Does the second driver have to do/show vehicle checks at driver change over?
Even though both drivers started/left depot at same time.
explorer1234:
Does the second driver have to do/show vehicle checks at driver change over?
Even though both drivers started/left depot at same time.
Would you do a full vehicle check after a 45 minute break or just have a cursory walk around?
I wouldn’t, you should know if something has fallen off or you have hit something and so would the passenger.
Interesting question
In some cases the second driver joins the vehicle a little time, but within the first hour, of the first driver checking out the vehicle
The law states that whichever driver is behind the wheel is responsible for the vehicle
That leaves any decision to do a quick recheck on the driver taking over from the other
There is no law that says it must be done by the driver taking over from the other or that both drivers must fill in a vehicle check sheet
Lets say the second driver is stopped by vosa and vosa asks the second “have you done your vehicle checks?” He replys that he is the second driver and that first driver did the checks…How would that stand? Thoughts please.
Would it be better ie if both drivers did the checks at the beginning of shift? I suppose the answer is yes.
How would that work if second driver was pick up within the first hour?
There is no law which says a driver must do vehicle checks so VOSA cannot prosecute a driver for that
VOSA can prosecute the one who was driving when they stop them if any defects are found
If the vehicle was stopped by VOSA and they found a headlight out for example which one driver had marked as working on the daily check sheet then VOSA will accept that it was checked before the journey started
Thanks Rog and Wheel Nut.
That old saying " The job is easy but lets make it bloody complicated ".
it is my belief that Operator Licensing rules say the vehicle must be checked by a competent person at least once in every 24 hour period. Therefore if it has been checked at least once how can there be a problem?
As already stated, if there is a defect then it is the person driving at the time that will take the fine etc
Talking of which - an immediate prohibition was placed on a vehicle on Friday for indicator bulb failed on the trailer. Prohibition issued 14:37 and removed 14:45 after the driver changed the bulb. He had defect paperwork with him to show nil defects from that morning and had (according to the driver) checked the lights whilst at his collection point - all OK. Nothing on the vehicle dash indicated a failed bulb.
With the new changes to the OCRS system as from 1st October this will have quite an impact on the company. I fear this particular VOSA guy was a little over keen and in the OPs example would probably behead both drivers for a travesty such as an inoperative indicator
Thanks shep 532.
Spoke to vosa and their advice was a belt and braces approach.
Both drivers put cards in showing other work for the 10/15 mins it takes to do your vehicle checks.
And
Fill in a check Sheet for the vehicle and both drivers sign it.
explorer1234:
Spoke to vosa and their advice was a belt and braces approach.
Both drivers put cards in showing other work for the 10/15 mins it takes to do your vehicle checks.And
Fill in a check Sheet for the vehicle and both drivers sign it.
OK if both start at the same time but what would VOSA suggest if the second driver gets picked up by the first driver within the first hour? - do another set of vehicle checks ■■?
I do double man every night. I’m usually in work 20 or so minutes before my co-driver and do the checks, with a few minutes showing on my card for them. My mate arrives and in goes his card, he doesn’t redo the checks and it’s my name and signature on the defect sheet not his. we don’t bother checking the trailer brought down from Scotland when we swap over beyond checking the lights are working after the swap and the tyres are the proper shape. The Scottish driver checked it at the start of his shift, it’s the same guy every night, and I trust him. Plus I don’t drive it south so… 