Managing Driver Risk in Driving for Work

Effective management of driving for work starts with the driver. Before anyone is permitted to drive on behalf of an organisation, managers must ensure they are legally eligible, competent and fit to drive.

Driver Licence Checks

One of the most fundamental controls is driver licence checking.

• Visual checks alone are not sufficient
• Licence validity must be verified through a reliable system
• Check entitlements and penalty points regularly
• Take action if risk thresholds are exceeded

Fitness to Drive

Drivers must be physically and medically fit to drive.

• Declare relevant medical conditions
• Notify conditions that must be reported to the DVLA
• Consider the effects of medication on driving ability

Drugs and Alcohol

Drugs and alcohol present a significant risk in driving for work.

• Includes illegal substances
• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter drugs that may cause drowsiness

Clear policies must define expectations and consequences.

Managing Fatigue

Driver fatigue is a major cause of collisions.

• Long working hours and excessive driving time
• Insufficient rest breaks
• Long commutes before and after work

Managers must factor fatigue into workload planning and journey scheduling.

Training and Competence

Holding a driving licence does not guarantee competence for all work-related tasks.

Drivers must be trained for:

• Operating unfamiliar vehicles
• Towing and load handling
• Long-distance driving
• Specialist or high-risk tasks

Driver Responsibilities

Drivers must:

• Follow the Driving for Work policy
• Report incidents promptly
• Notify changes to licence status or health
• Raise concerns where safety may be compromised

Key Takeaway

Actively managing driver risk significantly reduces the likelihood of collisions and demonstrates a proactive duty of care.