The importance of undertaking Drivers licence checks.

Operators are required by law to implement a robust system for verifying the validity of driver licenses and related documents. Relying solely on drivers to monitor their own license status is insufficient. A structured process for conducting and documenting license checks is essential.

Key Considerations for Establishing a License-Checking System

1. Risk-Based Checking Frequency

Drivers should be classified based on their risk profile, considering factors such as penalty points, driving history, and document expiry dates:

Low-Risk Drivers: Those with no penalty points and documents valid for more than six months. Quarterly checks may be sufficient for this category.

High-Risk Drivers: Those with six or more penalty points or documents set to expire within six months. Monthly checks are recommended for these drivers.

2. Scope of Checks

License checks should extend beyond HGV and PSV drivers to include anyone operating a vehicle for business purposes, such as:

Transport managers

Company directors

Company car drivers

Grey fleet drivers (employees using personal vehicles for work)

Comprehensive checks help prevent costly oversights and ensure fleet safety.

3. Record Keeping

Maintaining detailed and accurate records of all license checks is critical. These records:

Demonstrate compliance with legal requirements.

Provide valuable insights into driver behavior and risk trends.

For instance, a recurring pattern of penalty points within the fleet may signal the need for targeted interventions, such as additional training or closer monitoring, to mitigate potential risks.

By implementing these practices, operators can uphold legal standards, enhance fleet safety, and proactively address potential issues.