The FORS Version 7.1 Standard update has arrived, bringing key changes to fleet management, driver compliance, vehicle safety, and sustainability. Whether you’re already FORS accredited or looking to get FORS accreditation, understanding the latest requirements is crucial for staying compliant and improving your fleet’s performance.
In this guide, we’ll break down the major updates in FORS Version 7.1 and explain how new applicants can achieve accreditation while ensuring existing members remain compliant.
What’s New in FORS Version 7.1?
1. Updated Requirements for FORS Accreditation
If you’re seeking FORS accreditation, FORS Version 7.1 introduces stricter requirements for vehicle safety, driver training, and environmental impact reduction. These updates are designed to improve road safety, fleet efficiency, and sustainability.
For those already FORS accredited, it’s essential to update policies and procedures to meet the latest standards before your next audit.
Key Changes in FORS Version 7.1
1. FORS Fleet Management & Documentation Updates
- FORS documentation reviews no longer need to be recorded in senior management meeting minutes.
- Driver declarations must now include collisions both on and off duty if they involve insurance or police engagement.
- Annual driver declarations clarified for consistency across FORS Version 7.1.
2. New Requirements for Vehicle Safety & Fleet Transition
- FORS Version 7.1 now requires a fleet transition plan, outlining how operators will move towards lower-emission vehicles.
- New requirement for safety recalls—operators must have a procedure in place to verify vehicle recall compliance.
- Vehicles 9ft 10in (3m) or above must now display a height indicator in the cab for improved safety.
3. Driver Licensing & Training – Stricter Compliance
- HGV and PCV licence checks must now be conducted every three months instead of six.
- The previous 10% training tolerance has been removed, meaning all drivers must complete FORS Professional Development training before audits.
- A new FORS Approved eLearning module has been introduced as part of mandatory driver training.
4. Environmental & Sustainability Commitments for FORS Accreditation
- Fleet operators must calculate well-to-wheel emissions annually using the FORS Emissions Calculator or a FORS Approved alternative.
- The Fuel, Emissions & Air Quality requirement has been replaced by a broader Environmental Impact requirement.
- At Gold level accreditation, a new Decarbonisation Strategy must be implemented, detailing long-term plans for emissions reduction.
5. Security & Counter-Terrorism Policies
- The Security and Counter-Terrorism requirements have been merged into a single policy, simplifying compliance while maintaining key security measures.
How to Get FORS Accreditation Under Version 7.1
If you’re new to FORS and looking to achieve Bronze accreditation, here’s what you need to do under FORS Version 7.1:
Step 1: Understand the FORS Requirements
FORS Bronze accreditation covers management, vehicle safety, driver training, and environmental standards. Under FORS Version 7.1, fleet transition planning and stricter training policies are now part of the core requirements.
Step 2: Implement the Required Policies & Procedures
Ensure your fleet, drivers, and documentation align with FORS Version 7.1. Key focus areas include:
- Fleet safety – daily walkaround checks, safety recalls, height indicators.
- Driver compliance – licence checks every 3 months, full FORS eLearning completion.
- Environmental performance – annual well-to-wheel emissions reporting.
Step 3: Prepare for Your FORS Bronze Audit
FORS auditors will check your policies, vehicle safety records, driver training logs, and compliance with emissions requirements. Ensuring all documentation is up to date is critical.
Step 4: Achieve FORS Bronze & Progress to Silver & Gold
Once Bronze is secured, you can progress to Silver and Gold accreditation by enhancing your fleet’s sustainability strategy, performance monitoring, and training programs.
Why FORS Version 7.1 Matters for Your Business
Whether you’re already accredited or seeking FORS accreditation, these updates ensure that your fleet operates more safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
✔ New applicants must meet stricter training and compliance rules.
✔ Existing members need to update their policies to pass future audits.
✔ All operators must implement fleet transition plans and monitor well-to-wheel emissions.
Need Help Staying Compliant?
We understand that gaining your accreditation and keeping up with FORS requirements can be challenging. If you need any help with gaining your FORS accreditation or updating to FORS Version 7.1, get in touch. We’re here to share the knowledge!