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Audit

Know exactly where you stand, before DVSA does.

Independent, evidence-led audits of your operator licence systems, carried out the way an examiner would look at them, with a clear action plan to fix what we find.

At a glance

  • On-site, remote or hybrid delivery
  • RAG-rated findings with an owned action plan
  • Findings and action-plan debrief included
  • Fixed quote agreed before any work starts
Why audit

An honest picture of your compliance, from someone who knows how it's judged.

Your operator licence depends on keeping the promises you made when it was granted: vehicles kept fit and serviceable, drivers' hours rules observed, and a transport manager in continuous and effective control. An audit tests whether your systems actually deliver that, not just whether the paperwork exists.

Our audits are shaped by experience on the enforcement side, so we look for the same patterns an examiner would and explain findings in the terms a Traffic Commissioner would use.

Signs it's time for an audit

  • You haven't had an independent review in the last 12 months
  • Your OCRS score has moved to amber or red
  • You've had a prohibition, fixed penalty or roadside issue
  • A DVSA letter or visit is on the way
  • You've changed transport manager, grown the fleet or added a site
  • A customer, insurer or tender asks for evidence of compliance
  • You rely on a contractor's inspection records you have never checked
Audit options

Choose the depth of review you need

Every audit ends with a written, RAG-rated report and a prioritised action plan. A standard findings and action-plan debrief is included with each audit. Additional staff training is quoted separately. Not sure which fits? We'll recommend one.

Compliance health check

A proportionate review of your core systems. Ideal for smaller fleets or a first independent look.

Best for 1 to 10 vehiclesBook a health check →

Full operator licence audit

Every area of your licence undertakings, benchmarked against current DVSA roadworthiness guidance and drivers' hours rules.

Best for annual assuranceBook a full audit →

Mock DVSA investigation

Run the way an examiner would run it, with the same record requests and questions. Find the weak spots while they're still yours to fix.

Best before a DVSA visitBook a mock investigation →

Traffic Commissioner or public inquiry audit

Independent audit to satisfy a TC direction or undertaking, or evidence to take into a hearing.

Best when directed by the TCBook a TC audit →

Earned Recognition readiness

A gap check against the DVSA Earned Recognition standard, so you know what to fix before applying.

Best for well-run fleetsBook a readiness check →

Focused review

Just the areas you choose: drivers' hours and tachographs, maintenance, working time or load security.

Best for a known problem areaBook a focused review →

Maintenance provider audit

An independent check of the workshop that inspects your vehicles: inspection quality, brake testing, defect rectification and records, measured against current DVSA roadworthiness guidance.

Best when you use a contractorBook a provider audit →

Gate checks and fleet checks

Spot checks of vehicles and driver walkaround practices to assess whether checks are being completed effectively and defects are being identified, recorded and reported. Findings highlight gaps in your procedures, supervision or training and provide practical actions for improvement. These checks do not replace scheduled safety inspections or mechanical examinations.

For operators checking how procedures work in practiceEnquire about gate checks →

Subcontractor and haulier vetting

Checks on the hauliers you subcontract to: licence status and authority, OCRS, insurance and the systems behind them. For operators, shippers and retailers alike.

Best when others carry your loadsDiscuss haulier vetting →
How it works

From first call to closed actions

1

Scope

A short call to understand your operation, concerns and deadlines. You get a fixed quote.

2

Review

We examine records, systems and practice on-site, remotely or both, and talk to the people who run them.

3

Report

A written RAG-rated report, with every finding linked to the regulation or guidance behind it.

4

Follow up

A findings and action-plan debrief with your team is included. An optional follow-up re-check can be quoted separately.

What you get

A report you can act on, not just file

  • Findings rated red, amber or green so you know what needs fixing first.
  • An action log with an owner, due date and the evidence needed to close each item.
  • Clear references to the regulations and DVSA guidance behind each finding.
  • A findings and action-plan debrief included with each audit, for your transport manager and directors.
  • An optional follow-up re-check quoted separately, to confirm actions are closed.
  • Evidence of your commitment to compliance, useful if you ever face a public inquiry.
In detail

Common areas we review, in detail

Questions

Audit: common questions

How long does an audit take?

Most audits take one to two days on-site or the equivalent remotely, depending on fleet size, number of operating centres and the scope you choose. We'll confirm this when we quote.

Can you audit remotely?

Yes. Many records, such as tachograph analysis reports and maintenance files, can be shared securely. We often recommend a hybrid approach: remote record review followed by a shorter site visit to see systems in practice.

Will the findings be shared with DVSA?

Your audit is treated as confidential. Where an audit is commissioned to meet a Traffic Commissioner direction or undertaking, we agree the required reporting arrangements with you. Disclosure may also be necessary where required by law.

Can you audit our maintenance contractor or subcontractors?

Yes. You stay responsible for the roadworthiness of your vehicles even when a contractor inspects them, so an independent audit of their work is good evidence of control. We also vet subcontracted hauliers for operators, shippers and retailers who need to know the companies carrying their goods are compliant.

What records will you need?

Typically tachograph analysis and infringement reports or authorised access to your analysis system, maintenance and PMI records, defect reports and your operator licence details. We send a checklist before the audit.

Related services

Find the gaps before anyone else does.

Tell us about your operation and we'll recommend the right audit, with a fixed quote and dates.