Licence Bureau has issued its top tips for fleet operators employing non-GB licence holders, as it warns fleets to have a robust process and procedure in place for checks.

Licence Bureau says a foreign driver familiarisation course should be a minimum requirement

The business says fleet operators should be focused on ensuring they fully understand non-GB licence holders’ status and follow a systematic process of determining all necessary information prior to employment.

Licence Bureau’s top tips for non-GB licence holders cover:

• Education and training is vital for the individual. Ensure all drivers are aware of your fleet policy and the obligations placed on them. For example, are they aware of your policy on health and distractions whilst driving?
• A foreign driver familiarisation course should be a minimum requirement prior to any non-GB licence holder taking to the roads; subject areas such as road classification, speed limits, driving and the law, and driving etiquette are essential.
• Ensure your processes and systems generate auto alerts and emails for non-GB licence holders. As a minimum you require alerts on expired licences, drivers with convictions, invalid licences, declaration expired etc.
• Work in partnership with a compliance provider that offers a rigorous licence checking process, ideally supported by an online compliance management system.
• If your business employs commercial vehicle drivers (for example, heavy goods vehicles), request that the driver exchanges for a GB licence. If you encounter resistance, it might be well worth the business considering covering the costs.

Richard Turner, business development manager at Licence Bureau, said: “By law, companies have a Duty of Care to manage occupational road risk. Ensuring a robust process and procedure is in place allows for periodical automatic checks of driver licences and assists with the identification and management of any risk identified.”

For more information on the entitlement of non-GB licence holders, visit: https://www.gov.uk/driving-nongb-licence