DVSA earned recognition scheme launched
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) earned recognition scheme was officially launched today (Tuesday 24 April 2018).
Gareth Llewellyn, DVSA Chief Executive, has officially launched the DVSA earned recognition scheme at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC, Birmingham.
The launch follows a successful year-long pilot involving more than 60 commercial vehicle operators from various sectors of the industry.
The launch event was attended by pilot operators, audit providers, IT systems suppliers and trade associations.
Visitors finding out about DVSA earned recognition at the Commercial Vehicle Show.
How the scheme works
DVSA earned recognition is a new way for organisations with lorries, buses and coaches to prove they meet driver and vehicle standards.
They’ll regularly share performance information with DVSA, such as their MOT initial pass rates and if their drivers have broken drivers’ hours rules.
In return, their vehicles are less likely to be stopped for roadside inspections, saving them time and money. DVSA will still stop vehicles if they’re in an obviously dangerous condition.
This will allow DVSA to target more of its enforcement activities at the high-risk traffic who put other road users in danger.
Watch a video explaining how the scheme works.
Benefits for vehicle operators
Since 1 February 2018, operators who joined the pilot have received some early benefits. They’ve been significantly less likely to be stopped by DVSA.
With the launch of DVSA earned recognition, operators currently on the scheme and those who join later will get the full benefits. These include:
- use of the DVSA earned recognition marque to use on their websites and other publicity materials
- being recognised as a DVSA approved operator through a published list on GOV.UK
- being able to prove they are exemplary operators when bidding for contracts
- DVSA enforcement staff being much less likely to stop their vehicles at the roadside
- DVSA enforcement staff being much less likely to visit their premises
- having direct access to a dedicated earned-recognition team in DVSA
How the scheme was refined during the pilot
The earned recognition pilot ran from April 2017. It allowed DVSA to test and refine the earned recognition concept. This included:
- the application process for operators, IT system suppliers and audit providers
- making sure the key performance indicators (KPIs) and audit standards are fit for purpose
- authorising audit providers to carry out the initial and periodic audits
- validating IT systems
- fine-tuning processes and documents
- gathering valuable feedback so we can make further adjustments
DVSA published the list of operators taking part in the pilot on 31 January 2018.
Working with operators, not against them
Dave Wood, DVSA Enforcement Policy Manager, said:
Earned recognition marks a shift in approach from DVSA.
It’s about rewarding operators who are serious about road safety and having a relationship where we work with them.
By doing that, we can free up time and resources to focus on the dangerous drivers and vehicles that put other road users at risk.
Joining DVSA earned recognition
Commercial vehicle operators can now apply to join the earned recognition scheme.
More information about DVSA earned recognition is also available for audit providers and IT suppliers.
Updates to this page
Published 24 April 2018Last updated 24 April 2018 + show all updates
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Added a photo from the Commercial Vehicle Show, and added a video explaining how DVSA earned recognition works.
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First published.