We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Car website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookies at any time
The start point for the best source of fleet information |
I'm hoping it's a sign of my law-abiding status rather than just basic naivety that meant I was amazed to discover that drivers previously had a year to send off their driving licence in order to have penalty points added after an offence.
I know the wheels of authority can turn slowly, but not having to surrender a licence for the addition of blemishes for 12 months is beyond excessive, and has historically left fleets hideously exposed if their only licence-checking policy was a visual approach as opposed to properly examining a licence's validity with the DVLA.
So it's nice that a Government move is actually helpful for a change, and a licence will be officially revoked by the DVLA if not surrendered within 28 days. Licence-checking is a serious business, especially as anyone who has picked up a driving ban will be desperate to hide it for fear of losing their job. Law-abiding drivers will now ensure points are added to licences quickly, making the pieces of paper they are producing for checks more likely to be up-to-date.
But, as with everything, there is now a new danger that accompanies the change. If a firm has a disciplinary policy once a driver reaches nine or even six points, those looking to hide their misdemeanors could be handing over a licence that, rather than just needing points added, has actually been revoked. Proper DVLA checks are the only safeguard.
Follow BusinessCar on TWITTER
BusinessCar magazine ©2019
Business Car Magazine © 2020 | Business Car is part of NS Media Group.
