Why check
Employers must not let someone drive for work without the right licence. Checks also pick up endorsements and expiry that you would otherwise miss.
How checks work
- The driver gives consent.
- The driver generates a check code through the DVLA online service, which lasts a short time.
- You use the code and the last 8 characters of their licence number to view their record.
- You record the date, the result and who checked.
How often
Often on hire, and then regularly. How often depends on risk. A driver with endorsements may need checking more often than one with a clean licence. Many fleets set a routine, for example every few months.
What to record
Date, driver, categories held, points and any restriction, and any action taken. Handle this data carefully, because it is personal data.
Different from the daily check
Licence checks cover the person. Walkaround checks cover the vehicle. Both are part of managing driving for work. Our driver notice explains the personal data Kovi records.
General information for Great Britain, not legal advice. Rules change, so check GOV.UK and DVSA for the latest. Northern Ireland has its own rules.