How do I fix a failed new-entrant audit?
Submit written evidence of corrective action within the window set in 49 CFR §385.319, showing each cited deficiency has been fixed. Typical fixes: complete driver qualification files, a Part 382 drug-and-alcohol testing program, hours-of-service records under Part 395, and maintenance records under Part 396. Send the corrective action plan to FMCSA as the failure notice directs.
The §385.319 window runs from the date of the notice of failure. Submitting evidence of corrective action within it lets FMCSA review the plan; if the carrier doesn't submit in time, or FMCSA doesn't accept the corrective action, the registration is revoked (49 CFR 385.325).
For each cited deficiency, the corrective action plan needs to show: (1) what specific change was made, (2) when the change was implemented, (3) what documentation supports the change. For example, "no DQ files on drivers" → corrective action: "established complete §391.51 DQ files on all 12 active drivers between 2026-05-15 and 2026-05-30, including fresh MVRs, road-test certifications, medical certs, previous-employer inquiries, and §391.27 violation lists. DQ files attached as Exhibit A."
For the §382 program, carriers without an existing drug-and-alcohol program have to: (1) join a consortium or run their own program, (2) run pre-employment tests on every CDL driver, (3) implement random selection, (4) document the supervisor training under §382.603.
Once the corrective action plan is submitted, FMCSA controls how long its review takes. If the corrective action is accepted, the registration isn't revoked; if not, it is revoked under 49 CFR 385.325.