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Earned Recognition Scheme​

A DVSA Earned Recognition logo that is only authorised to be used by auditors who have been accreditted such as Verrdi Transport Consultancy.

The DVSA Earned Recognition Scheme is a voluntary program designed to reward exemplary vehicle operators with a "light-touch" approach to enforcement. It is open to operators who have a strong track record of compliance and a commitment to vehicle and driver safety standards.

How It Works

Instead of relying on random roadside checks and premises visits, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) works with participating operators by remotely monitoring their performance data. To join the scheme, an operator must have a DVSA-validated IT system for vehicle maintenance and drivers' hours. This system continuously monitors Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) against set standards.

If an operator consistently fails to meet a KPI, the DVSA is automatically notified. This allows the agency to address issues proactively and work with the operator to fix problems, rather than resorting to traditional enforcement. This approach frees up the DVSA to focus its resources on high-risk operators.

Advantages of Joining

The benefits of the scheme are significant and extend beyond simple compliance.

  • Reduced Inspections: Vehicles are less likely to be stopped for roadside inspections, and premises are less likely to receive routine visits from DVSA enforcement staff. This reduces costly downtime and increases productivity.

  • Enhanced Reputation: The scheme allows an operator to use the official DVSA Earned Recognition logo, which serves as an industry-recognized mark of excellence. This can be a significant competitive advantage when bidding for new contracts.

  • Direct Access to DVSA Support: Members have access to a dedicated DVSA team, providing a direct point of contact for expert advice and support.

  • Proof of Compliance: The scheme provides a recognised standard that proves a business's commitment to safety and compliance, which can be invaluable for reassuring existing clients and gaining new ones.

Steps to Join the Scheme

The process for joining the DVSA Earned Recognition Scheme is a structured one, ensuring that only the most compliant operators are accepted.

  1. Meet the Eligibility Criteria: You must have held an operator's licence for at least two years with no serious regulatory action from the Traffic Commissioner (e.g., no public inquiry warnings). You must also have robust management systems in place.

  2. Use a DVSA-Validated IT System:You need to use an IT system or software that is validated by the DVSA to monitor and automatically report your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on drivers' hours and vehicle maintenance.

  3. Complete a Self-Assessment: Conduct a thorough self-assessment using the DVSA's official checklist to confirm your operation meets all the required standards.

  4. Undergo an Audit:You must arrange and pay for an audit by a DVSA-approved audit provider. The audit will verify that your systems, processes, and records meet the strict Earned Recognition standards. This audit can be completed up to three months before you submit your application.

  5. Submit the Application: Once you have passed the audit and met all other requirements, you can submit your application form and your latest KPI reports to the DVSA.

  6. Maintain Compliance: If accepted into the scheme, you'll need to continuously meet the required KPIs. Your status is subject to ongoing monitoring and a full re-audit every two years.

Key Areas of DVSA Earned Recognition Audit

As a DVSA Earned Recognition Approved Auditor, we will cover the following key areas during an audit, in line with the DVSA's detailed standards:

I. Operator Licensing & Management:

  • Legal Entity: Verification that the operator holds a valid licence under the correct legal entity, and that all licences are included.
  • Licence Compliance: Processes to ensure all operator licences are current, correctly held, and any changes (e.g., directors, addresses) have been notified to the Traffic Commissioner.
  • Correspondence: Ensuring the operator's correspondence address is directly connected to the business operation.

II. Transport Manager (or Responsible Person):

  • Competence & Qualification: Verification of the Transport Manager's Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and any required refresher training.
  • Role & Responsibilities: Evidence that the Transport Manager is actively fulfilling their duties and has effective management control over the transport operations.
  • Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Checking records of ongoing training and development.

III. Vehicle Standards & Maintenance:

  • Maintenance System: Assessment of the operator's vehicle maintenance system (digital or manual, but preferably DVSA-validated IT system for reporting KPIs).
  • Safety Inspections: Verification of complete and correctly filled safety inspection records, adherence to stated frequencies, and appropriate actioning of reported defects.
  • Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM): Ensuring a robust PPM schedule is in place and adhered to.
  • Driver Defect Reporting: Checking processes for drivers to report defects and that road safety related items are appropriately actioned.
  • MOT Performance: Review of vehicle and trailer MOT initial pass rates.
  • Vehicle Records: Comprehensive and accurate records of vehicle inspections, repairs, and maintenance schedules.

IV. Drivers' Hours & Working Time:

  • Drivers' Hours Management System: Assessment of the system used to monitor and manage drivers' hours (must be a DVSA-validated IT system for KPI reporting).
  • Tachograph Use & Data Management: Correct use of tachographs, accuracy of recorded data, and secure storage and analysis of data.
  • Compliance with Regulations: Verification of adherence to EU Drivers' Hours Regulations and Working Time Directive.
  • Infringement Management: Processes for identifying, investigating, and addressing drivers' hours infringements.

V. Operational Management:

  • Journey Planning & Control: Processes for route planning, scheduling, and ensuring safe and efficient operations.
  • Driver & Vehicle Allocation: How drivers and vehicles are managed and allocated to ensure legal compliance and operational efficiency.
  • Roadside Inspection Performance: Review of any past roadside inspection outcomes and how issues were addressed.

VI. Driver Management:

  • Licence Checks: Robust processes for regular and valid driver licence checks.
  • Driver Inductions: Evidence of comprehensive induction processes for new drivers.
  • Disciplinary Procedures: Clear and fair disciplinary procedures in place for driver non-compliance or incidents.
  • Driver Behaviour Monitoring: Systems in place to monitor and manage driver behaviour, including addressing issues.

VII. Training & Competence:

  • Driver Training: Ensuring drivers receive necessary initial and ongoing training (e.g., Driver CPC, specific vehicle training, safety briefings).
  • Staff Training: Training for other key personnel involved in transport operations (e.g., planners, workshop staff).
  • Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date training records.

VIII. Policies & Procedures:

  • Comprehensive Documentation: Evidence of documented policies and procedures covering all aspects of transport operations (e.g., drug & alcohol policy, incident reporting, safe loading).
  • Communication: How policies are communicated to and understood by all relevant staff.
  • Review & Update: Processes for regular review and updating of policies to reflect legislative changes and best practice.

IX. Security Requirements:

  • Vehicle & Load Security: Procedures to prevent theft, tampering, and ensure the security of vehicles and loads.
  • Premises Security: Measures in place to secure operating centres.

X. Optional Modules (if applicable):

  • If the operator has applied for specific additional modules (e.g., HS2, TfL Contractual Requirements/CLOCS), the audit will include specific standards related to those modules.

The audit typically involves a desk-based review of documentation and systems, followed by an on-site inspection to verify processes, sample vehicle and driver records, and assess the effectiveness of the operator's management controls. The aim is to confirm that the operator not only has systems in place but that they are effective and consistently applied.


DVSA Earned Recogntion Video

If you would like assistance with the Earned Recognition Scheme please book an appointment using the form below or contact us on 01482 699222 for a no obligation discussion.