Pep Boys: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

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Pep Boys: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Pep Boys is one of the largest automotive parts and service retailers in the United States, operating more than 800 locations across the country and Puerto Rico. For candidates applying to roles as service technicians, tire technicians, parts specialists, or store managers, understanding the Pep Boys background check process can help you prepare for the hiring experience. This guide covers what to expect, what Pep Boys looks for, and how Checkr can help you stay informed.

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Pep Boys: Company overview

Pep Boys - Manny, Moe & Jack was founded in 1921 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Emanuel "Manny" Rosenfeld, Maurice "Moe" Strauss, W. Graham "Jack" Jackson, and Moe Radavitz (who later sold his share). The company's name and iconic logo reflect its three founding partners.

Over the following century, Pep Boys grew from a single store into a national chain offering automotive parts retail, tire sales, and full-service vehicle repair. In 2016, Icahn Enterprises - led by investor Carl Icahn - acquired Pep Boys for approximately $1 billion. The company now operates under Icahn Automotive Group alongside other automotive service brands.

Today, Pep Boys locations offer a range of services including oil changes, tire installation and rotation, brake repair, battery replacement, and general mechanical service. The company employs workers across a variety of roles, including:

Service technician
Tire technician
Service advisor
Parts specialist
Assistant manager
Store manager

Many of these positions involve operating customer vehicles - moving cars through the service bay, performing test drives after repairs, or transporting vehicles on the lot. Because of the hands-on, safety-sensitive nature of this work, Pep Boys applies standard pre-employment screening practices consistent with the automotive service industry.

Pep Boys background check FAQs

Does Pep Boys do background checks?

Yes. Pep Boys conducts background checks as part of its standard pre-employment process. Background screening is consistent with industry practice for automotive service and retail employers, where employees regularly handle customer vehicles, operate machinery, and work in safety-sensitive environments.

All candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment should expect to complete a background check before their start date is confirmed.

How long can a Pep Boys background check take?

Background check turnaround times vary depending on several factors, including the type of records being searched, the counties or jurisdictions involved, and how quickly courts and agencies respond to record requests. Many background checks are completed within one to three business days. Others - particularly those involving manual court record searches or records from jurisdictions with slower processing - can take longer.

For a detailed breakdown of what affects timelines, see Checkr's guide on how long a background check takes.

If your background check is taking longer than expected, you can check its status through the Candidate Portal.

What can be revealed in a Pep Boys background check?

A standard pre-employment background check for a Pep Boys position may include one or more of the following searches:

SSN trace - Verifies your identity and identifies addresses associated with your Social Security number, which helps determine which jurisdictions to search for records. Learn more about the SSN trace.
Criminal history searches - May include national, county, state, and federal court records.
Sex offender registry search - Checks state and national sex offender registries.
Global watchlist search - Screens against federal and international sanctions lists, terrorist watchlists, and other global watchlists.
Motor vehicle record (MVR) check - Because many Pep Boys roles involve operating customer vehicles - including test drives and moving cars through the service bay - an MVR check is particularly relevant. An MVR search pulls your state DMV record, confirms license status, and identifies any driving violations or suspensions.
Employment verification - Confirms previous job titles and dates of employment.
Education verification - May be included for certain management or specialized roles.

The specific searches conducted may vary by role, location, and applicable state law.

How far back can Pep Boys' background check go?

Under the FCRA, most background check providers are limited in how far back they can report certain types of information for employment purposes. For positions with an annual salary under $75,000, consumer reporting agencies generally cannot report:

Criminal convictions older than 7 years (in states that follow FCRA reporting limits)
Civil judgments, paid tax liens, or accounts placed for collection older than 7 years
Bankruptcies older than 10 years

However, these limits vary by state. Some states apply stricter lookback restrictions than the federal standard, while others follow FCRA guidelines directly. There is no federal lookback limit on criminal convictions for positions above the $75,000 salary threshold.

It is important to note that these are reporting limits - not hiring disqualification rules. Pep Boys' hiring decisions based on criminal history are subject to separate FCRA and EEOC guidelines.

What is the FCRA and how does it protect candidates?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs how consumer reporting agencies collect, use, and share background check information. For job applicants, it provides several key protections:

Consent required - Employers must obtain your written authorization before running a background check.
Pre-adverse action notice - If Pep Boys intends to take an adverse action (such as rescinding an offer) based on your background check, they must provide you with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights before the decision is finalized.
Opportunity to dispute - You have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information in your background check report.
Adverse action notice - After a final adverse action, the employer must notify you and provide information about the reporting agency so you can follow up directly.

For a full overview of the FCRA and how the EEOC's guidelines interact with background check decisions, see Checkr's introduction to the FCRA and EEOC.

Ban-the-box laws in certain states and cities may also limit when Pep Boys can ask about criminal history during the application process. These laws are designed to give candidates with records a fair opportunity to be evaluated on their qualifications before a background check is initiated.

Does Pep Boys drug test?

Yes. Pep Boys conducts pre-employment drug testing as a standard part of its hiring process. This is consistent with common practice in the automotive service industry, where employees regularly work with machinery, lift equipment, hazardous materials, and customer vehicles. Drug testing is a standard requirement for safety-sensitive workplaces of this type.

Candidates should expect a drug screening to be required after receiving a conditional offer. The specific substances tested and the testing method (urine, hair follicle, etc.) may vary by location and role. Candidates with questions about the drug testing process for a specific position should contact the hiring location directly.

What is the Pep Boys hiring process?

The Pep Boys hiring process typically follows these general steps:

Online application - Submit your application through the Pep Boys careers site or a third-party job board. You will provide your work history, availability, and other basic information.
Initial screening - A recruiter or store manager may contact you for a brief phone screen to confirm your qualifications and interest.
Interview - Qualified candidates are typically invited for one or more in-person or phone interviews. For technical roles, the interview may include questions about automotive experience or certifications.
Conditional offer - If selected, you will receive a conditional offer of employment pending successful completion of a background check and drug test.
Background check and drug test - You will receive instructions to authorize the background check (typically through Checkr's Candidate Portal) and complete a drug screening. Most background checks are completed within a few business days.
Final confirmation - Once the background check and drug test results are reviewed, Pep Boys will confirm your start date and onboarding details.

Job requirements vary by role. Service technician positions may require ASE certifications or equivalent automotive experience. A valid driver's license is typically required for roles that involve operating customer vehicles. Pep Boys generally requires applicants to be at least 18 years old for most positions, though some parts and retail roles may be available to candidates 16 or older with applicable restrictions.

Order your own background check

Running a personal background check with Checkr allows you to preview what Pep Boys may see during the hiring process and identify potential inaccuracies before they affect your application. In one secure report you can review:

Criminal history searches: Search databases and registries; SSN trace, sex-offender registry, global watchlists, plus national, county, state, and federal court records.
Motor vehicle records: Search a state's DMV, confirm driver's license status, and identify any driving incidents.

Create your report in minutes at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters, hiring managers, or potential employers.

Are you a candidate with an open background check with Checkr?

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal. Or, visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and to contact support.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.