Licence Bureau Ltd was contacted in September 2010 by a Fleet Manager with over 20 years’ experience. His system of licence checking involved both a visual driving licence check every 3 – 6 months and photocopying the licence. The company has depots throughout the UK.
A LGV driver came under suspicion when he had not confirmed taking his medical. His age then appeared to be at odds with the category expiry date on his licence. On being sent the photocopy on file, the Fleet manager contacted Licence Bureau for assistance.
It was immediately confirmed by us that the document was a forgery. The following was obtained by the DVLA who stated:
‘I can confirm that this is a forgery, and you’re right not a good one.’
Now the internal investigation starts as the driver does have a current Driving Licence at DVLA. So why produce a forgery?
- Is the driver who he states he is? The correct Licence issued by DVLA is accompanied by a photo card.
- Did the driver produce a forgery as he has two previous drink drive convictions and would not have been eligible for the job?
- Did he produce a forgery as he had no licence when he joined? The photo card we understand was issued after his joining date.
Malcolm Maycock MD of Licence Bureau states ‘I have spent thirty years verifying Driving Licences, investigating employment applications and law enforcement. Sadly this is not an isolated incident, in fact our results show licence revocation as a common occurrence.
It is imperative that companies use the tools available to mitigate such risks. The cost is minimal, the potential losses substantial. Licence Bureau can also manage full pre-employment screening of employees which includes confirming identity, past employment and credit checks.’
The fleet manager’s business is now going to introduce Electronic Licence checking for their 500 LGV drivers, followed by their car and grey fleet drivers.
