Driving licence checks for employers and van fleets.
Check the licence with DVLA, then check the driver with their last employer. Here is how both work for van and courier fleets.
How do employers check a driving licence?
With the driver's permission, use the GOV.UK "Check someone's driving licence information" service. You need the last 8 characters of their licence number and a check code the driver creates online. The code must be used within 21 days and works once. It shows the vehicles they can drive, penalty points and disqualifications. RefAssure then handles the employer references.
A one-off check, step by step.
Get permission
Tell the driver what you are checking and why. GOV.UK warns that getting someone's driving record without their consent is an offence.
Driver creates a code
The driver uses "View or share your driving licence information" on GOV.UK with their licence number, National Insurance number and postcode, then shares the check code.
You run the check
Enter the code and the last 8 characters of the licence number into "Check someone's driving licence information" within 21 days. Each code works once.
Record the result
Note the categories held, points, any disqualification and the date you checked. Keep it with the driver's file.
Check codes, consent-based checks and how often to check
One-off checks with a check code
The check code route is free and suits small fleets and one-off hires. The limitation is that the driver has to create a new code every time you want to look. If a driver cannot use the online service, DVLA also offers a postal check using form D888/1, which both of you complete; GOV.UK lists the current fee.
Ongoing checks with a signed declaration
Larger fleets usually use a licence-checking provider connected to DVLA's Access to Driver Data service. The driver signs a fair processing declaration (form D906), which lets the provider check their record repeatedly for a set period, usually up to three years or until they stop driving for you. Ask your provider how long their declarations last and how often they recommend checking.
How often should you check?
There is no single legal interval. HSE guidance on driving for work expects employers to manage the risk, which includes checking licences when someone starts and regularly after that. Many fleets set a routine interval and check more often for drivers with points or a recent conviction. Whatever you choose, write it down and apply it to everyone.
Reading the result
Check the categories first. Most vans sit within the 3,500kg category B limit, but heavier vehicles need C1 or above, so check the plated weight of what they will drive. Then look at endorsements. Codes such as SP30 (speeding), CU80 (using a phone while driving), IN10 (driving without insurance) and DR10 (drink driving) carry very different weight for a delivery role, so set out in your policy which offences you will review case by case.
The licence is half of it. Ask the last employer.
A licence check shows points and categories. It does not show how someone drives, delivers or treats customers.
Dates and role
When they worked there, what they drove and the type of rounds they ran.
Vehicle care
Any damage incidents, defect reporting and how they looked after the van.
Delivery standards
Route adherence, proof of delivery, missed or failed drops.
Customer conduct
Complaints, how they handled difficult doorsteps, and how they represented the business.
Reliability
Attendance, timekeeping and short-notice absence.
Would they re-employ?
A plain yes or no with a reason is often the most useful answer in the reference.
Bounced email? You will know.
Driver referees often give a depot address or an old work email. RefAssure flags most bounced requests within minutes, so you can fix the contact and resend.
- Request by email, plus a text if you add a mobile number
- 5 emails and up to 2 texts over 12 days, stopping when they reply
- Replies sent by email instead of the form are captured and forwarded
- Signed PDF with a full audit trail for every reference
Driving licence check questions
More in the full FAQs.
Can an employer check a driving licence without permission?
No. You need the driver's consent, and GOV.UK warns that obtaining someone's driving record without it is an offence. Explain the check in your privacy notice and recruitment process.
How long is a DVLA check code valid?
GOV.UK says a check code must be used within 21 days and can be used once. If you need to check again, the driver creates a new code.
Does a licence check show penalty points?
Yes. The check shows the vehicles the person can drive, penalty points and any disqualifications. It does not tell you about their conduct at work, which is what references are for.
Does RefAssure do driving licence checks?
No. Licence checks go through DVLA, directly or via a licence-checking provider. RefAssure collects employment references and work history, with signed consent, automatic chasing and a signed PDF.
Do van drivers need a Driver CPC?
Driver CPC applies to professional drivers of lorries over 3.5 tonnes, buses and coaches, with some exemptions. Drivers of vans on a category B licence do not need it. For heavier vehicles, see our HGV driver reference checks guide.
How many years of history should I ask a driver for?
Many operators ask for three to five years, with gaps explained. Our guide to driver employment history references covers how to collect it.
How much do van driver references cost?
Your first reference is free. After that, credits cost from 99p down to 80p each, never expire and have no VAT added. See pricing.
Related guides
Licence checked. Now check the driver.
Your first reference is free. RefAssure chases the last employer so you do not have to.