TTC warns fleets of licensing legislation change affecting drivers

TTC is warning fleet managers to focus on the legislation change surrounding licence extension periods affecting company drivers.

TTC said the changes, that came into effect on September 1, is catching some drivers out with fines of up to £1,000.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) announced a grace period that saw all driving licences due to expire between February 1 and December 31, 2020, extended by a further period of 11 months.

As a result, any driving licences that were originally due to expire in October 2020 were valid until September 2021.

The Government also granted a seven-month extension to drivers whose photocard driving licence expired between the start of February and the end of August.

TTC is urging drivers to check their driving licence expiration date and re-apply to the DVLA immediately, while advising fleets to pay extra attention to driver licence compliance in the coming weeks.

Jim Kirkwood, chief executive of TTC Group, said: “The past 18 months have seen a host of regulatory shifts for fleets and drivers, as the Government has responded to the pandemic.

"As we return to a more normal regulatory environment, it is important drivers aren’t caught out by the end of this extension period.

“The range of solutions offered by Licence Bureau allows fleet managers to perform online driving licence verification checks both easily and quickly, and they will be immediately notified of any drivers whose licences have expired.”

Earlier this year, TTC Group was sold by Palatine Private Equity to the company’s management team with investment from Pricoa Private Capital.