By RAM Tracking on 16 May 2023
Checking licences is an important step in recruiting drivers. When you employ an individual who may need to drive on behalf of you or your company, it is mandatory to conduct a DVLA background check. Similarly, third parties with access to corporate vehicles and employees using their personal cars for work-related purposes must also undergo a DVLA check. It is crucial to stay informed about any violations present on their driving license and keep all relevant information up to date.
Failure to conduct DVLA checks may lead to hiring an unreliable or hazardous driver, endangering not only the organisation and the driver but also other individuals on the road. In the event of an accident, if the driver was driving for work purposes and DVLA checks were not conducted, the company may face substantial fines.
The DVLA Driver Check Service is designed to assist companies in verifying the legitimacy of a driver's license and confirming that the driver has the necessary qualifications and entitlements to operate a vehicle. The check shows driving charges, driving limitations, speeding, penalty points, types of vehicles they are allowed to operate and other miscellaneous driving charges. Regardless of whether the candidate will be driving their own vehicle or will have access to a company-owned vehicle, these checks should be carried out whilst they represent your company.
Neglecting to conduct DVLA checks may lead to the recruitment of an unreliable or hazardous driver, jeopardising not only the company and the driver but also other individuals on the road. If the driver is involved in an accident while driving as part of their job, and it is discovered that DVLA checks were not performed, the company may be subject to substantial fines. Furthermore, under the 2007 Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act, employers may be charged with corporate manslaughter or corporate homicide.
If your drivers are convicted of a motoring offence, the courts have the authority to impose fines and "endorse" their driving records with penalty points. These endorsements remain on their driving record for a minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 11 years, depending on the severity of the offence committed.
Therefore, conducting an online driving licence check on your employees is important. By utilising our system for checks, you can obtain a comprehensive record of your drivers' points within the last year. Additionally, you have the option to download a PDF that outlines when they received points, enabling you to monitor the eligibility of your drivers accurately.
It is advised to perform DVLA checks at least once a year to ensure continued compliance and effective auditing. To maintain records, employers are required to retain a signed copy of the driver's licence and the DVLA check results. However, in certain circumstances, more frequent checks may be necessary. For instance, if an employee has penalty points on their driving licence, more frequent checks may be needed to ensure road safety.
RAM Assist can very simply check your employee driver’s licence status by carrying out an automated driving licence check online. Conducting this type of check is growing in significance for companies that have drivers utilising company vehicles for work-related purposes. We provide a seamless and efficient solution to facilitate licence checks, enabling you to determine the eligibility of your drivers to operate on the road.
Using RAM Tracking to check driving licence points supplies your business with features that are vital to keeping you as profitable as possible:
Partnered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) you will never get caught out with out-of-date licences. Use RAM Tracking and check drivers' licence statuses in seconds. We have made it even easier with our online driving licence check, you can carry out the licence check within our fleet/workforce management software RAM Assist.
Conducting DVLA checks on drivers is a crucial step in the recruitment process. It ensures that the individuals employed by your company have valid licenses and necessary qualifications to operate vehicles safely and neglecting these checks not only endangers your organisation and the driver but also puts other road users at risk.
RAM Tracking offers a convenient and efficient solution for performing online driving licence checks. Our system allows you to check the license status and points accrued by your drivers, ensuring you stay informed and compliant. With features like being notified of a driver’s license status and downloading monthly reports, RAM Tracking streamlines the process and helps you maintain accurate records.
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