Beware. Driver validation could put you on the spot!
VOSA roadside examiners are trialling the new Driver Validation Service (DVS) system at roadside spot checks with laptops. Provided by the DVLA, this application allows examiners to access the driver licence database of more than 44 million driver records – 26 million of which include the driver’s photographic identity and signature.
VOSA currently has 50 examiners using this real-time information on a 24/7 basis to identify driving licence offences. The information is used as part of an intelligence-led approach to enforcement and helps VOSA to target any non-compliant minibus operators and drivers.
Non-complying offences include identifying drivers with the incorrect or absent category on their licence for the vehicle driven.
Minibuses still remain the most complicated vehicle, licence-wise, to drive. Many car-licence holding minibus drivers could find themselves driving legally one day and then illegally the next as driver exceptions vary according to different circumstances.
If you drive a minibus on your car licence check out the “Can I legally drive a minibus?” section before you fall victim to the Driver Validation Service (DVS) system.
