A new programme for recent HGV and PSV operators

22 June 2023

Interested in finding out about the help you can get to run your business safely and efficiently if you’ve been a vehicle operator for less than 6 months? Then read on!

On 14 June 2023, the DVSA has announced “the road to DVSA earned recognition programme trial”. This is open to new operators which have been issued with a licence in the last 6 months.

What does it mean?

If earned recognition status is something you are thinking of going for in the future then this is for you. Being on the programme will help new operators build best practice and good compliance in their business so they can confidently apply for DVSA earned recognition status in the future.

Why are the DVSA trialling a new programme?

The DVSA earned recognition scheme launched in 2018. It’s for established operators which can demonstrate a strong track record of compliance and meet the necessary driver and vehicle standards.

The DVSA says having a proven culture of compliance means operators benefit from fewer stops at the roadside.

New licence holders can sometimes find the journey towards compliance a challenge, due to the rules and regulations they need to understand and meet.

The road to DVSA earned recognition programme will help new operators work towards that same level of compliance in their business. And at the end of the programme, they can apply to join DVSA earned recognition scheme.

How will the trial programme work?

It lasts for 2 years, with support and guidance provided by DVSA.

It works for organisations of any size.

There are no application or subscription fees. You’ll need to get an audit at the end of the programme if you want to join the DVSA earned recognition scheme. You’ll need to pay for this.

New operators work towards KPIs that are similar to those in the DVSA earned recognition scheme.

New operators which successfully complete the road to DVSA earned recognition programme and pass an audit will achieve DVSA earned recognition status.

The way it works might change during the trial.

What happens?

DVSA will support you as you work through a set of 8 milestones including:

help and guidance to create policies and set up processes to keep your business running safely and efficiently.
a tailored work plan for your business to help you prepare for and pass an audit so you can join the DVSA earned recognition scheme at the end of the programme.
direct access to the DVSA earned recognition team throughout the programme to help with any questions or issues you have.

This should hopefully reduce the risk of things going wrong so you avoid things like:

your drivers being fined or getting penalty points on their driving licence.
your vehicles being given a prohibition (this means you cannot use the vehicle until a serious safety issue is fixed).
people in your business or the business itself being disqualified from using commercial vehicles.

Who is eligible?

You must have had your first full vehicle operator licence granted within the last 6 months. This includes any type of operator licence for:

heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
public service vehicles (PSVs).

Any time you had an interim licence does not count towards the 6-month time limit.

You must have also:

appointed a transport manager (if you have a standard national or standard international licence) or another responsible person (if you have a restricted licence).
had at least one person, partner, director or responsible person named on the operator licence attend a new operator seminar or currently booked to attend one – contact DVSA if you have not been sent details of how to book.
had no action taken against you (other than a formal warning) by the Traffic Commissioners of Great Britain on any of your operator licences.

Who is not eligible?

You cannot apply if:

you only have an interim vehicle operator licence – you have to wait until your full licence has been granted.
your business or organisation already has had other vehicle operator licences in other traffic areas for more than 6 months.
you’ve changed the type of licence you have in the last 6 months but you originally got a licence more than 6 months ago.

Find out more and how to join here. If you require advice, please contact a member of our regulatory team here. Details provided from the .GOV.UK website.