Health and Safety Services Driving for Work Purposes Policy and Procedures Issue 1 Driving for Work Purposes Issue 1 May 2010
Driving for work purposes Policy and Procedures SECTION A Policy Statement and summary... 3 Driving for work procedural flowchart... 4 SECTION B Responsibilities... 5 SECTION C1 The Driver... 6 Driving on university business... 6 University Drivers... 6 Training for University Drivers... 6 Drivers licence... 7 Licenses for towing... 8 Licenses for other vehicles... 8 Minibus drivers... 8 Eyesight standards... 9 Health surveillance... 9 Convictions / penalty points / disciplinary procedures... 9 Alcohol & drugs (legal/illegal)... 9 SECTION C2 The vehicle... 10 Use of privately owned vehicles for work purposes... 10 Hire cars... 10 Additional equipment in University vehicles... 10 Minibuses... 10 Suitability of university vehicles and hire vehicles... 10 Maintenance and user checks for University and hire vehicles... 11 SECTION C3 The journey... 11 Carriage of passengers / goods... 11 Fatigue and journey planning... 11 Incident reporting... 12 Mobile phones and other devices... 12 Risk assessment... 12 Speed... 12 Smoking policy... 12 Driving abroad... 12 SECTION C4 Sources of further information and good practice guidance... 13 Appendix 1: UNIVERSITY DRIVER RECORD FORM... 14 Appendix 2: MEDICAL CONDITIONS... 18 2
SECTION A Policy Statement and summary Driving has the potential to cause death or serious injury. It is an activity that many staff undertake for work purposes, even if only on an occasional basis. The University of Reading believes that managing risks arising from driving for work is the joint responsibility of the University as employer and its employees. The University has a corporate responsibility to ensure that staff who drive in connection with the business of the University maintain a high standard of driving, in a safe and legal vehicle, and by doing so reduce the risk of death, serious injury or prosecution. Staff and others have a responsibility for their own safety and that of other road users. This policy applies to the use of University vehicles, lease and hire vehicles and private vehicles when used for work purposes. It covers work-related driving on and off campus and between campuses. It does not apply to commuting to and from work. However all employees who drive are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the good practice guidance referenced in this policy. The University will seek to ensure that: all statutory legislation relating to driving, the use of vehicles, and medical fitness to drive is complied with; the requirements of the Highway Code are complied with; best practice in relation to driving standards, journey planning, rest breaks, and restrictions on the use of mobile communication devices such as mobile phones is promoted; adequate resources are made available for the implementation of the policy. Key procedural points are as follows: (i) (ii) Drivers who are designated as University Drivers must complete a Driver Record Form, and submit this with their driving documentation (driving licence, and where appropriate, insurance certificate and MOT) to their manager for verification. NB University Drivers are deemed to be drivers of University owned, leased or hire vehicles; OR who are required to drive (any vehicle, including private cars) by their job description or terms & conditions of contract; OR who frequently drive university students on official trips; OR are under 23 years of age. University Drivers must inform their manager if they are convicted of a driving-related offence or have a medical condition that makes them unfit to drive. (iii) University Drivers must attend driver awareness training, and where appropriate, specialist vehicle training (e.g. for towing, driving agricultural vehicles etc.). (iv) Other casual drivers who use a privately-owned vehicle for work purposes must ensure that they have valid insurance for business use, that the vehicle has a valid tax disc and MOT certificate (where applicable), and that the vehicle is roadworthy. (v) All vehicles owned, leased or hired by the University must be suitable for use, maintained in a roadworthy condition 1, and periodically checked for defects by a School/Directorate/ Unit representative. Road design and layout can affect the risk of a transport-related accident on campus. The University is committed to maintaining road systems on campus in a safe condition and will take account of the safety and needs of all users when designing the road and path infrastructure 2. Professor Christine Williams Chair of Health and Safety Committee Pro Vice Chancellor Date: May 2010 1 Maintenance of University owned and leased vehicles is managed by the University appointed fleet management company (currently Wessex Fleet Solutions). 3
Driving for work procedural flowchart 4
SECTION B Responsibilities 1. Heads of School/Directorate/Units are responsible for implementation of this policy in their areas. Managers are responsible for: a. identifying all persons in their area who meet the criteria to be defined as a 'University Driver 1 ; b. checking that University Drivers are entitled to drive the vehicle being used, covering: valid driving licence fitness to drive roadworthy and suitable vehicle road tax, insurance for business use, and MOT (where applicable) c. ensuring that University Drivers are provided with training, information and supervision as appropriate so that they are able to drive responsibly and safely. d. bringing this policy to the attention of all staff who drive on university business. 2. Procurement Department is responsible for appointing the University s preferred supplier of hire vehicles and fleet management company. 3. The Occupational Health provider will assess drivers for fitness to drive, at the request of a university manager, where required by legislation or in accordance with this policy. 4. Health and Safety Services is responsible for: a. providing guidance to the University on the safe use of vehicles on University business; b. facilitating the provision of training for University Drivers; c. monitoring/auditing the management systems for use of vehicles on University business; d. liaison with enforcement authorities in the event of an accident; e. ensuring that road traffic accidents are investigated, where appropriate. 5. Employees and others who drive for work have a responsibility to co-operate and comply with this policy, and to take reasonable care of themselves and others. In particular all persons who drive on university business must: a. observe the Highway Code and current driving legislation; b. observe the law in relation to alcohol limits, drugs and medical fitness; c. confirm that the vehicle is in a safe condition to drive, by undertaking pre-use safety checks; d. ensure that they have a valid licence for the class of vehicle being driven; e. if driving a privately-owned vehicle, ensure that they have valid insurance for business use, and that the vehicle has a valid tax disc, and MOT certificate where applicable; f. inform their manager if they are involved in a driving or traffic related accident, whilst driving on University business. 6. In addition, University Drivers must: a. attend driver training where this is identified by the University as appropriate to ensure a good level of safety awareness and reduce driving-related risk; b. inform their manager if they: are convicted of a driving-related offence, including penalty points or disqualification; have a medical or other condition that makes them unfit to drive (see Appendix 2). 1 See Section C1 5
SECTION C1 The Driver Driving on university business 7. Driving on university business or in the course of their work duties includes use of a University vehicle, hire vehicle or an employee s own private vehicle. It includes all journeys made in connection with work or on behalf of the University, including, for example, driving to off-campus meetings & conferences, visits to student placements, transportation of students in connection with work or study, and journeys on and between campuses. 8. University business does not include commuting to and from the normal place of work. 9. Staff who use their own vehicles for convenience on a casual basis, in order to undertake some element of their role for the University, but who do not meet the criteria to be defined as a University Driver (see paragraph 10), must comply with the personal responsibilities set out in paragraph 5 above. However the document checks and driver training that apply to University Drivers do not apply to casual drivers. University Drivers 10. The risk to the University and an individual driver may be increased by virtue of the type of vehicle being driven, driving inexperience, and frequency of driving. In other cases, the driver is driving on university insurance. Such drivers are classed as University Drivers. They include: i. Staff who drive University owned or leased vehicles; ii. Staff who drive vehicles hired through a university contract and being driven on university insurance; iii. Staff who are required by their job description or terms and conditions of contract as an integral part of their employment to drive (e.g. maintenance staff, security staff); iv. Staff who frequently drive vehicles with university students as passengers, in connection with official journeys such as fieldwork; v. Staff who are under 23 years of age; vi. Staff who are required to have additional licences, medical approvals or specialist training as set out by the DVLA, HSE or other statutory bodies (e.g. for driving HGVs, minibuses, fork lift trucks, large tractors, vehicles being used for towing etc). 11. Management procedures need to be in place to protect both the University and a University Driver from the potential consequences of a serious road traffic accident. These include: Completion of a Driver Record Form (Appendix 1) by University Drivers and their managers. This includes a basic document check to confirm that the driver is entitled and fit to drive. NB It is recommended that such checks are repeated annually to confirm that the employee has a continuing entitlement to drive. Driver training (except for University Drivers who drive hire cars only on an occasional basis) see section 12 below. Training for University Drivers 12. Training is provided at two levels for University Drivers: (i) Safe Culture Workshop (2 ½ hr) University Drivers must attend (but excluding those who only drive hire cars occasionally, or for whom alternative training would be more appropriate - see Table 1); 6
(ii) Drivers of specialist vehicles (see Table 1). Table 1 University Driver Training Requirements Type of vehicle Passenger car/mpv/4 wheel drive vehicle driven on road 4 wheel drive vehicle driven off road/cross country (in conditions where a high level of driver competence is required to ensure safety) Minibus up to 17 seats (including the driver s seat) Any vehicle towing a trailer or other tow unit e.g. caravan on public roads Agricultural tractor (driven on or off road) Fork lift truck and other lift trucks University Driver Training requirement Safe Culture workshop Plus Consideration to be given to on road driver training if assessed as being at high risk following an RTA or driving penalty NB Attendance not required for staff who occasionally drive hire cars. Must receive training from an experienced and competent University Driver, or an experienced training provider Must attend formal training from an experienced training provider: - Theory session - Practical on-road assessment New/inexperienced drivers must receive formal training from an experienced training provider, covering trailer and towing law and practical exercises. AND On-the-job practice/experience with the vehicle/trailer combination, under the supervision of an experienced driver. New/inexperienced drivers must receive training from an experienced training provider AND On-the-job practice/experience with the tractor and any attachments/ptos etc. under the supervision of an experienced driver. Training in accordance with HSC Code of Practice, RIDER OPERATED LIFT TRUCKS - OPERATOR TRAINING: (i) Basic training (ii) Specific job training (iii) Familiarisation training 13. In addition, consideration should be given to providing on-road driver training to individual drivers who are assessed as being at high risk as indicated by them having a work related traffic accident, an at fault accident when not driving for work, or incurring a driving penalty (e.g. points or a driving ban) for a road traffic offence. If the driver is offered a Speed Awareness workshop by the police or other authorities, this is an acceptable alternative. 14. It is recommended that refresher training is provided at intervals between 3 and 5 years. For forklift truck drivers there is a mandatory requirement for a re-assessment every 3 years, or more frequently if driver performance does not reach an acceptable standard, in accordance with the HSC Code of Practice. 15. Existing staff who have received prior training or who are deemed to be competent by virtue of previous experience may have the training requirements for towing and driving agricultural vehicles waived. Drivers licence 16. Only valid UK Drivers Licences will normally be accepted to drive University and hire vehicles for work purposes. Managers and drivers should note that to be valid the licence must state the driver s current name and address and for photocards to have been issued within the last 10 7
years. Further information on driving licence entitlements is given on the Directgov web site at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/motoring/driverlicensing/whatcanyoudriveandyourobligations/ DG_4022547 17. If a driver holds a licence which was issued abroad, a check should be made with the Insurance Office for further guidance on driving in the UK, and with the Directgov web site http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/motoring/driverlicensing/drivingingbonaforeignlicence/index Licenses for towing 18. Drivers who passed a driving test on or after 1 January 1997 are required to pass an additional DVLA driving test in order to tow trailers with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) greater than 750kg. 19. All drivers who passed a car test before 1 January 1997 retain their existing entitlement to tow trailers until their licence expires. This means they are generally entitled to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8.25 tonnes MAM. They also have an entitlement to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM. 20. Further information on the driving licensing requirements for towing trailers is available on-line on the Directgov web site at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/motoring/driverlicensing/caravanstrailerscommercialvehicles/d G_4022564 Licenses for other vehicles 21. Drivers who passed a car test on or after 1 January 1997 are required to pass an additional DVLA driving test in order to be able to drive Category B+E (motor vehicles with a MAM of up to 3,500 kg and a trailer over 750kg) and all larger vehicles. 22. Drivers of agricultural vehicles may be subject to special licence requirements for driving on public roads. Entitlement to drive on the public road must be checked before driving. Minibus drivers 23. Drivers of University or hired minibuses must: be over 25 years old; have held an unendorsed UK Category D1 car driving licence for 3 years or more; OR comply with paragraph 25 regarding Category B driving licences. attend a driver training theory session outlining the drivers legal responsibilities; pass a practical driving assessment. 24. Drivers who fail the practical assessment must pass a retake before they are permitted to drive minibuses on University business. 25. Holders of a car (Category B) driving licence (or a Category A licence issued before June 1990) may be permitted to drive minibuses, in the UK only, under certain restricted conditions, in accordance with current DVLA regulations: the driver must have held a category B driving licence for at least 2 years; the driver cannot receive any payment or consideration for driving the vehicle other than out-of- pocket expenses; the minibus gross weight must not exceed 3.5 tonnes (4.25 tonnes including any specialised equipment for carriage of disabled passengers). the minibus is being driven for social or educational purposes and the driver is driving under a section 19 permit (small bus permit) which is clearly displayed on the vehicle; 8
Eyesight standards the minibus has no more than 14 passenger seats. 26. All persons who drive on university business must meet the relevant eyesight requirements for the Driving Standards Agency national driving test for the appropriate category of vehicle. University Drivers must inform their Head of School/Department if they do not meet this standard and the advice of Occupational Health must be sought. All drivers are responsible for providing their own spectacles or contact lenses to enable them to meet the legal requirements. Health surveillance 27. Guidance should be sought from the Occupational Health Service if an employee has a medical condition/disability that may affect their ability to drive, or have restrictions placed on their driving by the DVLA, and they are required, or wish to, continue to drive on university business. Convictions / penalty points / disciplinary procedures 28. Employees are responsible for all fines relating to speeding, parking and road traffic act offences that they have committed. If prosecuted for a road traffic offence, employees will be responsible for legal costs, except in exceptional circumstances. 29. University Drivers MUST inform their manager of any road traffic offence and penalties received, regardless of whether or not the offence was committed when driving on University business. 30. Offences, where a reckless disregard for the University Driving for Work Policy is apparent (such as Drink Driving and Reckless or Dangerous Driving) could lead to disciplinary action, including dismissal. Alternative work 31. If a University Driver receives a driving ban or is considered medically unfit for driving, consideration will be given to offering alternative work within the University. Alcohol & drugs (legal/illegal) 32. Employees must not drive whilst under the effects of drugs or alcohol. Guidance will be made available to staff who have an identified substance abuse problem, in accordance with normal University procedures. 9
SECTION C2 The vehicle 33. If a vehicle is not considered roadworthy then it must not be used. Drivers are legally responsible for the roadworthiness of the vehicle once they have taken possession of it. Use of privately owned vehicles for work purposes 34. If an employee uses their own vehicle for work purposes, he or she must ensure that it is roadworthy, is fit for purpose, has a valid road tax and a current MOT certificate where required, and is insured for business use. 35. A declaration of this is required on the Travel Expenses Claim for mileage allowance before payment can be made. These responsibilities remain, regardless of whether or not mileage allowance is claimed. 36. Managers may periodically ask drivers to produce documentary evidence of the above. 37. The University will not pay any costs associated with obtaining car insurance for business use; this is considered to be covered by the payment of the mileage allowance 1. Hire cars 38. Drivers who occasionally use hire cars for work purposes are classed as University Drivers. Where the vehicle is provided through a university supplier, the driver is insured through the University s insurers, not the hire company. Therefore, their entitlement to drive, and medical fitness, must be confirmed by completion of a University Driver Record Form on the first occasion that they hire a vehicle. Subsequent checks are recommended e.g. annually. Additional equipment in University vehicles 39. All University owned or leased vehicles must be equipped with a warning triangle, fire extinguisher, first aid kit and high visibility vest. 40. Where additional equipment is fitted to University vehicles (e.g. satellite navigation), a risk assessment must be conducted to ensure that the equipment does not interfere with the driver s concentration or control of the vehicle. Staff must be advised about safe use of the equipment. Minibuses 41. If a minibus is hired on the business of the University, it MUST display a SECTION 19 MINIBUS PERMIT (also known as a "Small Bus Permit"), obtainable in laminated form from the University's Insurance Office (extn 8309). 42. All minibus passengers must by law wear a seat belt whilst travelling, where seatbelts are fitted this must be brought to the notice of passenger, either verbally or by means of a notice within the vehicle. Suitability of university vehicles and hire vehicles 43. The suitability of all vehicles with regard to passenger/load safety, ease of loading/unloading, weight restrictions, NCAP rating, and driver welfare must be considered when purchasing, leasing or hiring a vehicle for the University. 1 The majority of insurance companies will extend Social, Domestic and Pleasure car insurance to include business use at no cost, if this is requested at the time of annual renewal. 10
Maintenance and user checks for University and hire vehicles 44. University-owned and leased vehicles are maintained by a fleet management company which is responsible for servicing, maintenance and repairs. 45. Pre-use checks(walk-rounds) must be carried out by drivers of all vehicles driven on university business. Hire vehicles must be checked on collection/delivery and any faults must be notified to the hiring organisation immediately. 46. Regular checks of university vehicles must be carried out and recorded - a vehicle safety checklist is available on the Health and Safety Services web site. Fortnightly checks are recommended. Any defects must be reported immediately to the relevant manager. Managers must monitor to ensure that checklists are completed and that any defects found are rectified promptly. SECTION C3 The journey Carriage of passengers / goods 47. All goods being carried must be securely restrained in and on the vehicle. The vehicles must be suitable for the load being carried (e.g. weight; hazardous substances). 48. Equipment/loads which could cause injury to passengers in the event of sudden braking, collision, or other incident must not be carried in the passenger compartment. Passengers must not be carried in the load areas of vans or in other vehicles which are not designed to carry passengers e.g. tractors. 49. Where dangerous goods are carried 1, the School/Directorate must ensure that the requirements of the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2007 2 are met. This may require them to obtain specialist advice consult Health and Safety Services in the first instance. Towing and loading 50. Drivers are responsible for ensuring that vehicles are not overloaded. Managers are responsible for ensuring that drivers are made aware of any load limits that apply to particular vehicles, including cars, vans, minibuses and trailers, and for ensuring that any necessary load checks are carried out. Fatigue and journey planning 51. Statutory minimum breaks / rest periods must be taken. Driving at work counts towards the working time limits set out in the Working Time Regulations. Managers must take all reasonable steps to ensure that drivers are not required to work more than an average of 48 hours a week, including time spent driving for work (but excluding home-to-work travel). 52. In a limited number of cases, the UK regulations on drivers hours when driving passenger vehicles (primarily minibuses) and goods vehicles may also apply. The Business Link web site (Transport and Logistics Drivers Hours) should be consulted if drivers are regularly driving more than 10 hours per day. 1 Dangerous goods include explosives; gases; flammable liquids and solids; oxidising substances; toxic substances; radioactive material; corrosive substances; miscellaneous dangerous goods. 2 Further information on the transport of gas cylinders is given in Safety Guide 46 Part 2. 11
53. Journeys should be planned to allow sufficient time, thus avoiding any temptation to speed, and where appropriate to allow for adverse weather and traffic conditions. 54. Adequate allowance will be made for overnight accommodation where journeys cannot be completed within the working day. Incident reporting 55. Anyone driving for or on behalf of the University must report all work-related accidents and incidents, including damage only, to their manager and if necessary to Health and Safety Services and the Insurance Office. A copy of the Driving Incident Recording Sheet (available on Health and Safety Services web site) should be kept in all University vehicles and should be used in the event of any incident. Mobile phones and other devices 56. Mobile phones ( hands held and hands free ) and two-way radios must not be used when driving, except except to call 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop. 57. Mobile phones may be left switched on in a vehicle in use but only to alert the driver that a message has been received. Drivers must stop in a safe location to collect any messages and respond. If a driver needs to be contacted, staff must leave a brief message asking the driver to call back. Risk assessment Speed 58. A generic assessment of driving for work purposes has been undertaken and is available on Health and Safety Services web site. Where this assessment does not fully cover the risks of a specific journey or driving activities, a specific risk assessment must be conducted. 59. The University considers breaking speed limits to be unacceptable. Any drivers found habitually using inappropriate speed whilst driving for work purposes may face disciplinary action. Drivers must obey the campus speed limit of 20 m.p.h (or 10 m.p.h. where signed). Smoking policy 60. Smoking is prohibited in all University vehicles or any vehicle being used on University business, except where it is a private vehicle being driven by the owner, with no passengers. Driving abroad 61. Drivers must make themselves aware of, and comply with: the national driving laws that apply licence requirements insurance requirements vehicle requirements, including any requirement for additional equipment and tachographs drivers hours 62. Custom, practice and driving standards abroad may be very different to the UK. Where it is safer to use alternative means of travel, this will be supported. 12
SECTION C4 Sources of further information and good practice guidance 63. The Highway Code forms part of road traffic legislation in the England, Scotland and Wales. It is essential reading for everyone and must be complied with. Directgov: The Highway Code on-line http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/travelandtransport/highwaycode/index.htm 64. The Directgov web site has essential information on the law relating to driving, some of which is not covered by this policy e.g. child car seats. Medical Rules/Guidance for driving http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/motoring/driverlicensing/medicalrulesfordrivers/index.ht m) General motoring: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/motoring/index.htm Child car seats: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/parents/yourchildshealthandsafety/roadandtravelsafety/d G_10037077 65. The following web sites and publications provide useful safe driving guidance for all drivers. All persons who drive on university business are encouraged to familiarise themselves with this guidance. RoSPA Road Safety http://www.rospa.com/roadsafety/index.htm Department for Transport Think Road Safety campaign http://www.dft.gov.uk/think/?whoareyou_id= Brake (road safety charity) http://www.brake.org.uk/ Institute of Advanced Motorists How to be a better driver - ISBN 978-0-9562239-0-6, Published by Institute of Advanced Motorists. The AA motoring advice: http://www.theaa.com/motoring-advice/index.jsp Driving for Better Business: http://www.drivingforbetterbusiness.com/ Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook. Published by the Police Foundation. 66. The following university forms are available on Health and Safety Services web site at http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/health-and-safety/resources/hs-resources-forms.aspx University Driver Record Form Vehicle Safety Checklist Driving Incident Record Sheet University Vehicle Insurance Information Generic Driving Assessment 13
Appendix 1: UNIVERSITY DRIVER RECORD FORM PART 1A: To be completed by the Licence Holder Driver s full name Date of Birth.. /.. /.. Note: This form should only be completed for University Drivers i.e. employees who: drive University owned, leased or hire vehicles; OR are required to drive by their job description or terms & conditions of contract, as an integral part of their employment; OR frequently drive university students on official trips; OR are under 23 years of age. Forms do not need to be completed for employees who use their own vehicles for convenience on a casual basis, in order to undertake some element of their role for the University, and who do not meet the conditions set out above. DRIVER ASSESSMENT Yes No 1. Do you/will you drive University owned or leased vehicles? 2. Are you required by your job description or contract of employment to drive as an integral part of your employment? 3. Do you frequently drive university students on official journeys e.g. field work? 4. Are you under 23 years of age? If the answer to any of Qu. 1 4 above is YES, the driver must attend a Safe Culture workshop. 5. Do you/ will you be driving minibuses, 4 wheel drive vehicles off road, fork lift trucks or other special vehicles? If YES, the driver may be required to attend special training see Table 1 of the ORR policy document. 6. Do you have more than 6 penalty points currently in force, and have answered YES to any of Qu. 1 5? 7. Have you had a road traffic accident when driving on University business, or an at fault accident when not driving for work, within the last year? If the answer to Qu. 6 or 7 is YES, the driver may be required to attend on-road driver training or other enhanced driver awareness training consult Health and Safety Services for advice. 8. Do you drive hire cars supplied through the university preferred suppliers and which are driven on university insurance? MEDICAL HISTORY Yes No 9. Do you have any medical condition/disability that may affect your ability to drive? (See ORR Policy Appendix 2) 10. Have you been prohibited from driving due to a medical condition? 11. Have any driving conditions been placed on you by the DVLA? 12. Are you taking any medication that may affect your driving? 13. Do you have any eyesight defects that cannot be corrected with the aid of glasses or contact lenses? IF THE ANSWER IS YES TO ANY OF Q9 13 THE MANAGER SHOULD SEEK ADVICE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE I declare that the information provided for the completion of this form is, to the best of my knowledge correct. I will immediately inform my Line Manager of any changes to the information provided and I am aware that a failure to do so may result in disciplinary action against me. Signed (Licence Holder) Date: 14
PART 1 B: To be completed by Manager DRIVERS LICENCE AND VEHICLE DOCUMENT CHECK (Guidance is available on the Directgov web site at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/motoring/driverlicensing/index.htm. Ask to see the driver s original documentation). It is recommended that driving licences, and MOT Certificates and insurance certificates for vehicles where relevant, are checked annually. For nominated drivers of University owned or leased vehicles, the University fleet management company (Wessex Fleet Solutions) offers a licence checking service. as appropriate. Yes No 14. Is the licence produced the original and not a photocopy? 15. Is the Basic style of print consistent for all of the driver s details? 16. Is the Serial Number and DVLA watermark repeated throughout the document? 17. Is the licence signed in ink by the licence holder? 18. Are the name and address details correct? 19. Do the photocard and paper counterpart details match (if applicable)? 20. Is the photo current (taken within the last 10 years?) 21. Is the category of licence appropriate for the vehicle to be driven? 22. Note driver number (only if required to have a licence validation check) - - Issue N o 23. Endorsements: note total of penalty points currently in force. 24. Note category of licence (see Table 2 below) 25. Are you satisfied that the driving licence is valid? IF THE ANSWER IS NO TO ANY OF QUESTIONS 14-25 THE MANAGER SHOULD SEEK ADVICE FROM HEALTH AND SAFETY SERVICES PRIVATE VEHICLES USED FOR WORK PURPOSES (if applicable) 26. Is the MOT certificate valid (where appropriate)? 27. Is the insurance certificate, including business use, valid? IF THE ANSWER TO QUESTIONS 26-27 IS NO, THE DRIVER MUST NOT USE THEIR PERSONAL VEHICLE FOR WORK. DRIVER RECORD 28. Has a Safe Culture Workshop been attended (mandatory for University Drivers except occasional users of hire cars, or where alternative training is more appropriate e.g. minibuses, special vehicles). N/A Date completed. 29. Is on-road driver training required (High Risk only, consult Health & Safety Services)? Date completed. 30. Is further or special training required? (Towing, carriage of dangerous goods, fork lift truck, tractor driving, minibuses etc.) Type. Date completed. 31. Is advice required from Occupational Health? Specific requirements or restrictions. 15
Signed: (Manager/Administrator) : Name: Date: School/Directorate: Date Reviewed Review Comments Signed 16
Table 2 Basic categories of vehicles for which the licence is valid NB Full descriptions are given on the Directgov motoring web site, including more information on subcategories/combinations, and categories of entitlement for drivers who passed their test before 1 January 1997. For ease of reference, the pre-1997 categories (groups) for car and minibus drivers only, are shown below. Category of vehicle A Motorcycles B Cars or light vans C Medium and large vehicles D Minibuses and buses Sub-category Description Licence issued Jan 1976 Jan 1986 Jan 1986 Jun 1990 A1 Light motorcycles with an engine size of up to 125 cc Medium-sized motorcycles up to 25 A kw (33 bhp); motorcycles with sidecars Motor tricycles, quadricycles and B1 three or four wheeled vehicles with an unladen weight no more than 550 kg B NB auto denotes automatic transmission C1 C D1 D Motor vehicles with a MAM of up to 3,500 kg, no more than eight passenger seats, with or without a trailer - weighing no more than 750 kg; or with a trailer weighing more than 750 kg. The total weight of the vehicle and the trailer together cannot weigh more than 3,500 kg. Vehicles weighing between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg, with or without a trailer weighing no more than 750 kg Vehicles over 3,500 kg, with a trailer up to 750 kg Vehicles with a minimum of nine and a maximum of 16 passenger seats, with or without a trailer weighing no more than 750 kg Any bus with more than eight passenger seats, with a trailer up to 750 kg A (or B for automatic vehicles only) A (or B for automatic vehicles only) Jun 1990 Dec 1996 A A C1 A (not allowed to drive for hire or reward) A (not allowed to drive for hire or reward) B C D1 E F K B+E C1+E C+E D1+E Denotes the entitlement as above, plus the entitlement to tow a trailer over 750kg Agricultural tractors Mowing machine or vehicle controlled by a pedestrian 17
Appendix 2: MEDICAL CONDITIONS Those who suffer from a medical condition likely to cause a sudden disabling event at the wheel or who are unable to safely control their vehicle from any other cause, should not drive. Full guidance is available from At a Glance Guide to Medical Standards of Fitness to Drive published by the DVLA, and available at http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/medical/ataglance.aspx. The information below summarises the more common conditions only. If any of the following conditions apply to a University Driver, they must be assessed by Occupational Health. Depending on the Occupational Health assessment, the driver should be advised to notify DVLA of a medical condition. The University may withdraw authorisation to drive on university business. Neurological conditions, including Epilepsy Loss of consciousness, fits, blackouts Multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Parkinson s) Stroke Brain surgery, brain tumour, severe head injury, haemorrhage Serious memory problems, episodes of confusion or cognitive impairment Psychiatric conditions Dependence on or misuse of alcohol and drugs Vision problems Any visual condition which affects both eyes (not including short or long sight or colour blindness) or complete loss of vision in one eye Diabetes Heart conditions Angina (heart pain) Implanted pacemaker, defibrillator or other implants Disturbance of heart rhythm that causes dizziness, collapse or loss of consciousness Any other cardiovascular disease, including hypertension if side effects from medication interfere with driving Respiratory and sleep disorders Conditions that cause excessive daytime or awake time sleepiness, giddiness, fainting or loss of consciousness Cancer If the illness or medication affects the nervous system, prevents normal daily activities, or causes side effects likely to affect safe driving 18