LICENCE checks carried out by UK fleets have uncovered a number of staff are driving illegally, new research reveals.

They have either been banned from driving, only have provisional licences or are not licensed to drive the category of vehicle that their job requires.

The exclusive research also found that more company car drivers have speeding and drink driving endorsements on their driving licences than any other offence.

Ranked at the top of the most common licence endorsements is exceeding the statutory speed limit on public roads, followed by exceeding the speed limit on motorways and in third place, driving or attempting to drive with alcohol levels about the limit.

The next three most common offences include an undefined speed limit offence, failing to comply with traffic light signals and exceeding the goods vehicle speed limit.

The research also showed that one in six fleet drivers have three or more penalty points on their licence.

The findings come from RAC Business Solutions’ driver licence checking unit and demonstrate the importance of fleets carrying out regular licence checks.

Through its licence checking department, RAC Business Solutions also found that some drivers had been banned, only had provisional licences or were not licensed to drive a category of vehicle required for their job.

Figures show that one in 1,500 company car drivers is driving on a provisional licence.

Jo Speakman, manager of RAC Business Solutions’ driver checking unit, said it was vital that fleet managers complete regular licence checks on all staff.

Speakman said: ‘Driver licence checking should be an integral part of any company’s risk assessment strategy since the safety of their drivers should be of paramount importance.’

Top ten licence endorsements

1. Exceeding statutory speed limit on public roads
2. Exceeding speed limit on a motorway
3. Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above the limit
4. Undefined speed limit offence
5. Failing to comply with traffic light signals
6. Exceeding goods vehicle speed limit
7. Driving without due care and attention
8= Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks
8= Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations with stationary vehicle
10. Driving or attempting to drive than failing to supply a specimen for analysis

  • Source: RAC Business Solutions