The DVSA advises that you carry out “gate checks” on your drivers’ walk around checks. How should you do this?
In light of our commitment to ensuring the utmost quality and compliance in vehicle maintenance, we’d like to clarify the implementation of “gate checks” or “quality control.”
The Significance of Gate Checks:
Gate checks are an efficient tool for verifying the meticulousness of drivers’ walk around checks. Not only are they an industry best practice, but the DVSA and Traffic Commissioners also recognise them as a pivotal component of a robust vehicle maintenance system.
Implementing Quality Control/Gate Checks:
Every operator should ideally have, or consider implementing, a systematic schedule of regular gate checks. This entails:
- Assigning a transport manager (TM) or another senior-level individual to conduct a gate check on each driver at a minimum frequency of once per month.
- Structuring these checks in a manner that they’re planned from a managerial perspective but appear spontaneous to the drivers. This ensures drivers maintain consistent compliance without being influenced by a predictable check schedule.
Approaches to Conducting Gate Checks:
There are several methodologies available:
- Direct Supervision: Monitor the driver while they perform the check, evaluating their technique and thoroughness.
- Re-examination: After the driver completes their check, request they repeat it under supervision. Any inconsistencies can then be cross-referenced with the initial record.
- Secondary Verification: Once the driver finishes their check, the supervisor conducts their own assessment, comparing findings against the driver’s record as necessary.
- Defect Identification Test: Before the walk around check, the supervisor introduces a defect, such as removing a bulb. The goal is to determine if the driver identifies the issue. If the driver overlooks the planted defect, it should be immediately rectified before the vehicle is mobilised.
Documentation and Action Steps:
Every gate check, regardless of the outcome, should be documented. Should a driver exhibit shortcomings during these checks, corrective measures ought to be instated:
- Retraining: Offer a succinct explanation of their oversight.
- Formal Training: If needed, enrol them in a Driver CPC module focused on walk around checks and defect reporting.
- Disciplinary Measures: In the case of consistent non-compliance, operators might have to resort to stringent disciplinary actions. Such drivers should be flagged for more frequent checks to monitor and encourage improvement.
In conclusion, these guidelines are integral to maintaining high standards of vehicle maintenance and compliance.
We believe that sharing knowledge makes us stronger together, and we can’t wait to take you on this journey of learning and growth.
Call us on 0333 567 1966 to discuss how we can help you on your journey to compliance or contact us here.
