Operator Licencing

We specialise in providing comprehensive Operator Licensing services that are tailored to meet the specific needs of your business. With our expertise and in-depth knowledge of transport industry regulations, we offer a range of solutions to assist you in obtaining and maintaining your operator licence.

Whether you are a new business in need of consultation and guidance for an application or an existing operator seeking assistance with licence renewal and compliance, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. With our proven track record of success and commitment to excellence, you can trust us to navigate the complex licensing process, ensure compliance, and help you unlock new opportunities for growth and success.

What is Operator Licencing?

Operator Licensing is the application and provision of an Operator's License issued for those involved in the operation of goods vehicles or passenger-carrying vehicles for business or trade. An Operator Licence is required under the regulations of Operator Licencing, through the Office of the Traffic Commissioner (OTC), which oversees and regulates the operation of commercial vehicles in the UK.

Who needs an Operator's Licence?

If you drive goods vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, you need to have a goods vehicle operator's licence. This also applies to light goods vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes which are used to carry goods in the EU.

Benefits of Hiring a Transport Manager Consultant for Restricted Licence Operators

Posted on

Running a transportation business as a Restricted Licence Operator comes with its fair share of challenges, from navigating complex regulations and compliance issues to overcoming operational hurdles. However, the path to success becomes clearer with the invaluable support of an experienced Transport Manager Consultant. In this blog, we will delve into the advantages of enlisting the services of a Transport Manager Consultant, uniquely equipped to address the specific needs and requirements of Restricted Licence Operators.

Qualified CPC Transport Manager

A Transport Manager Consultant is a seasoned professional in the field of transport management, holding a coveted Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). This certification is earned through a rigorous training program, affirming that the consultant possesses the essential expertise and skills to oversee transportation operations. With their CPC qualification, the Transport Manager Consultant brings a wealth of knowledge and proficiency to effectively navigate the complexities of the transport industry and compliance.

Experience is Everything

An experienced Transport Manager Consultant brings insights into regulations encompassing crucial aspects like driver hours, vehicle maintenance, tachograph rules, and load securing. Working with a Transport Manager Consultant ensures you will be better able to adhere to all necessary requirements, minimising the risk of penalties and potential compliance entanglements. Their wealth of knowledge serves as a shield, safeguarding the smooth and compliant operation of your business.

Expert Guidance and Industry Insights

Transport Manager Consultants are experts at what they do. They bring a wealth of industry knowledge to the table. They possess a deep understanding of the transport sector and its regulatory requirements. By leveraging their expertise, a Transport Manager Consultant can provide valuable guidance, helping Restricted Licence Operators navigate complex challenges to help make informed business decisions.

Systems implementation

Establishing comprehensive systems in the form of policies and procedures is paramount when operating a Restricted Operator Licence. The assistance of a Transport Manager Consultant is instrumental in effectively implementing these essential frameworks.

By working with your consultant, you can create a clear and robust policy framework that leaves little room for misunderstandings or debates regarding appropriate courses of action in specific situations. Fostering transparency and consistency throughout your organisation, ensuring a cohesive approach to operations and decision-making. Having well-defined policies and procedures sets the stage for a streamlined and harmonious operation, bolstering your business’s efficiency and effectiveness.

Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

Compliance with transport regulations is crucial for restricted licence operators. However, keeping up with the ever-evolving rules and requirements can be overwhelming. Transport Manager Consultants specialise in regulatory compliance and risk management. They stay updated with changes in legislation, ensuring that the business adheres to all legal obligations. By conducting audits and assessments, consultants can identify potential risks, implement effective mitigation strategies, and minimise the chances of a DVSA visit or Public Enquiry.

Operational Efficiency and Cost Optimisation

One of the primary goals for Restricted Licence Operators is to maximise operational efficiency while minimising costs. Transport Manager Consultants can assess the existing operational processes, identify any shortfalls, and recommend improvements. They bring fresh perspectives and industry best practices, helping operators streamline workflows and improve fleet utilisation. By identifying cost-saving opportunities, such as fuel efficiency measures or outsourcing options, consultants can help businesses operate more efficiently and improve their bottom line.

Enhanced Safety Measures

Safety is a top priority in the transport industry. Employing the services of a consultant demonstrates a commitment to the Traffic Commissioner you are maintaining high safety standards. By implementing comprehensive safety measures, consultants can reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and damage to goods, protecting both the company’s reputation and the well-being of employees, and the public.

In Conclusion

Employing the services of a Transport Manager Consultant can be a game-changer for Restricted Licence Operators. By leveraging their expertise, industry insights, and network, they can guide businesses towards sustainable growth and improved operational efficiency. From providing help on regulatory compliance and risk management to optimising costs and driving performance, consultants offer a comprehensive approach to help overcome challenges and unlock your full potential.

However, it is important for Restricted Licence Operators to conduct thorough research, seek recommendations, and choose a consultant with a proven track record in the transport industry. With the right consultant by their side, Restricted Licence Operators can navigate the complexities of the industry, stay ahead of the competition, and pave the way for a successful and profitable future.

If you have any questions about hiring a Transport Manager Consultant for your operation or would just like to chat, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Here to share the knowledge!

Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness Updates 2023

Posted on

As road safety remains a top priority, ensuring the roadworthiness of vehicles is crucial. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) provides comprehensive guidelines to help vehicle operators and owners maintain the safety and condition of their vehicles. In this blog post, we will explore the DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness Updates 2023, highlighting the key changes and their significance in promoting safer roads.

Types of inspections and checks

In response to feedback, DVSA understands that there has been confusion regarding the specific checks to be performed during a first-use inspection and the frequency of driver walkaround checks.

To provide clarity and guidance, DVSA has taken steps to address this issue. They have introduced a clear definition for each type of inspection and check, ensuring that you understand their purpose and scope. This will assist you in conducting the appropriate checks based on the specific inspection or check required.

Additionally, DVSA has incorporated an intermediate safety check into their guidelines. This check is specifically designed for situations where certain components require more frequent inspections for wear and tear, exceeding the regular safety inspection intervals.

Safety inspection

A safety inspection is a periodic inspection that is carried out at pre-set intervals in line with what an operator has declared on the Vehicle Operators Licencing system (VOL). The scope of the inspection should at least include all the items covered by the statutory annual test and employ the methods of assessment that are prescribed in the respective inspection manual. See section 4 for further details.

Examples of Safety Inspection forms can be found in Annex 4A(HGV), 4B(PSV), 4C(LGV) and 4D (small trailers) the safety inspection form can be any format as long as the mandatory items listed in Section 1 of this guide are included on the form.

First-use inspection

Prior to using a newly acquired vehicle/trailer on the public highway, operators must conduct a first-use inspection to satisfy themselves that the equipment is in a roadworthy condition. The scope of the inspection should at least include all those items that are inspected at the annual test, this includes conducting a laden roller brake test when appropriate for the type of vehicle. In some instances, a first-use inspection is not required if sufficient evidence is provided to indicate that the equipment has been subject to a safety inspection. For example, documentation is provided to indicate that a new vehicle has been subject to a comprehensive pre-delivery inspection or a pre-rental inspection record has been provided by a hire/lease company.

Intermediate safety check

With some types of vehicles and operation, it may be necessary to check some components more often than at full safety inspections. For example, a vehicle used in urban areas such as a public service vehicle or a local delivery vehicle, or vehicles used in hilly areas, may require more frequent component checks, for example, brakes, steering and suspension. It is sometimes necessary to check components following repair work. Any additional intermediate safety checks carried out should be documented and retained on the maintenance file. It should be clear on the documentation these are an intermediate safety check and not a full safety inspection.

Daily walkaround check

A driver or designated responsible person must conduct a walkaround check of a vehicle/ trailer prior to using the equipment on the public highway. At least one walkaround check should be carried out in every 24-hour period that the vehicle/trailer is in service. Those carrying out such checks must be suitably trained and competent in identifying any faults that would render the vehicle/trailer unroadworthy. The scope of the check should include all items that are readily visible to the inspector without the need for dismantling. To facilitate the inspection, it may be necessary to use an assistant.

Brake testing

Starting from April 2025, with some exceptions, laden roller brake tests or Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring Systems (EBPMS) will be the accepted methods for brake testing. To help in preparation for this change, DVS strongly recommend conducting a laden roller brake test at every safety inspection. The updated guide provides more detailed instructions on using EBPMS and offers additional advice on brake testing. A brake performance assessment can be conducted up to 7 days prior to the safety inspection.

Light goods vehicles

Effective from 21st May 2022, new regulations require a standard international operator’s licence for the use of light goods vehicles weighing over 2.5 tonnes but not exceeding 3.5 tonnes, for hire or reward within or through the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein. DVSA has updated their guide to reflect this requirement. For more information regarding van operator licence requirements, feel free to read this blog. Alternatively, if you need help when applying for a van operator licence, please do get in touch.

Towing another company’s trailer

To offer guidance in the scenario of towing another company’s trailer, DVSA has added additional advice. This includes information on trailer authorisation for the operator license, responsibility for maintenance and safety inspections, and access to trailer documents. Operators are reminded of their responsibility for the condition of the trailer when coupled to their vehicle, as unroadworthy trailers can lead to penalties or prohibitions.

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)

Acknowledging the increasing prevalence of vehicles equipped with ADAS, DVSA has introduced a new section addressing the need for system recalibration when windscreens are replaced. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of drivers being familiar with the various types of ADAS features installed in their fleet.

Other updates

In exceptional circumstances where the safety inspection report is unavailable when the vehicle is ready to return to service, DVSA has introduced a roadworthiness declaration. This formal document verifies that the vehicle has undergone the necessary inspections and repairs to ensure roadworthiness.
To enhance driver walkaround checks, the updated guide now includes height markers in the daily walk-around checks. This addition enables drivers to visually confirm compliance with height limits, ensuring clearance under bridges and structures.
Additionally, guidance on PSV automatic vehicle location (AVL) systems, emphasises their significance in monitoring and recording vehicle movements for operational efficiency and safety.

In Conclusion

The recent DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness updates 2023, signify the agency’s commitment to improving road safety through effective vehicle maintenance practices. By emphasising regular inspections, updating brake testing standards, addressing electronic systems, enhancing defect reporting and rectification guidance, and emphasizing documentation and record-keeping, the guide provides a comprehensive framework for vehicle operators and owners to ensure their vehicles are safe and roadworthy.

Adhering to these updated guidelines will help promote a culture of preventive maintenance, early defect identification, and timely rectification. Ultimately, this will contribute to safer roads, reducing the risk of accidents caused by vehicle defects and ensuring that vehicles on our roads meet the required safety standards.

If you have any questions about the new Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness Updates 2023, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Here to share the knowledge!

Top 10 reasons why operators fail their FORS Bronze audit

Posted on

At TMconsultant, we strive to help with making life easy and stress-free for operators to obtain their Bronze accreditation. So we thought we would let you know our top 10 reasons why operators fail their FORS Bronze audit. All our consultants are current FORS auditors, so they see the same avoidable errors.

M7 Risk Assessments

There is a total of 16 risk assessments an auditor will ask you to evidence for your FORS bronze audit. However, there are two of the 16 that might not be applicable to your business, (Coupling/uncoupling & specialist operations). As a minimum, you will be required to evidence the remaining 14. Below are the most common risk assessments that operators fail to evidence at an audit.

1. COSHH

There are no operators that don’t need a basic COSHH risk assessment. It still amazes us how many operators are adamant they do not require COSSH. However, their employees handle, Diesel, AdBlue, Washer Fluid & come into contact with oil and grease.

2. Speed, adverse weather conditions, and seat belts.

Please remember to include the above important points into your risk assessments. Many operators do seem to forget these points, your Auditor is specifically looking for them.

3. Routing

You still need a routing risk assessment that covers potential risks, even you do not have regular routes or are subject to construction routes.

4. Passenger Safety

If FORS Auditors had a pound for every time we’ve heard “we don’t carry passengers” or “this is for buses, we don’t run busses”, we’d all be very wealthy. The passenger risk assessment applies to all vehicles in your fleet with passenger seats. Make sure you have your passenger safety risk assessment ready.

5. O6 Operational Security & O7 Counterterrorism

This one always surprises us. This section of V5.1 has had so much communication from FORS including the online Tool Kit’s. However, operators are still failing to evidence a risk assessment to cover this section.

Need help with risk assessments? You can purchase our risk assessment templates as a pack or individually from our shop.

Polices

There are several policies in the FORS V5.1 Bronze standard that require special attention and require specific content.

7. D4 Manager training

Transport managers and responsible people (Directors) are required to have completed a FORS approved refresher course within the last five years, (see our blog for more details). This section has accounted for the most major action points since Jan 2020

8. D6 Health and eyesight

Companies forget to include in their policy that an eyesight check will be conducted after a driver is involved in a road traffic collision, incident, or near-miss.

9. D7 Drivers’ hours and working time

This policy can very detailed, and although the operator generally knows the rules on drivers’ hours/WTD, they will overlook the lost or defective company/driver tachograph card procedures. This is something your FORS Bronze auditor is specifically looking for.

O1 Routing & O2 Passenger safety

We find many operators overlook both these policies. Make sure you don’t!

10. O3 Road Traffic Collisions

A company will usually have this policy but will neglect to add the important element that “a driver shall be assessed for well-being and competency to ensure they are fit to return to driving duties”.

Still unsure?

We hope our top 10 reasons why operators fail their FORS Bronze audit have helped. However, if you are still unsure, then you can purchase our Bronze audit packs, alternatively just get in touch.

FORS Help Basic – Documents including a to-do list

FORS Help Support – Documents plus email and telephone support

FORS Help pre-audit package – Documents, support plus two site visits

What is tachograph analysis? All you need to know

Posted on

What is tachograph analysis?

Tachograph analysis is the way to measure and monitor how your drivers are performing in their day-to-day driving and work duties. Tachograph analysis provides the transport manager with detailed reports, highlighting areas for attention. By recording speed and distance, the tachograph provides an accurate picture of what a driver has been doing, even whether or not they have broken the law. Since 2006, all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes sold in the UK are required by law to be fitted with a digital tachograph.

Every fleet operator must ensure they have the means to analyse driver data from both the tachograph vehicle unit (VU) and the Driver Card and to manage said data correctly. For information relating to tachographs rules for drivers and operators go here, including exemptions.

There are some old analogue tachographs out there, however, in the post, we’ll be looking at digital tachographs.

How do we collect this data, where do we put it and what do we do with it?

Data is collected via a tachograph Vehicle Unit (VU) and a driver card which is inserted into the VU every time the driver uses the vehicle. The data is then uploaded to tachograph analysis software using a download tool and then, in turn, provided to you via software applications, in written and graph formats. Let’s have a look at all the elements needed to be compliant.

The Tachograph Vehicle Unit (VU)

A tachograph unit (VU) is a radio-sized device fitted on goods and passenger vehicles. The VU head records various types of driver and vehicle data such as journey distance, speed, driving time, working time, and events. Data is stored in the VU internal memory. There are a number of companies out there that manufacture Vehicle Units such as VDO (Siemens), Stoneridge, Intellic and Actia.

To access the VU data, you will need to ‘unlock’ theVU using a company card. Other cards used to unlock data are the control card and the workshop card.

Vehicle Unit data should be downloaded at least 90 )the maximum timeframe) or 28 days, but we recommend more frequent downloads, weekly for drivers and monthly for vehicles as best practice.

The Digital Tachograph 3.0 from VDO

Control Cards

Control cards are used by law enforcement agencies to retrieve data from the tachograph. A control card is able to override any company lock put in place by operators.

Workshop cards

Workshop cards are used by authorised and official tachograph technicians to calibrate, install or repair tachographs.

Company cards

Company cards are used by operators to retrieve data from the tachograph regarding their employees and vehicles. You can also lock information using a company card or authorise third parties, to collect data.

Driver Card

Unlike cards used to ‘unlock’ data from the VU, the driver card collects data. The driver card is a credit card-sized plastic card that contains a microchip. The card stores all relevant driver data required for EU Drivers’ Hours regulations including break and rest times.

The driver card:

Is unique to the individual driver and valid for five years
Can store information for 28 days
Can only be used by its owner, ie. the driver authorised to use it
May be suspended or withdrawn by an enforcement officer if the card has been falsified, if the person using the card is not the legal holder of the card, or if the card has been obtained by false declaration or forged documents
Must be made available to enforcement officers on request.

Download Tool/key/card reader

Download tools are used to collect VU and card data. They come in varying shapes and sizes and offer differing functionality. They all collect data from the vehicle and the driver card. Manufacturers include DigVU, Digidown and Optac. Automatic, remote downloading is also available.

Optac combined download tool

DigiVU+ Digital Tachograph Reader

Digital Tachograph Card Reader

Analysis software

Tachograph software is a web-based tachograph analysis system, where you can instantly analyse data and manage driver and vehicle reports. You generally will only pay for the records that are submitted. This can keep start-up costs down, scales as your business scales, and means that the product is always up-to-date and will never need to be upgraded. I have used quite a few tachograph systems including over the years, for example, Tachomaster, Descartes Smartcompliance, and Tachodisc. I am currently using TDi Disk Check. In my humble opinion, Disc Check is brilliant, very easy to use, intuitive, and is built with end-users in mind. The system is fully accessible from mobile and desktop devices meaning no limits as to when or where data is accessed.

TDI disc-check

Go it alone or use a paid service?

This leads us nicely onto whether you should use the services of someone to assist or to go it alone. This will depend on your operation and how your transport department is managed. I’m an ETM and although my employer and I tightly manage analysis reports, using a tachograph specialist just adds an extra level of security and detail providing peace of mind. I use Logistics Support Services. They really know their stuff, provide an excellent support service, and are both reliable and friendly.

Analysis reports

Once you have collated all your data, (driver and vehicle) and you have uploaded it to your software system, you will then be able to view your analysis reports. The system you use will provide you with a number of reports which can be automated. These should include:

Drivers’ Hours (infringements)
Working Time (infringements)
Driver activity
Vehicles Driven
Missing Mileage
Over Speeding
Events and Faults – E.G driving without an appropriate card
Unknown driver

Most analysis software will have a dashboard to give you an overall view of the analysis and compare how your drivers are performing. From here you can drill down on a report for a more detailed look.

Working Time

Your analysis software will also provide you with a system to manage working time. By using drivers’ hours from the tacho data you can enter statutory holidays and any other work that is carried out not recorded by the drivers’ card.

Debrief

A debrief system is a configurable points-based system that helps you spot repeat infringements and advise on what corrective measures to take. The debrief system also provides a process for the escalation of disciplinary matters. This is a great way to identify and reduce repeat infringements.

As with the dashboard overview, debrief systems are included with most driver analysis software.

Smart tachographs

Vehicles registered for the first time on or after 15 June 2019 now have to be fitted with the new smart tachograph. The aim is to reduce the administrative burden on the transport industry (covering both HGV and PCV) and to eliminate the most serious forms of tampering or offence.

Smart tachographs include GPS for positioning and vehicle tracking, remote enforcement capabilities and the ability to link the units to vehicle telematics.

TachoSYS digiDL for automation

I don’t have any affiliation with TDi Disk Check, I just use Logistics Support Services for their tacho services and think they’re brilliant, so worth a mention. You can reach them here.

TMconsultant provide transport manager help for transport managers. If you would like to know more about any of our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to share the knowledge!

Call for logistics professionals to come together

Posted on

Forward post from DVSA: Call for logistics professionals to come together. The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)has launched an initiative to bring together logistics and passenger transport operators in urgent need of supply chain resources.

The initiative, backed by the Road Haulage Association (RHA), the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) matches organisations together so that those who have capacity can help those organisations in need, such as the NHS and the grocery retail sector.

your organisation needs urgent support
you’re a driver in need of work
your organisation has capacity to support others in need

Motorway services are open

Motorway and major trunk road services remain open following advice from the government deeming them ‘essential services’.

The government has made it clear that for haulage and delivery drivers, travel is essential and therefore motorway services remain open, and continue to offer takeaway food, toilet and shower services.

How to keep safe

The RHA has published guidance for lorry drivers on how to keep safe when delivering goods, handling documentation and refuelling.

Keep up to date with all official government advice on COVID-19 at GOV.UK.

TM1G – How Many Hours Should a Transport Manager Work?

Posted on

Statuary Guidance

The guidance explains how the Senior Traffic Commissioner believes that traffic commissioners should interpret the law in relation to the requirements for and on transport managers. The directions are addressed to the traffic commissioners in respect of the approach to be taken by staff acting on behalf of individual traffic commissioners.

They dictate the operation of delegated functions in relation to the requirements for and of transport managers. The role of transport manager is extremely important to an operator and therefore must be able to manage the transport operation effectively in the time they have available. The statutory guidance documents give a broad guideline as to what might be expected in terms of hours worked by a transport manager relative to the maximum number of vehicles authorised for a licence.

Please note that this is a starting point only. The traffic commissioners need to be satisfied that a transport manager is capable of exercising continuous and effective management of the transport operation and will consider each case on its own facts and its own merits.

TM1 - Transport Manager Application

Below is the guidance on what the traffic commissioner is looking for when considering a transport manager's application.

If you will not be devoting the amount of time to the relevant licence(s) as shown in the table above, you should provide the traffic commissioner with a written explanation as to how you will carry out all your responsibilities effectively in the time allocated.
Your explanation should include how you will ensure the operation and management of the following;
Drivers administration - including the checking of drivers' licences and driver CPC qualifications (DQC), ensuring that the retention of drivers hours records (no less than 12 months) and working time records (no less than 24 months) and both are made available upon request;
Drivers management - ensuring compliance with the driving hours rules (EU or Domestic Hours rules); that drivers record their duty, driving time and rest breaks; to download and store digital tachograph unit data (at least every 90 days) and from the drivers’ smart cards (at least every 28 days); ensuring that the following records are retained - drivers’ hours, Working Time Directive (WTD), and that they are available to be produced during the relevant period; to ensure that drivers are adequately trained and competent to operate relevant vehicles and equipment.
Drivers operations - ensuring drivers are completing and returning their driver defect reporting sheets and that defects are recorded correctly and cross-checked, and that drivers and mobile workers take adequate breaks and appropriate periods of daily and weekly rest;
Vehicle administration - including ensuring that vehicle maintenance records to be retained for a period of no less than 15 months, ensuring that vehicles are specified as required and that operator licence discs are current and displayed correctly; ensuring safe loading with appropriate indicators fitted, that tachograph calibrations are up to date and displayed, that there are up to date insurance certificates; a suitable maintenance planner is complete and displayed with preventative maintenance inspection dates at least 6 months in advance, to include the Annual Test and other testing or calibration dates;
Vehicle management - ensuring that vehicles and trailers are kept in a fit and roadworthy condition, that defects are either recorded and repaired promptly and where not roadworthy are taken out of service; to make vehicles and towed equipment available for safety inspections, service, repair and statutory testing at the appropriate times and within the notified O-licence maintenance intervals; to liaise with maintenance contractors, manufacturers, hire companies as might be appropriate.
Compliance systems - including details of training, management, monitoring and auditing showing the role you play including and what authority you have for instance to review any shortcomings such as prohibitions and/or annual test failures. How do you ensure that relevant changes are notified in accordance with operator licence requirements?
Licence administration – ensuring that the traffic commissioner is made aware of any relevant matters within 28 days including convictions and prosecutions of the transport manager(s) or drivers and also of my own resignation should I leave the employment of the operator.
The Senior Traffic Commissioner has also identified some general indicators as to effective transport management which you should comment on:
Knowledge and skills – which require more than just the formal qualification;
Impact – where the individual CPC holder is recognised as a key person within the organisation so that s/he can influence decisions relevant to compliance and authority to deal with external contractors. Their position should reflect the professional and personal responsibility vested in the individual;
Decision making – where the individual CPC holder is sufficiently close to drivers to be able to influence their behaviours and senior enough to influence the deployment of resources and to inform the decisions of the owner/directors/partners.

The above is not an exhaustive list. Transport Managers should also include any further information which is relevant to the operation under their control. The Traffic Commissioner may also require information about the location of the operating centres for which a Transport Manager has responsibility, and whether travelling time will have an impact on thier ability to provide effective management. Transport Managers should therefore also be ready to supply a breakdown of their working week, including details of visits to the operating centres and of travelling time, as this may be requested.

I hope you found this blog useful, if you would like to discuss your options or would just like to have a chat, please do get in touch. Here to share the knowledge!

Need help with your Operator Licence Application? We can help! Get started!

Are you looking for an External Transport Manager for your operating centre? Our ETM Finder Service connects external transport Managers with Operators. Get started!

Are you an external transport manager looking for work? Register on our database.

Compliance Auditor Job Opportunities

Here at TMconsultant we can offer like-minded professionals with freelance compliance auditor job opportunities to help us assist our clients throughout the UK. If you are a qualified or experienced compliance auditor and you are either looking for compliance auditing work we can help.

How does it work?

Once you have completed the application, we will add you to the compliance auditor database. Should a client in your area get in touch, we will simply make the introduction. We don't get involved with payments between you and the client.

How much will I earn?

We charge £700 per audit and take a 25% commission.

Can I get compliance auditing work for the DVSA earned recognition scheme?

Yes, but you must be a DVSA earned recognition scheme authorised audit provider. You can learn about how to become a DVSA earned recognition scheme authorised audit provider here.

Have you thought about teaching Driver CPC?

TMconsultant also offers opportunities for compliance auditors to teach Driver CPC. By becoming one of our consortium members you can teach Periodic Driver CPC training, with all the benefits of being a fully registered training centre with JAUPT, operating under the umbrella of TMconsultant. For more information go here. Alternatively please do get in touch. Here to share the knowledge!

DVSA announce first businesses to benefit from transport scheme

Posted on

DVSA announce first businesses to benefit from transport scheme. John Lewis, Sainsbury’s and a district council are among 30 organisations to start benefiting from a new way of recognising safe and responsible vehicle operators.

DVSA earned recognition for vehicle operators is a new way for organisations with lorries, buses and coaches to prove they meet driver and vehicle standards.

They’ll regularly share performance information with DVSA, such as their MOT initial pass rates and if their drivers have broken drivers’ hours rules.

In return, their vehicles are less likely to be stopped for roadside inspections. DVSA will still stop vehicles if they’re in an obviously dangerous condition.

Targeting those likely to be a danger to your safety

From today (31 January 2018), vehicle operators taking part in a pilot of the scheme will no longer have their vehicles routinely stopped at the roadside by DVSA.

This will let DVSA target its inspections and roadside checks at drivers and vehicles most likely to be a danger to your safety.

Household names, local businesses and a local council

The 30 private and public sector organisations on the pilot are responsible for over 6,000 lorries, buses or coaches.

The organisations include:

British Telecommunications
the City of Wakefield metropolitan district council
CT Plus – a social enterprise
DPD Group
John Lewis
Sainsbury’s

They’re all different sizes – the smallest having 2 vehicles, with the largest having more than 3,500 vehicles.

Helping responsible businesses

The scheme is being designed to help safe and responsible businesses go about their business unhindered, which will save them time and money.

It also means DVSA can spend more time taking unsafe drivers and vehicles off our roads.

There’s still time for operators to join the pilot

Vehicle operators can apply to join the DVSA earned recognition pilot until 28 February 2018. Those applying to join the pilot will get extra help through the application process.

All the benefits of the full scheme

The full scheme is expected to launch later in 2018.

When it’s launched, vehicle operators who have joined will be able to:

prove they’re an exemplary operator, which can help when they bid for contracts, and raise their profile with potential customers
use the DVSA earned recognition marque in their marketing and publicity, showing they’re serious about road safety
have their details shown on GOV.UK, so people know they’ve achieved the high standards needed to join the scheme
get access to a dedicated DVSA earned recognition team to discuss issues and ideas to help their business

Their vehicles will continue to be less likely to be stopped at the roadside for checks.

Protecting you from unsafe drivers and vehicles

DVSA Chief Executive, Gareth Llewellyn, said:

DVSA’s priority is to protect you from unsafe drivers and vehicles.
This pilot is allowing the best operators to go about their business unhindered, so we can target our activity at those most likely to be a danger to all road users.
I would like to thank everyone who has helped us develop the pilot to the point where operators are starting to feel the benefits.

Motor Vehicles	Proposed Hours (per week)
2 or less	2-4
3 to 5	4-8
6 to 10	8-12
11 to 14	12-20
15 to 29	20-30
30 to 50	30-Full Time
Above 50	Full Time and additional assistance required
Additional hours may be required for trailerstrailers

Operator Licensing Help

Your trusted partner in navigating the world of operator licensing

How we can help

Restricted Operator Licence Help

Operator Licence Applications

Transport Manager Finder Service

Application & TM Finder Bundle

What is Operator Licencing?

Who needs an Operator's Licence?

What type of Operator Licences are there?

Restricted

Standard National

Standard International

Standard (International) light goods vehicles

Qualified CPC Transport Manager

Experience is Everything

Expert Guidance and Industry Insights

Systems implementation

Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

Operational Efficiency and Cost Optimisation

Enhanced Safety Measures

In Conclusion

Types of inspections and checks

Safety inspection

First-use inspection

Intermediate safety check

Daily walkaround check

Brake testing

Light goods vehicles

Towing another company’s trailer

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)

Other updates

In Conclusion

M7 Risk Assessments

1. COSHH

2. Speed, adverse weather conditions, and seat belts.

3. Routing

4. Passenger Safety

5. O6 Operational Security & O7 Counterterrorism

Polices

7. D4 Manager training

8. D6 Health and eyesight

9. D7 Drivers’ hours and working time

O1 Routing & O2 Passenger safety

10. O3 Road Traffic Collisions

Still unsure?

What is tachograph analysis?

How do we collect this data, where do we put it and what do we do with it?

The Tachograph Vehicle Unit (VU)

Control Cards

Workshop cards

Company cards

Driver Card

Download Tool/key/card reader

Analysis software

Go it alone or use a paid service?

Analysis reports

Working Time

Debrief

Smart tachographs

Motorway services are open

How to keep safe

Statutory Guidelines for the Number of Hours Transport Managers Should Work

Motor Vehicles

Proposed Hours (per week)

Looking for an External Transport Manager?

Find an External Transport Manager with our ETM Finder Service

Need Help Applying for an Operator Licence?

Make the process painless with our Operator Licence application service

Statuary Guidance

TM1 - Transport Manager Application

Are you looking for External Tranport Manager work?

Join our ETM Database

Compliance Auditor Job Opportunities

How does it work?

How much will I earn?

Can I get compliance auditing work for the DVSA earned recognition scheme?

Have you thought about teaching Driver CPC?

Targeting those likely to be a danger to your safety

Household names, local businesses and a local council