It was suggested when this subject was raised with the DSA that maybe a pupil could self certify that they are entitled to drive. After checking with both the ACPO and the Association of British Insurance , this is not an acceptable method of checking a driver’s entitlement.
We are fully aware there is a very small minority of pupils that would attempt to continue or start lessons whilst banned; the possibility is there so an instructor does have to protect themselves.
The real issue with this is fleet trainers; they take people that in some cases have been driving for many years, so have the opportunity to accrue points and possible bans. Whilst companies are supposed to check drivers’ entitlement on a regular basis, in some cases this is done in an adhoc manner. The upside to doing fleet work the company are paying so they will also provide the means of checking the driving licence presented.
As we are all aware currently pupils’ are required to present both parts of their licence before a test takes place. The DE can at a glance check currently, but if or should we say when the counterpart is abolished, it will mean the DE going back into their office with the plastic part and checking a candidate’s entitlement via a dedicated means for free.
Other businesses will also be affected; the vehicle hire industry will also need means of licence checking. We know however if you hire abroad, they only check the plastic part, as most if not all EU countries only have one part to their licences.
When this was first raised with the ACPO the only suggestion was for the instructor to take the pupil, on their first lesson back to their home and check their entitlement via the phone before conducting the lesson; somehow I see this as a bad idea, plus the additional cost to the instructor.
Using the phone option costs 51ppm, with a minimum call of 3 minutes (BT phone line, mobiles about £1.00 pm). Email and fax option for £5
The only method that would work is all bans irrespective of the duration being recorded on the plastic part of the licence until spent. We realise this will mean the licence is taken from the offending driver and could take a couple of weeks for it to be returned. The offender should behave on the roads and then they would have no need for the courts to get involved.
New plastic type licences are being produced from Feb 2014.