I have been seen using a mobile telephone and have now had a fixed penalty or court summons. What will happen to my HGV/PSV licence?

You are going to be called to appear before the Traffic Commissioner for a conduct hearing. The use of mobile telephones by HGV/PSV drivers has been on the increase and the Traffic Commissioner will take a dim view often suspending your licence.

I have committed a Drivers’ Hours Offence. What happens now?

If this is your first offence or the first for a long time you may be given a formal warning letter if you can assure the Traffic Commissioner that you will become familiar with the driver’s hours rules. If this is a repeat offence then you are likely to be called before the Traffic Commissioner in a Conduct Hearing and could be suspended for a minimum of a month.

I have been cautioned for possession of cannabis. Do I need to worry?

Yes you do. Because of the effects drugs can have on your driving you will be called before the Traffic Commissioner and you are at risk of a suspension.

I have a spent conviction more than 10 years ago. Will this be ignored in my application?

Not necessarily. The Traffic Commissioner can admit a spent conviction where it is felt to be relevant e.g. to your fitness to hold a licence. We may be able to make representations that the conviction isn’t relevant maybe because of the circumstances or your age at the time. The Commissioner will be looking at it from the interests of the public.

I am a taxi driver and have been caught for speeding. Will I lose my taxi licence?

One fixed penalty should not trouble the Local Authority but two committed close together or the use of a mobile phone will lead to enforcement action.

One of our drivers had his badge in his pocket when stopped. What happens now?

our driver has committed an offence and could be took to Court and fined. This may also affect the renewal of his taxi driver licence.

I am a sales rep and have been caught for speeding. Will I lose my driving licence?

Wherever a Court has the power to endorse your licence it also has the power to disqualify. The Court will use guidelines as a starting point and then listen to your lawyer. As you are in a special position with your job the wrong outcome could lose you your job. We can help you put forward a powerful case to keep your licence.

One of our drivers was has been offered a Driver Improvement Course. Does he have to go?

He doesn’t have to but these courses are often an alternative to being taken to Court. Even with the course fee and the inconvenience it is often best to accept the offer. We can discuss this with you if you’re just not sure.