Operator Licensing - How to comply

Ensure that:-

Every driver you employ is legally entitled to drive the type and size of vehicle you operate; ALWAYS adheres to the drivers' hours regulations; carries out regular and meaningful walk round checks on the vehicle they are assigned to and that they ensure that any defects found are reported immediately and recorded.

Every vehicle you have specified on your operators licence (as well as those on the fleet that are not - i.e. vans) are ALWAYS fully compliant with all the requirements of safe operating of commercial vehicles.  Make sure that you and everyone you employ to look after your trucks has a copy of the latest VOSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness and they have read it and understand it.

Any company you use to carry out maintenance and inspection on your vehicles does a good job!  Sounds obvious, but do you check the written reports they give you back (?) and do you personally make sure that what they 'allege ' they have done has actually been done?

NEVER EVER FORGET ..............

It's your money and more importantly, it's your licence!

A third party provider does not have any worries regarding compliance............ you do!

You may have bought a brand new truck off a very reputable dealer representing one of the established manufacturers and they have 'promised the Earth' to get you to buy their truck........... but always remember the only person the Traffic Commissioner will take action against if things go wrong is ......................... YOU!!!

How to comply:

Train your drivers when they first come to work for you and continue to train them throughout their employment.

Keep your fleet maintained to the highest levels and keep a record of every single defect, rectification, repair and the fitting of new parts that is carried out.

YOUR OPERATOR'S LICENCE IS INVALUABLE ............. LOOK AFTER IT.