As the clock ticks down to the 1st January 2015 abolition of the counterpart to the driving licence, the DVLA has launched its Integrated Enquiries Platform (IEP) allowing individuals access to their driver record. The organisation is now developing options for how the document checking service will be accessed by corporate organisations.
In the coming weeks DVLA will be asking for feedback from ACFO on potential control options on employers accessing drivers’ records once organisations have obtained permission from individual employees.
ACFO chairman John Pryor said: ‘We are subject-matter experts in terms of what information we need to be able to access and so are delighted to be able to work with the DVLA in developing this vital checking service. Occupational road risk management is critical for all employers and driver licence validation checks are an essential part of road safety.’
A further key issue for ACFO is whether a charge will be levied for accessing individual driver records.
The DVLA has again asked for fleet views on the issue and Pryor said: ‘We will consult with members. Once again we welcome the DVLA’s willingness to discuss the matter with ACFO and we will be providing feedback as quickly as possible.’
Meanwhile, the coming months will also see the DVLA launch online access to the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book) in a move to cut red tape.
The development means that fleets will no longer have to store paper copies of the V5C for individual vehicles, but will be able to view it online and lodge an online request for the document if it is required.
The measure is part of a raft of online developments by the DVLA giving fleets and individual drivers online access to vehicle and driver records and the ability to notify it when changes are required, including when a vehicle is sold.
The DVLA is presently building the inquiry platform that will give fleet mangers online access to individual vehicle records, including the ability to access multiple records and build in alerts when cars and vans need taxing and an MoT.
Once again the DVLA has pledged to engage with fleets in the build up to the launch of the service to ensure it is secure and user-friendly. It is anticipated that the service, following a transition period, will be accessible online by March 2015.
Pryor said: ‘We welcome the Government’s decision to enable fleets to request a V5C on demand. It is a superfluous piece of paper for fleet managers to retain.
‘ACFO will work with the DVLA to ensure that the online access to a V5C is both secure and straightforward.’
