review with no acute or critical violations.

Common DOT audit triggers

  • High CSA BASIC scores (Unsafe Driving, HOS, Driver Fitness, Controlled Substances, Vehicle Maintenance, Crash Indicator) - mock DOT audit preparation helps address these patterns
  • Serious crashes or safety incidents requiring compliance review response
  • Complaints from drivers or the public about carrier operations
  • Data mining queries showing patterns in safety performance
  • New entrant status (within 18 months) - see FMCSA New Entrant requirements
Beyond generic checklists:

We mirror actual investigator methods and specifically target the patterns that drive CSA BASIC percentiles through systematic corrections. Our mock audits use evidence-based testing with regulatory expertise that maps exact FMCSA methodology.

Complete scope of our mock DOT audit and compliance review testing

We test every area federal and state investigators examine, using the same sampling methods and evidence standards in our mock compliance reviews.

Scope updated: October 2025

Driver Qualifications & Testing

  • DQ files: Hiring packets, road tests, inquiries, annual reviews
  • Medical certification: CDL status and medical card compliance
  • Drug & alcohol program: Randoms, pre-employment, post-accident, MIS reporting
  • Training records: Initial and refresher training documentation

Hours of Service & Operations

  • ELD compliance: Data quality, HOS violations, unassigned drive time, edits
  • Accident management: Register completeness and post-accident testing
  • Operational policies: Written procedures and proof of enforcement
  • Driver training: HOS training and compliance verification

Vehicle Maintenance & Inspections

  • Maintenance files: PM schedules, annual inspections, repair documentation
  • DVIR process: Driver reporting and corrective action tracking
  • Parts and vendor management: OEM compliance and quality controls
  • Document retention: Controlled document systems and compliance

Comprehensive regulatory coverage

Our audit scope maps directly to 49 CFR Parts 382, 385, 391, 395, and 396 as applicable to your operation. Every finding includes specific regulatory citations and corrective action requirements. Learn more about FMCSA's compliance review process.

Our proven mock DOT audit process and transparent pricing

Planned or unannounced mock compliance review — you decide. Remote or onsite DOT audit preparation options available.

Pricing updated: October 2025

How mock DOT audits work

1) Discovery and file sampling

We request your current driver and vehicle roster, then select a statistically representative sample using FMCSA methods. Your team uploads documents with time-to-respond tracking exactly like a real investigator.

2) Evidence review using investigator standards

We examine files using the same standards federal and state investigators apply: DQ completeness, drug testing compliance, HOS patterns, accident register accuracy, maintenance documentation, and policy implementation.

3) Actionable findings and implementation

You receive a comprehensive written review with prioritized corrective action plan including specific owners, realistic deadlines, ready-to-use templates, and verification steps. Live debrief call included.

Mock compliance review pricing options

Remote mock DOT audits

$150 per hour - Most efficient option for comprehensive mock compliance review including file analysis, detailed corrective action plan, and follow-up support for implementation questions.

Onsite mock DOT audits

$2,000 per day plus travel expenses. Includes staff interviews, process observation, and facility assessment in addition to complete mock compliance review. Recommended for complex operations.

Why we don't offer guarantees

Some competitors offer "fine-free guarantees" with so many exceptions they're meaningless, or they're priced high enough to cover payouts. Our guarantee is simpler: Over a decade of proven results helping carriers avoid violations and pass audits.

What separates LBC Fleet from other mock DOT audit providers

Real experience: We've guided carriers through every audit scenario across all 50 states since 2015 - federal, state, city, and insurance reviews. Our mock compliance review expertise spans all carrier types.

Implementation focus: We don't hand you a list and disappear. Every mock DOT audit finding includes specific fixes, assigned owners, and proof steps with follow-up support.

Regulatory expertise: Every mock compliance review finding ties directly to governing CFR sections. We can format DOT audit preparation plans to support Safety Rating Upgrades under §385.15 or §385.17 when needed.

Free DOT Audit Readiness Resources

DOT Audit Readiness Assessment

Comprehensive self-audit tool covering all major DOT compliance areas.

Acute & Critical Violations Guide

Complete breakdown of 49 CFR Part 385, Appendix B violations.

FMCSA Downgrade Rubric

Expert analysis of how FMCSA downgrades carriers with point system details.

Mock DOT Audit - Frequently Asked Questions

How often should we conduct mock audits?

Most fleets benefit from an annual comprehensive mock audit, with quarterly mini-audits using our checklist. High-risk operations or those with recent violations may need more frequent reviews.

Remote vs. onsite — which is better?

Remote is faster, lower cost, and covers 90% of what investigators examine.

Onsite adds staff interviews, process observation, and facility inspection. Recommended for complex operations or known upcoming audits.

Can you work with our existing systems?

Yes. We work with all major ELD providers, fleet management systems, and maintenance software. We provide templates you can implement immediately using your current technology.

Do you offer unannounced mock audits?

Yes. For the most realistic simulation, we can conduct unannounced reviews within an agreed timeframe to test actual readiness and response capabilities.

Will this help with Safety Rating Upgrades?

Absolutely. We align corrective action plans with 49 CFR §385.15 and §385.17 requirements and can support your upgrade request package. See our specialized Safety Rating Upgrade services.

How long does completion take?

Most carriers receive findings within 5-7 business days after files are submitted. Larger fleets may require 1-2 weeks. Rush service available for urgent situations within 48-72 hours.

What's included in the corrective action plan?

Every plan includes: Root cause analysis, specific corrective actions mapped to CFR requirements, assigned owners and deadlines, ready-to-use templates, training recommendations, verification steps, and 30-day follow-up support.

About LBC Fleet

Founded 2015 - DOT Compliance Experts

LBC Fleet was established in 2015 as a specialized DOT compliance consulting firm. Our team has conducted thousands of mock audits and guided carriers through every type of regulatory review across all 50 states.

Core expertise: FMCSA compliance reviews, CSA BASIC improvement, safety rating upgrades, driver qualification file management, drug and alcohol testing programs, and fleet maintenance compliance.

Proven track record

Since 2015: Nearly 10 years helping carriers avoid violations and pass real audits. Our digital DQ file systems have passed thousands of compliance reviews without acute or critical violations.

Regulatory expertise: Deep understanding of 49 CFR Parts 382, 385, 391, 395, and 396. We've worked with federal investigators, state enforcement officers, and insurance auditors nationwide.

Schedule your expert mock DOT audit and compliance review

Get the mock compliance review and DOT audit preparation testing that has helped carriers avoid violations and pass reviews for nearly 10 years.

What to expect

48-hour timeline: We email announcing audit start with questions about drivers, vehicles, and compliance structure
File selection: Representative sampling using FMCSA methods for DQ files, maintenance records, and documentation
Complete review: Everything a real auditor examines - files, maintenance, HOS, fuel cards, time clocks
Management interviews: Access to key compliance personnel for safety policy discussions

Information needed to start

  • Company details: Name, DOT number, fleet size
  • Contact information: Name, email, phone
  • Timing preferences: Preferred start timeframe
  • Specific concerns: Known issues or focus areas
  • Service type: Remote, onsite, or unannounced preference