A driver log is a record of when, where, and how long you drive
A driver log (also called a logbook or driving record) is a written or digital record that tracks your driving activity. It documents the date, time, distance, location, and purpose of each trip you take. Some driver logs also record the condition of your vehicle before and after driving, and notes about any incidents or problems.
The reason you keep one depends on what kind of driving you do. If you drive for work — whether as a delivery driver, rideshare driver, truck driver, or sales representative — a driver log serves as proof of your work hours and mileage. If you drive a personal vehicle, a log can help you track business mileage for tax deductions, monitor fuel costs, or document your driving habits for insurance purposes.
A driver log is different from your driving record, which is maintained by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and shows traffic violations, accidents, and license status. A driver log is something you create and maintain yourself.
Key Takeaways
- A driver log records when you drive, how far, where you went, and why — either on paper or in an app.
- Commercial drivers and some rideshare drivers are required by law to keep detailed logs; personal drivers use them mainly for tax deductions or cost tracking.
- Federal regulations set specific rules for how commercial drivers must log hours, including mandatory rest periods and maximum driving time per day.
- Digital logbooks and apps make tracking easier than paper logs and often sync with your vehicle or phone automatically.
- Keeping an accurate log protects you in case of an accident, audit, or dispute with an employer about hours worked.
When you are required to keep a driver log
Commercial drivers in the United States must keep a driver log under federal law. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires drivers of large trucks and buses to record their hours of service — the time spent driving, on duty but not driving, sleeping, and off duty. These rules exist to prevent driver fatigue and reduce accidents on highways.
If you drive a commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,001 pounds, or if you transport hazardous materials, you must keep a log. Rideshare drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft are not federally required to log hours, but some states and cities have begun requiring them to track active driving time to enforce maximum shift lengths.
Personal drivers — people who drive their own cars for personal errands — are not required by law to keep a log. However, many do so voluntarily to track business mileage for tax purposes or to monitor vehicle maintenance and fuel costs.
What information goes into a driver log
The contents of a driver log depend on whether it is for commercial or personal use. A commercial driver log must include the date, total miles driven, total hours, the time you started and ended driving, and your vehicle identification number (VIN). It must also break down your time into categories: driving time, on-duty time (like loading cargo or doing paperwork), sleeper berth time (for long-haul drivers), and off-duty time.
A personal driver log is simpler and can include whatever information is useful to you. Most people record the date, starting and ending odometer readings (or total miles), the route or destination, the purpose of the trip (business meeting, client visit, delivery), and fuel purchased. Some add notes about vehicle condition, weather, or traffic conditions.
For tax purposes, the IRS requires that business mileage logs show the date, destination, miles driven, and business purpose. The IRS does not require you to log personal trips, but keeping a complete log makes it easier to prove which miles were business-related if you are audited.
How to keep a driver log — paper versus digital
You can keep a driver log on paper or digitally. A paper log is a notebook or printed form where you write each trip by hand. It is straightforward and requires no technology, but it is straightforward to forget entries, and handwriting can be hard to read if you need to reference it later. Paper logs are still legal for commercial drivers, though they are becoming less common.
A digital logbook is an app or software program that records your driving automatically or lets you enter trips quickly on your phone or computer. Many apps sync with your vehicle's GPS or your phone's location services, so they can record your route and mileage without you typing anything. Examples include Samsara, Verizon Connect, and Geotab for commercial drivers, and Stride Health, MileIQ, and Everlance for personal business mileage tracking.
Commercial drivers are increasingly required to use electronic logging devices (ELDs) instead of paper logs. An ELD is a device that connects to your truck's engine and automatically records driving time, engine hours, and vehicle motion. The FMCSA has required most commercial drivers to use ELDs since December 2019. ELDs reduce errors and make it harder to falsify records, which is why they are now the standard.
Federal rules for commercial driver logs
If you drive commercially, federal law sets strict rules about how you log your time. You must record your hours in a 24-hour period, and you cannot drive more than 11 hours in a row without a break. After 11 hours of driving, you must take at least 10 consecutive hours off duty (which includes sleeping). You must also take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving without a break.
Your log must show the date, total miles, total hours, and your signature or electronic verification. You must keep logs for the current day and the previous 7 days with you in the vehicle. Logs older than 7 days must be kept but can be stored elsewhere. If you are inspected by a law enforcement officer or FMCSA inspector, you must produce your logs on demand.
Falsifying a driver log — writing down hours you did not actually work, or logging sleep time when you were actually driving — is a federal violation and can result in fines, loss of your commercial driving license, or criminal charges. Employers can also be fined for requiring or allowing drivers to falsify logs.
Using a driver log for tax deductions
If you use your personal vehicle for business, you can deduct the mileage from your taxes. The IRS allows you to deduct either the actual cost of operating the vehicle (gas, maintenance, insurance, depreciation) or a standard mileage rate, which changes each year. To claim either deduction, you must have a log showing which miles were business-related.
Your log does not need to be fancy — a straightforward notebook with the date, destination, miles, and business purpose is enough. The IRS does not require you to log personal miles, but it is a good idea to do so anyway, because it makes it clear which miles were business and which were not. If you are audited, a complete log is your best defense.
Keep your log for at least three years after you file your tax return, because that is how far back the IRS can audit you. If you use a digital app, make sure you read or export your records regularly so you have a backup if the app shuts down or you lose access to your account.
What happens if you do not keep a driver log
If you are a commercial driver and do not keep a log, you can be cited by law enforcement or an FMCSA inspector. The fine for failing to maintain a log can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the violation and your state. Repeated violations can result in your commercial license being suspended or revoked.
If you claim business mileage on your taxes without a log, the IRS may disallow the deduction if you are audited. Without documentation, you have no proof that the miles were actually business-related. This can result in owing back taxes, plus penalties and interest.
If you are in an accident and do not have a log, you may have difficulty proving your hours or location at the time of the incident. This can complicate insurance claims or legal proceedings. A log also protects you by showing that you were not fatigued or violating hours-of-service rules at the time of the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to keep a driver log if I drive for Uber or Lyft?
Federal law does not require it, but some cities and states have begun requiring rideshare drivers to track active driving time to enforce maximum shift lengths. Check your local regulations or contact your rideshare company to find out what is required in your area.
Can I use my phone's GPS or maps app instead of a dedicated logbook app?
For personal business mileage, yes — you can use Google Maps, Apple Maps, or any app that records your route and distance. For commercial driving, you must use an electronic logging device (ELD) that meets FMCSA standards. A regular GPS app does not capture the required information about driving time, on-duty time, and rest periods.
What if I forget to log a trip?
For personal mileage, add it to your log as soon as you remember, with a note about when the trip actually occurred. For commercial driving, you must log all trips accurately — if you forget, you should add the trip to the correct date with a note explaining the delay. Intentionally omitting trips or backdating entries is falsification and is illegal.
How long do I need to keep my driver logs?
Commercial drivers must keep logs for at least 6 months. For tax purposes, keep personal business mileage logs for at least three years after you file your return. If you are involved in an accident or legal dispute, keep logs for at least seven years.
What is the difference between a driver log and a vehicle maintenance log?
A driver log tracks when and where you drive and how long you drive. A vehicle maintenance log tracks repairs, oil changes, tire rotations, and other upkeep. You may keep both — a driver log for hours and mileage, and a maintenance log for service records.