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Original poster

Do you work for the NHS? If so, do you have to submit your driving licence annually?

30 replies

Paolosgirl · 08/05/2009 20:07

Our HR dept have ratified this policy recently, and our Directorate is the first to implement this. I'm very puzzled (and a bit peed off, actually) as to why I have to submit my licence, but I won't be able to claim travel expenses unless I do. I don't have a leased car, I use my own car to get to meetings etc and submit monthly claims for petrol etc, and pay for my own insurance.

HR have been very vague, so has my director and the union. Any ideas?

OP posts:
ChasingSquirrels · 08/05/2009 20:08

something to do with corporate responsibility - you are driving on their business, they have to make sure you are legal

Northernlurker · 08/05/2009 20:09

I guess it's because if you are driving as part of your work they have a health and safety duty for that part of your work as well as the rest and so need to ensure that you are safe and legal? It's hardly a problem is it? assuming you have a valid licence of course.

IwishIwasmoreorganised · 08/05/2009 20:09

I have never had to show my driving licence, let alone annually!

I have worked as a community therapist and also attend off site courses and meetings so claim travel expenses.

Why are they asking to see it annually?

ChasingSquirrels · 08/05/2009 20:10

and remember - photo licences are only valid for 10 yrs, which is coming up for the first ones.

ChasingSquirrels · 08/05/2009 20:11

and it is new, can't remember what law it relates to.
my employer has implemented this.

Original poster
Paolosgirl · 08/05/2009 20:15

But they needed to see the paper licence, not the photo licence, as that wasn't sufficient - as it is, I don't have any endorsements, but am not happy that my manager has the ability to view this information.

And annually? Why? I can understand having to prove you are legally able to drive when you join the organisation, but I've been working for the NHS for nearly 20 years!

OP posts:
ChasingSquirrels · 08/05/2009 20:32

they would presumably need to see both parts - neither is valid on it's own.

annually - i guess because you might lose it - the right to have it, not the physical licence.

Original poster
Paolosgirl · 08/05/2009 20:40

Can you even vaguely recall which law it might relate to? I'm really curious.....

OP posts:
ChasingSquirrels · 08/05/2009 20:41

ummmmmmm, hold on

ChasingSquirrels · 08/05/2009 20:46

brief
corporate manslaughter

moondog · 08/05/2009 20:47

I work for NHS and we do (also insurance documents)

ChasingSquirrels · 08/05/2009 20:48

ignore 2nd link

ChasingSquirrels · 08/05/2009 20:50

news article

hannahsaunt · 08/05/2009 20:50

Dh works for the NHS and so does my mum in different capacities for different trusts. Neither has to show driving licences though neither drive in the course of their work.

ProstetnicVogonJeltz · 08/05/2009 20:52

nope

Original poster
Paolosgirl · 08/05/2009 20:54

Thanks Squirrel. That Act seems to relate to vehicles which are the property of the company - or companies which ask you to drive long hours for the job, which wouldn't be reflected in the driving licence. Perhaps it falls under this Act though in some way...would be nice if HR (who ratified the thing!) knew why they had implemented it!

OP posts:
Original poster
Paolosgirl · 08/05/2009 20:56

Sorry - just read the news article. Def. comes under the Act - thanks

OP posts:
ChasingSquirrels · 08/05/2009 20:59

lol - just read the article myself and came back to say I think it does cover it.
We (private firm) now have to produce everything annually.
Agree - HR should know WHY they are requesting the info!

lukeysmummy · 09/05/2009 17:08

i work for the nhs and we have to hand in copies if our driving lic mot and unsurance

Tinker · 09/05/2009 17:10

Not NHS but am civil service - we do have to have driving docs checked annually

llareggub · 09/05/2009 17:13

We have to prove we are insured for business use by showing our insurance documents. I quite see the justification for the driving licence.

llareggub · 09/05/2009 17:13

I meant I can't see the justification.

Tinker · 09/05/2009 17:14

I suppose to check for no convictions? Dangerous driving?

Original poster
Paolosgirl · 09/05/2009 17:21

I'm not even sure that I can see why they want insurance documents - it's my car I'm driving, not a leased one. And endoresements? Again, is it their business? If I'm driving when I shouldn't be then it's a criminal offence, surely, and a matter for the courts and police?

I'e come back to this thread because I was telling dh about the legisation that Squirrels posted the link to, and he said he wasn't sure that it applied up here in Scotland? I'm very curious now...

OP posts:
Tinker · 09/05/2009 17:27

To check you have a business user clause I suppose?