Check up on licence changes, urges FTA08 June 2015

The Freight Transport Association is urging operators to ensure they know how to check driving licences, as the paper counterpart becomes void from today (8 June).

Endorsements will no longer be recorded on the paper part of the licence and employers will have to check drivers' entitlements using the DVLA's new online Share My Licence service or via a third party checking service.

The driver must first request an access code from DVLA, which remains active for 72 hours. This is then provided to the employer, who can use the online service to check the licence. Alternatively, the driver can call DVLA to grant permission for a check and the employer then uses a premium rate number to do so.

For non-GB licences, checks can only be made on a premium rate line during normal office hours.

"FTA believes this new system will be more cumbersome for employers," says FTA's Ian Gallagher.

"FTA members who employ hundreds, if not thousands of drivers have complained to us that the proposed system adds time to the licence-checking process, forcing many to look for a cost alternative."

The association says that, despite prolonged dialogue, it is disappointed the DVLA has not developed an online system to enable employers to check licences in bulk or to better meet the needs of operators employing non-UK drivers.

FTA offers its own licence checking service for members, run in association with Licence Bureau. For details, call member services on 08717 112222. It has also published a briefing for members on the licence changes: click the link below.

Author
Laura Cork

Related Websites
http://www.fta.co.uk/

Related Companies
Freight Transport Association Ltd

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