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In their 2018-19 Annual Report, the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain highlighted the importance of managing professional drivers. Driver management can be a challenging job, but that's no excuse for non-compliance.
Operators must take the duty of making diligent checks seriously. This includes regularly examining a driver’s licence, ensuring that the driver has a valid in-date driver's digicard and ensuring their drivers' CPC qualifications are current .
You must not leave this responsibility to the drivers. These checks are particularly important at the start of a period of employment and are equally applicable to agency drivers.
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One issue highlighted in the annual report is that some operators do not even undertake an initial driver's licence check. They instead assume that previous experience means they have the right licence and training.
It is vital that the necessary checks are made upfront to ensure complaint operations, failing to do this is dangerous and neglectful.
When it comes to training, it is also your responsibility, as an operator, to ensure your drivers meet the required standards. The consequences of not doing so can be severe.
Every driver on your books should have an individual "driver's file" containing:
• proof of regular online driving licence, CPC and digicard checks
• training records
• working time directive reports and any opt-out
• tachograph infringement reports
• driver assessments
• disciplinary records
• any other certificates or licences, such as ADR or DBS
You can check a driver's licence for points and penalties and check a driver has the correct training and licence to drive a bus, coach or lorry.
This guidance on using or employing drivers may also contain useful information for you.
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