Driver selection / vetting

Normally, vehicle fleet users fall into two types.

1. Company cars drivers, for whom driving is not the main task.
2. LGV and LCV fleet vehicles drivers for whom driving is the main task.

Naturally, you will wish to pay close attention to the driving skills of professional drivers, as these are most likely to have an impact on your overall fleet costs: not just in insurance terms but in vehicle wear and tear and fuel consumption. However, attention should also be paid to the skills and attitude of car drivers.

The following checklist identifies the steps to recruiting or selecting a driver. These steps should be taken in conjunction with the completion of a Vehicle driving application form.

• Complete medical or questionnaire and eyesight test
• For commercial drivers over 45, check that they have a current medical certificate
• Check driving licence is valid for the vehicle type to be driven
• Check endorsements
• Check length of driving experience with licence held
• If in doubt drivers licences can be validated using this service: driver licence checking
• Collect claims/accident history from previous employer
• Obtain references
• A useful link to help managers with licence checking can be found here