Businesses are exposing themselves to significant liability by not checking their employees’ driving licenses regularly.

A year after paper licenses were abolished and new legislation brought in requiring regular online checking of driving licenses by employers, managed travel company First Travel Solutions believes that many employers not only are not checking their employees’ licenses, but are also unaware of their own obligations.

According to the Department of Transport, more than one in four road accidents potentially involve drivers travelling to work, whilst the DVLA estimates that 22% of people are driving with out-of-date documents, and one million are just three points from being disqualified. According to First Travel Solutions this means that the risk to businesses could run into the millions of pounds, if disqualified drivers have accidents whilst driving for work.

Colin O’Keefe, head of business development at First Travel Solutions, said: “When we speak to many organisations, there’s a lack of understanding that they need to be checking their employees’ licenses if they drive for work. In a lot of instances, employers are unaware of their duty of care. Whilst in many cases employees do have a responsibility to inform their employers of any changes, employers are liable if they allow staff to drive without qualifications.”

The paper part of the driving license, which traditionally contained information including points, endorsements and disqualifications, was abolished in June 2015. One year on, First Travel Solutions believes a combination of lack of awareness and ownership and a perception that to check licenses requires significant administration. is leaving employers exposed through not having a clear overview of their employees’ licenses.

“Checking licenses does require employee consent, which could require significant administration,” said O’Keefe. “However, there are systems available which can allow one-click consent, delivered online. Ultimately, it is now the law and employers need to make sure they are checking their employees’ licenses regularly. Otherwise they leave themselves open to significant liability should a disqualified driver be in an accident whilst driving on business.”

First Travel Solutions is offering organisations an online way of managing their driver license checks, dealing directly with the DVLA. For further information, visit www.firsttravelsolutions.com/driverlicensechecks.