DVSA

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is part of the UK Department for Transport. It is the national body overseeing driving tests and ensuring HGVs and PSVs, including buses and coaches, are safe to drive.

The DVSA conducts roadside checks on vehicles to ensure they have been correctly maintained, are not overloaded and have up to date records. They can also visit operating centres to check the maintenance of a fleet of vehicles, and verify drivers’ hours and compliance records.

In the event of any issues, the DVSA can launch an investigation and conduct interviews under caution. This could lead to a driver or operator being called to a Public Inquiry hearing with the Traffic Commissioner, or being prosecuted in the criminal courts. Professional drivers may also need to attend driver conduct hearings.

Our Transport Lawyers at Nicholls & Nicholls specialise in defending Operators, Directors and Transport Managers called to a public inquiry.

We can assist with representation at hearings and interviews under caution, advise on allegations and provide insight into the investigation process. We are also best placed to be able to advise or assist in relation to any appeals of a decision following an inquiry.

Driver Conduct Hearings

Professional drivers, or those applying for an HGV or PSV licence, may be called for a driver conduct hearing. This is where the Traffic Commissioner assesses whether a driver is fit to hold a professional licence.

This situation could arise when a driver has been convicted of a motoring offence such as speeding, using a mobile phone whilst driving or tachograph offences.

Our Transport Lawyers at Nicholls & Nicholls specialise in defending drivers called to conduct hearings.

We can assist with representation at hearings and interviews under caution, advise on allegations and provide insight into the process. We are also best placed to be able to advise or assist in relation to any appeals of a decision following a hearing.