Are you sure that all your employees who drive vehicles for your business are licenced to do so?  How do you know for certain?

A considerable number of businesses and those responsible for the operation of a company vehicle or fleet are not checking that staff who drive for business purposes have a valid licence to drive.  Not only is it illegal to drive a vehicle without a valid licence but it can also affect the insurance on the vehicle so it is therefore wise to carry out an annual check of driving licences.   This article gives you help and guidance on driving licence checking to ensure risk management procedures are established and enforced.

Types of Driving Licence:

  1. Provisional
  2. Full
  3. Visitor’s Driving Permit
  4. International Driving Permit

For more information visit the DVLA website

Annual Licence checking procedure:

  • For commercial drivers over 45, check that they have a current medical certificate
  • Check driving licence and ensure licence is valid for vehicle type to be driven
  • If driver has a photocard licence, check that it is still valid (see below)
  • Check endorsements
  • Check length of driving experience with licence held
  • Take a copy of the licence
  • Create a database e.g. a spreadsheet to record licence number, expiry date, date of check, convictions noted etc.
  • Notify insurer of conviction details

Since July 1998, UK Driving Licences have been issued in two parts – A photocard (which includes basic details such as entitlement to drive) and a paper counterpart (containing additional details such as endorsements). These licences are issued for periods up to 10 years but must be renewed to remain valid.

Between 1976 and 1985 the Driving Licence was paper with a green background. From 1986 until the introduction of photocard licences, it was paper with a pink background.

In addition to a valid Driving Licence, all bus, coach and lorry drivers require a Driver CPC (Driver Certificate of Professional Competence).

If in doubt or where the driver may be transporting valuable or attractive loads etc., check the licence with the DVLA and have a police check carried out.

Employees using their own vehicle

Employees using their own vehicle on company business should annually confirm they have a valid driving licence, motor insurance which includes business use, an up-to-date MOT certificate and a regular service to the manufacturer’s specification.

How to Validate a Driver’s Licence

If you wish to do more than take a copy of the licence the DVLA offers two services:

  1. If you do not require anything in writing and will accept verbal confirmation of the validation, the driver can telephone the DVLA contact centre on 0300 790 6801 and leave permission for their details to released. The company can then telephone the DVLA premium rate line (49p a minute) which is 0906 139 3837 to obtain the information. This service is available from 08.00 am – 8.30 pm Monday to Friday & 08.00 am – 5.30 pm on Saturday.
  2. Companies are also able to open an account with DVLA Data Subject Enquiries section (the account will need to stay in credit). If this is your preferred option you will need to fax or post a signed mandate form from the driver before details can be released.

Please contact us for more information.

Source – Aviva PLC