Licence Check launches SMS E-Approval

Licence Check has launched a new text message-based method of driver authorisation in its DAVIS driver and vehicle risk platform.

The new functionality will help speed up the process and offer a more accessible approach to obtaining driver permission, while maintaining social distancing or working remotely, it says.

Called SMS E-Approval, it is the latest way for drivers to grant permission to have their licence checked within Licence Check’s cloud-based DAVIS (Driver and Vehicle Information Solution) platform.

The launch has been timed to allow DAVIS users to adopt SMS E-Approval ahead of the forthcoming third anniversary of GDPR in May https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/fleet-industry-news/2021/03/19/gdpr-anniversary-sparks-licence-check-renewal-reminder , and the expiration of driver mandates following changes to data protection laws.

Although originally intended to overcome driver reluctance to provide email contact information, the SMS option also helps to cut down on physical interaction with drivers at a time when lockdown rules, although gradually easing, remain in place, says Licence Check.

Following receipt of the initial SMS message, the driver is required to validate their identity, confirm the company they work for and then give permission for their employer to access their DVLA driving record in accordance with the strict requirements set out by the DVLA.

The new process bypasses the need for the driver to actually log into the DAVIS application to provide assent, resulting in a quicker end-to-end process.

For organisations requesting driver permission, SMS-E-Approval is likely to initiate a quicker response as SMS communication is shown to be far more effective at initiating an instant response, says Licence Check. The process includes a two-factor authentication check to confirm identity.

The driver needs to reply to the text message, click a link to confirm their details and check the DVLA fair processing declaration to give authorisation to check their licence for up to three years.

Licence Check general manager Terry Hiles says that businesses now had a number of methods to secure driver authorisations for checking driving licences with DAVIS.

“Despite the progress towards gradual relaxation of lockdown, it is important that social distancing is maintained and the SMS method is another way to ensure that vital duty of care checks to protect the wider public can continue," he said.

“SMS E-Approval was developed to offer an alternative to sharing an email address and eliminated the need for drivers to log into DAVIS."

He added: “We believe SMS E-Approval to be an industry first but most importantly, we believe this to be the one of the quickest end-to-end process for obtaining driver permission."

DAVIS now offers a total of six methods of capturing and recording driver permissions.