It is easy to see compliance as an obstacle. However, driver compliance and vehicle compliance are vital for transport and logistics operations. It doesn’t just tick a box. It helps keep operations safe. And can even enhance efficiency. Here, we answer some commonly asked questions from LGV/HGV drivers and transport mangers.
Compliance is about drivers obeying traffic rules, regulations, and laws. It helps to ensure safe and responsible driving. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) set up OCRS (Operator Compliance Risk Score) to support this. OCRS is used to monitor and maintain good standards in the road transport industry. It also helps decide which vehicles and operators should be inspected. And the HGV/LGV driver plays a key role.
How does OCRS work?
All vehicle operators are issued with three OCRS scores.
One for roadworthiness, based on vehicle tests (e.g. MOTS), and ‘vehicle encounters’. This includes roadside inspections, site visits, and desk-based assessments.
There is one for traffic offences, which refers to roadside inspections and prosecutions. For example, drivers’ hours offences, vehicle weight checks.
And there is a combined score.
These scores can all be affected by the driver’s actions or omissions.
OCRS is worked out for each operator licence. An individual vehicle will not have its own OCRS. Points are added to your OCRS when DVSA detects a new driver offence. Or identifies a vehicle defect. A ‘clear event’ (an event where no points are allocated), will help reduce your OCRS. After three years, events are removed. Your score will change, depending on positive or negative events.
You can learn more about how OCRS works in this blog.
Why do my drivers keep getting stopped by DVSA?
Your drivers might be stopped at the roadside for vehicle inspections by the police or the DVSA. This is where your OCRS comes in. Vehicles are more likely to be stopped for inspection if the operator has a high OCRS. That’s because it is used to work out the risk of an operator not sticking to roadworthiness or traffic rules.
My OCRS score is going up – what can I do?
Good driver practice can positively impact an operator’s OCRS. One of the best ways to improve (lower) a score is through good training and implementing best practice. This can help to prevent infringements and improve road safety.
Here are some simple ways drivers can help improve their OCRS score:
- Doing thorough daily walk around checks.
- Taking responsibility for their driving time and record keeping. (This supports requirements for driver’s hours compliance and tachograph usage.)
- Ensuring correct load security
- Making appropriate declarations regarding the carriage of dangerous goods
- Due diligence around vehicle weights and dimensions
- Taking time to get familiar with vehicles they have not driven before
- Keeping up to date on regulatory and compliance issues.
My drivers keep getting fines – what can I do?
If your LGV/HGV drivers have been fined, there must be a compliance issue. With the driver, the vehicle, or both. The best way to combat this is to monitor operations and identify skill and knowledge gaps. Use training to keep compliance and safety front of mind. Implement best practice driving to reduce the risk of incidents and keep your OCRS low.
The Traffic Commissioner says I need to give my drivers training. Where do I start?
Driver training is essential to every road transport operation. The Traffic Commissioner has several responsibilities. These include ensuring LGV/HGV and PCV/PSV operators are reputable and competent. Also imposing traffic regulation conditions to prevent danger to road users, and more. It is important to implement training that meets the required standards. Your first step should be to find a training provider for high quality DVSA-endorsed LGV/HGV Driver training for Driver CPC training.
Where can I find quick, cheap driver training?
Relevant training around driver compliance is an effective way to prevent LGV/HGV roadside disruptions. It can also help to make a positive impression on regulatory bodies and improve your customer service.
For example, RTITB Driver Compliance eLearning has 30+ accessible training modules online. Each topic lasts less than 10 minutes. It enables focused training to be delivered efficiently and simply. It addresses any gaps in your drivers’ compliance. And helps drivers to develop their skills and knowledge. It is a customisable, affordable driver training solution.
How can I train my drivers without taking them off the road?
This is a great question. Of course, theory training cannot be completed while driving. However, online driver training, such as Driver Compliance eLearning from RTITB, can be completed in bitesize modules. This enables you to easily fit training around your drivers’ schedules. These can also be completed at each driver’s own pace. Which can help to keep learners focused and relieve some pressure.
What is Earned Recognition?
Another DVSA initiative you may have heard is Earned Recognition. The voluntary DVSA earned recognition scheme helps to prove you meet driver and vehicle standards. It’s designed to work for operators of all sizes. Earned recognition means you are:
- continuously monitoring your own compliance
- using monitoring systems
- compliant with vehicle and road safety standards
Find out more about Earned Recognition from the DVSA website.
Showing you have delivered the right training and are compliant may help you achieve Earned Recognition.
How do I get Earned Recognition from DVSA?
You need a DVSA-validated IT system to record and monitor vehicle maintenance and drivers’ hours. It tracks whether you’re meeting a set of key performance indicators (KPIs). Every four weeks your system notifies DVSA if you’ve missed any of the KPIs by a set amount. If so, DVSA will work with you to fix any problems.
There’s no application fee to join the scheme. You just need to meet the following requirements:
- you’ve had a heavy goods vehicle (HGV/LGV) or public service vehicle (PSV/PCV) operator licence for at least 2 years
- the Traffic Commissioner hasn’t taken any regulatory action (other than a formal warning) on any of your operator licences in the last 2 years
- you have management systems for vehicle maintenance and digital management systems for drivers’ hours, which you can use to track the KPIs and report if they’re missed
- you meet the earned recognition audit standards
Start Driver Compliance training today!
Think your drivers might need to improve compliance?
Use this quick, free quiz to check what your drivers understand about OCRS. And identify where they might need training to help improve your score.
If you have further questions or want to get started with RTITB Driver Compliance eLearning, ask our friendly team!