A key requirement of your role will be using a vehicle to make deliveries during the day and it is your responsibility for your own safety and the safety of others that you take certain precautions when driving a vehicle.

Driver Responsibilities

The law states that the driver of the vehicle is responsible for its proper operation. This means that you, the driver, can be fined or have you license endorsed or removed for failing to do so. To satisfy the basic legal requirement you must:

• Hold a valid driving license
• Be covered by appropriate insurance
• Ensure the vehicle is taxed
• That you follow the highway code
• Ensure the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition and has a valid MOT certificate. 

Fitness to drive 

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit to drive at all times.

You should avoid driving when tired or if you feel unwell; it is your responsibility to inform your manager if you feel that you are not fit to carry out your duties.

You should have a 15 minute rest break when driving for more than 2.5 hours, however when making a delivery this is classed as a break in driving.

Eye care

It is your responsibility to ensure your vision is at the required standard to drive by having regular eye tests. A person’s eyesight can often deteriorate slowly over time and it may not be obvious if your vision has declined to a level where it may be unsafe for you to drive. If it has been recommended that you need to wear glasses or contact lenses to drive it is important to follow this advice. If you are involved in an incident you may be required to confirm when you last had your eyesight checked. Don’t put yourself at risk; keep up to date with your eye tests, as well as the obvious self-care benefit of a regular check.