Using a fleet management software provider

Fleet operators could specify a licence checking module that links directly to the DVLA as part of their fleet management
software package.

This module may be free (with a fee for each licence check) or there may be a charge to add the module.

The benefit of including licence checking in the software package is that it gives “a holistic view” of the driver, according to Jaama.

“It can detail a driver’s accident history, including blameworthy accidents, show their allocated vehicles, as well as maintenance history,” says Martin Evans, sales and operations director at Jaama.

Recruitment agency Pertemps uses Jaama’s electronic driver entitlement checking service (EDECS) to verify the licences of 1,000 employees and about 1,100 HGV Class 1 agency drivers.

“We receive reports by exception within 24 hours,” says Adrian Harris, group fleet manager at Pertemps. “The system provides a clear audit trail which flags up any issues that need to be tackled.”

The service starts with a signed three-year employee mandate being obtained giving permission for the checks to be carried out and issuing reminders to them; alerting fleet decision-makers to all licence issues that are uncovered from the DVLA check; and uploading the information into the customer’s Key2 Vehicle Management or third-party software.

Using a leasing provider

Companies that have a sole leasing provider and use its fleet software may opt to do licence checking through their
software provider.

This may be cheaper than a separate fleet management system from a software provider if it is bundled together with
other services. It certainly requires less resource to manage.

It is also logical if risk management is already provided by the leasing company. However, the leasing company is likely to outsource licence checking which could potentially mean the fleet pays more than going direct.