Fleet Risk Consultants

Whilst I was at a recent meeting we had a discussion about how to deal with drivers who hold a non-UK driving licence and more particularly drivers from within the European Union.

Managing your ‘duty of care’ can be tricky with European drivers as it is illegal to discriminate against them by having different rules for non-UK employees. Just because a licence is written in a different language does not mean you cannot accept its validity. But you will need to consider driving licences as part of your management process to avoid prosecution under Corporate Manslaughter Legislation.

However if you have employees from outside the European Union then the rules are different as for most of those employees they can only drive in the UK for a period of 12 months from date of entry into the UK. This does include the USA, so if you are employing people from the USA and they are driving and they are here for more than 12 months then they will need to take and pass a UK driving test if they wish to continue driving in the UK.

This is particularly important if you are engaging people on contracts for longer than 12 months as you can plan their test in good time.

Take for example a Football Club which signs a player from South America on a 3 year contract. One year from his date of entry to the UK he will need to sit a UK driving test to continue driving. The club has a duty to notify the player and also ensure he takes the test and prevents him driving if he does not have a licence. Also if he is given a sponsored vehicle to drive it gets a whole lot more complicated.

If drivers with a European driving licence need to undertake any testing for either a Taxi licence or to allow them to tow trailers then they will need to have a paper counterpart issued by the DVLA.

This is a very simplistic explanation and individual cases can vary, but if you need any specific advice then you can call the team on 01623 675833.

Nigel Grainger

Senior Consultant
Fleet Risk Consultants

Having spent a significant time driving in the early hours recently, or at least before the sun has emerged from its slumber, I have noticed an increasing number of vehicles driving without lights or with defective lights.

Now defective lights are an obvious defect, but it usually means that the driver has got other defects too. This means that the Police may feel the need to have a very good look at your vehicle.

So spend a little time doing the following, oh and make sure your staff are doing this as it could cause you as a business owner some issues too.

Tyres – You need to check the tread depth, tyre pressure (you may need the handbook for this bit) and the general condition of the tyre. I recommend that you have no less than 2mm of tread on your tyres. You should check your tyres every month.

Lights – Take the time to check all of your lights on your vehicle. You should also invest in a spare bulb set too. Remember that your lights are there to ensure you are seen rather than to see where you are going in most cases. You should check your lights every week.

Oil – You should check your oil weekly.

Water – You should also make sure that the water levels are correct.

Screen wash – You should maintain the strength of your screen wash and remember an empty screenwash bottle is an offence.

Wipers – If your wipers are not clearing the screen you are putting yourself in danger and the worst part is you won’t see the danger coming.

If you are unsure then contact a professional for advice.

Nigel Grainger
Senior Consultant

Fleet Risk Consultants

Now defective lights are an obvious defect, but it usually means that the driver has got other defects too. So spend a little time doing the following, oh and make sure your staff are doing this as it could cause you as a business owner some issues too.

Tyres – You need to check the tread depth, tyre pressure (you may need the handbook for this bit) and the general condition of the tyre. I recommend that you have no less than 2mm of tread on your tyres. You should check your tyres every month.

Lights – Take the time to check all of your lights on your vehicle. You should also invest in a spare bulb set too. Remember that your lights are there to ensure you are seen rather than to see where you are going in most cases. You should check your lights every week.

Oil – You should check your oil weekly.

Water – You should also make sure that the water levels are correct.

Screen wash – You should maintain the strength of your screen wash and remember an empty screenwash bottle is an offence.

Wipers – If your wipers are not clearing the screen you are putting yourself in danger and the worst part is you won’t see the danger coming.

Number Plates – Your number plates must, by law, be legible this means keeping them clean. You can be given a fixed penalty notice if they are covered in muck.

Whilst I am talkign about dirt, i reccommend that you carry a pack of baby wipes in your vehicle. Not only can you clean your hands with them, you can use them to clean you lights, number plates, indicators adn reflective parts of your vehicle.

If you are unsure then contact a professional for advice.

Nigel Grainger
Senior Consultant

Fleet Risk Consultants