If you’re looking to check an employee’s driving licence for points or their driving eligibility, there are primarily two approaches.
The first is using the Gov.uk website; however, this method can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with several drivers’ licences.
Alternatively, you can use FleetCheck LicenceAssured, either as a standalone service or integrated with the FleetCheck fleet management software.
Below, we will cover both the advantages and drawbacks of both methods for checking your employees’ licences, helping you determine the most suitable choice for your business:
DVLA Online Licence Checks
Using the DVLA’s service via Gov.uk, you can access an individual’s driving licence data – but not without their help.
Generating a Check Code
The driver will need to put their licence number, National Insurance number, and their postcode into a form to receive a ‘check code’.
This code, which is displayed on-screen, is case-sensitive, valid for 21 days, and single-use only.
Using a Driver’s Check Code
Once you receive a Check Code, you enter it on the Gov.uk “Check a driving licence” page.
This will reveal the driver’s licence status, endorsements, and vehicle entitlements.
As you can tell, there is some back and forth here and it’s not easy to keep on top of an ever-growing fleet.
Checking Licences with FleetCheck LicenceAssured
Here at FleetCheck, we recognised the need for fleet managers to efficiently check drivers’ licences, particularly in bulk.
We created FleetCheck LicenceAssured as a time-saving, cost-effective solution compared to the Gov.uk method.
FleetCheck LicenceAssured streamlines the process with features like automatic reminders, bulk licence checks, and GDPR-compliant data storage.
Instead of individual codes, all you need as a fleet manager is written consent from your employees.
This consent is valid for up to 3 years and enables you to quickly check licences and driving eligibility whenever you want.
Why FleetCheck LicenceAssured Is Optimal for Licence Checks
While using the Gov.uk method is OK for occasional individual checks, FleetCheck LicenceAssured is more efficient for regular or multiple checks.
With a one-time consent from drivers, valid for three years, it simplifies the process.
The system allows setting reminders for frequent checks, which is useful for high-risk drivers, and fits various business models.
You have to keep in mind that many employees will not inform their fleet manager about changes in their licence status or additional points.
Driving without a valid licence is illegal, voids insurance, and can lead to criminal charges in case of an accident.
For company vehicle drivers, we’re sure we don’t need to tell you how serious a risk this poses for your business.
If you don’t currently have a robust licencing checking system in place, FleetCheck LicenceAssured is the best solution.