As an industry we face a fast-changing landscape of road safety laws, compliance requirements, and training expectations. With increasing scrutiny from regulators and growing emphasis on corporate duty of care, ensuring that fleet drivers remain fully trained, compliant, and safe is not just a legal obligation—it’s crucial for business. From updated Highway Code guidance to mandatory driver CPC requirements, fleet managers must stay ahead of legislation and embed continuous professional development into their operations. Here’s what you need to know to keep your drivers and organisation compliant…
1. Keeping Up with Evolving Road Safety Legislation
The UK government has continued to evolve its road safety regulations to reflect new driving risks, emerging technologies, and environmental priorities. Key legislative developments affecting fleet operators include:
✔ Stricter mobile phone usage laws – Any handheld use while driving, including scrolling or unlocking a screen, is now illegal, with stiffer penalties.
✔ Tighter rules for smart motorways – Fleet drivers must adhere to variable speed limits and lane closures, with new penalties for lane misuse.
✔ Expansion of clean air and zero-emission zones – Fleets operating in urban areas must meet stricter emissions standards or face penalties, prompting further transition to electric and low-emission vehicles.
✔ Enhanced visibility requirements for HGVs – Particularly in London, Direct Vision Standards (DVS) are now a legal requirement for certain vehicles.
Fleet managers must regularly review policy updates to ensure driver handbooks, training, and vehicle specifications align with current regulations.
2. Compliance with Driver and Vehicle Standards
Ensuring compliance means going beyond just the letter of the law. Fleet operators must take a proactive, documented approach to driver and vehicle safety:
✔ Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) – Ongoing periodic training (35 hours every five years) remains mandatory for HGV and PCV drivers.
✔ Tachograph and hours-of-service monitoring – Operators must track and report driver working hours and rest breaks using compliant digital tools.
✔ Vehicle roadworthiness checks – Daily walkaround checks and routine maintenance must be logged and monitored for all commercial vehicles.
Maintaining accurate training records, inspection logs, and policy documents helps demonstrate compliance in the event of an audit or incident.
3. Embedding Ongoing Driver Training
Training is at the heart of both legal compliance and road safety. The most effective fleet operations now include:
✔ Regular driver assessments and CPC refreshers.
✔ E-learning modules on updated legislation, fatigue awareness, and eco-driving.
✔ Simulated or on-road defensive driving sessions.
✔ Training on EV operation and charging infrastructure, as fleets shift to electric vehicles.
Ensuring UK fleet drivers are safe, competent, and compliant means keeping pace with evolving laws, investing in continuous driver training, and embedding compliance into every aspect of fleet operations. With the right systems and support in place, fleet managers can stay ahead of their legal obligations—and build a safer, more efficient business.
Are you searching for Driver Training solutions for your organisation? The Fleet Summit can help!
Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash
