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Stefan Daunt
Member - 7 posts
I have been carrying out my 6 monthly driving licence checks for the drivers of Company vehicles, but have one individual who is van driver that seems to be dragging his heals on producing it. Despite being asked on several occasions by his line manager to bring it in it has still not materialised. I have spoken to DVLA but they will not release information without the driver being present. What options do we have? suspend him from driving until it is produced? I am sure nothing is untoward, just being a little militant, but don't want a driver who may possibly be banned on the roads. Your opinions please.
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Craig Stuart
Member - 77 posts
Hi Stefan
My opinion is that you have to tread a little carefully but as long as you follow your own internal procedures you should be fine. I would put the request in writing and give him a period of time to produce it. Explain that if it is not forthcoming, then he will be suspended (pending further investigation) as you have to 'assume' on the balance of evidence presented to you (i.e. no driving licence etc) that he is not road legal and therefore cannot carry out his contractural duties.
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James Fairchild
Member - 235 posts
I'm surprised actually that the DVLA won't help you. When I hire a car (and invariably forget my licence) the hire company ring through to DVLA, give my driver licence number, and receive the confirmation over the telephone that I have zero points. If I recall correctly, I don't have to speak or do anything.
In your case, I imagine you are only asking whether the licence is in force or if it has been withdrawn?
Perhaps a quicker way to resolve this issue (if DVLA insist on him saying that it is OK to give the information out) is to have him in your office and call Swansea together on speakerphone?
As you doubtless know, the ramifications for your company (if this guy causes an accident, and is found to be banned) are wide.
Finally, instead of suspending him, can you temporarily put him on other duties? Seems much better to have an extra pair of hands in the warehouse than have a guy at home watching Jeremy Kyle waiting for the disciplinary process to follow through.
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Stefan Daunt
Member - 7 posts
Thanks James, suspesion from driving duties would have been better wording on my part.
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RUSSELL HILL
Member - 33 posts
Ask his permission to check with the DVLA. That may smoke him out. If he has nothing to hide why the heel dragging. Don't forget YOU are responsible for his behaviour on the road. Use the CM act as a reason for your actions
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Rachel Winterbone
Member - 2 posts
Hi, I encounter this problem frequently as I manage bus drivers and bi-yearly carry out licence checks. It is written into their contract that they must comply with this procedure.
If they do not produce a licence, where there is an excuse such as they sent it to the DVLA for change of address, we arrange a meeting with the manager, driver and union representative. We call the DVLA over a speakerphone and ask them to confirm verbally that the person is able to drive PCV vehicles. They are then given 3 weeks in which to produce their licence and if they do not do so are suspended on unpaid leave until they do so. Disciplinary action could follow but thankfully I've never had to take it that far, they normally produce their licence in the 3 week window.
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Colin Welch
Member - 10 posts
I have found a website that provides a service for checking driver licences it can be found at: http://www.drivercheck.co.uk/?gclid=CPqYh4-r05ICFQQF1QodLCI_Hg
Might be of some use.
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Diarmuid Fahy
Member - 16 posts
Checking directly with the DVLA is by far the easiest and most accurate method of licence validation and should be used for ALL drivers. If you use a fleet management company, ask their advice - they should be able to help you put a process in place that will actually remove all your administration too!
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