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Let’s go back to the basics this month. I thought it might be helpful to touch base on a few straightforward requirements that you need to meet when employing people to carry out your courier jobs. You should make sure that anyone you hire has both the correct licence and qualifications. Some drivers may also need to use a tachograph, so be sure to check if this is the case before they start their journey. These requirements may seem obvious to you, but it’s always best to refresh your memory! Here are a few simple questions you should ask before signing up a new driver: Do They Have the Right License to Drive a Van? An employee can only drive certain vehicles based on their age and the type of driving license they hold. To carry out courier jobs in a van, they must be over 18 and have passed the C1 test. Is Their Van License Still Valid? As I’m sure you know, a van licence is valid until the driver is 45 years old. For the next 20 years, or until they are 65, the driver is required to renew their license every 5 years. After this, it is crucial that they renew it on a yearly basis. It is also important to note that due to a change in regulations, any license issued after January 19th 2013 will be valid for only 5 years, up to age 65. Do They Have the Right Qualifications? Checking your drivers’ qualifications is the top priority as their competency is essential to maintain road safety (you wouldn’t want any avoidable accidents!). Professional van drivers need a full and valid car license, as well as a professional driving qualification called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) if they are to carry out courier jobs. To complete the CPC, they need to successfully pass 4 tests. After that, to remain qualified, they need to take 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years. Do They Need to Use a Tachograph? Courier jobs can be carried out by a range of drivers, some of which may need to record their journeys on tachographs. This device tracks driving time, speed and distance, to ensure employees follow the regulations on drivers’ hours. You’ll be able to check that they aren’t on the move for more than 9 hours a day and that they take regular breaks throughout their journey. Checking License Information You’re probably wondering how you can check someone’s driving license information. Well, with the new online system, it’s quick and easy. You can see which vehicles they can drive and whether or not they have any disqualifications or penalty points. If you need to check lots of licenses, I’d recommend applying for the Access Driver Data (ADD). To use it, you’ll need to pass accreditation checks and enter into a contract with DVLA. Though set-up costs up to £15,000, and there’s a yearly fee of up to £7,000, it’s a great resource. You’ll save time and be sure that you have the most competent drivers to carry out your courier jobs! Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day courier jobs in the express freight exchange industry. Over 4,000 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.
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