Ask the MAC

Frequent driver program

Q. What is the current standard frequency for driver licence checks for commercial operators?

A. The Traffic Commissioners recommend every three months in their statutory guidance document on Transport Managers. If the frequency was less than this and there was an issue, it would be queried as to why this was the case and what measures were in place. DVSA also audit to this frequency so while there is nothing in legislation, it may be marked unsatisfactory during an audit. Operators may implement a risk-based approach, for example, more frequent checks for drivers with any endorsements.

To scrap or not to scrap...

Q. Are you aware of any exemptions or guidance that would legally allow us to move a goods vehicle that doesn’t have a valid annual test certificate, to be driven on the highway directly to a place where it will be scrapped?

A. Our 2024 yearbook of road transport law, based on Section 44(1)(b)(ii) of the Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) Regulations 1988 states: A valid test certificate is not required for a vehicle going to a test by prior appointment or going to a place where defects found during a test are to be remedied, or to a place where the vehicle is to be broken up.

Published On: 18/07/2024 16:00:00