Driving Licence Checks - Critical Safety Net

The Hidden Risk 

Despite strict driving regulations in the UK, a surprising number of motorists continue to drive with excessive points on their licenses. A recent DVLA report revealed that 10,056 drivers are currently on the road with more than 12 points, a threshold that typically leads to a driving ban. Fifty three people have at least 30 points while one driver has 176 penalty points. 

Points are issued for driving offences, such as driving without due care ad attention (three to nine points), speeding (three to six points), and drink-driving (three to 11 points). Drivers who receive 12 or more points within three years are usually banned for six months. 

Points expire but can remain on a licence for up to 11 years and give an indication of the risk profile of a driver.  

The Impact on Businesses 

Many drivers would not inform their employers of new penalty points  and employing drivers with numerous points poses risks to the business: 

• Increased insurance premiums: A higher number of points can lead to increased insurance costs. 
• Loss of drivers: Drivers with excessive points may lose their licenses, causing operational disruptions. 
• Damage to reputation: A company associated with drivers with penalty points and bad driving habits can suffer reputational damage. 

If a driver is able to convince a court that losing their license would cause exceptional hardship to their work or family they can avoid a ban that would be the usual penalty for serious offences. Employers may be unknowingly hiring drivers who could have been banned but escaped due to the hardship plea.  

The Solution: Proactive Driver License Checks with the DVLA 

To mitigate these risks, businesses should implement regular driving licence checks. Descartes SmartLicence automates this process by conducting regular checks with the DVLA based on the risk profile of a driver. The more points the more frequent the checks.  

• Deal with potential issues early: Identify drivers with excessive points for training or targeted help. 
• Mitigate risks: Reduce the likelihood of accidents, fines, and insurance claims. 
• Maintain compliance: Ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. 
• Protect your business reputation: Avoid negative publicity associated with reckless driving. 

The Benefits of Automation 

Descartes SmartLicence simplifies the driver license checking process by: 

• Automating checks: Regularly and automatically checking driver licenses. 
• Providing real-time alerts: Notifying you of any changes or issues. 
• Generating detailed reports: Providing insights into potential risks. 

All employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that their drivers hold a valid licence and are entitled to drive.  

The Traffic Commissioners now recommend driving licence checks every 3 months in their statutory guidance document for Transport Managers and checks should be made more frequently for drivers with more than 3 points. The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) will also mandate licence checks every 3 months from January 2025.  

Don't let potential driving licence issues jeopardise your business.

Contact us today to learn more about Descartes SmartLicence. 

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