Licence checking and compliance company Licence Bureau is urging fleet managers to move licence checking online, as the three month countdown has started to the abolishment of the paper counterpart on June 8.

It is advising fleets that they should already be in the process of moving licence checking online to avoid issues surrounding licence renewal, endorsements or verification of new/existing licences.

Moving to using a checking and compliance service means that data for an entire fleet is collated in a single place. Using an online portal that flags upcoming risks will prepare fleets for any issues approaching June 8, while improving risk management as they view data in ‘real time’.

Should fleets leave any changes too late, it could cost them considerable resources as they try to catch up; being fully prepared and minimising any changeover issues is essential if fleets are to take advantage of quicker and more efficient licence verification from June 8 onwards.

Malcolm Maycock (pictured), managing director of Licence Bureau, said: “Despite the abolition of the paper counterpart not coming into force until June 8, we would advise fleets to move their records online immediately. This is especially important for larger fleets, who want to avoid any administrative delays in order to hit the ground running."

Licence Bureau's tips for fleets and drivers:

• Fleets should digitalise their records as soon as possible
• Ensure their chosen provider is giving the range of services they require
• Consent can be easily obtained from employees before transferring licence checking online
• Drivers need to understand that the counterpart can be discarded from June 8
• Drivers who only possess paper licences won’t be affected until renewing
• Fleets who provide daily rental solutions should be aware of the change in the rental process