SERVICE
SERVICE
Independent HGV Operator Licence Compliance Audit
An independent, evidence-based assessment of your operator licence compliance arrangements, helping you identify weaknesses, understand risks and establish clear priorities for improvement.
Independent assurance based on evidence
Operator licence holders must have effective systems for the safe and legal operation of their vehicles.
An independent audit tests more than whether a procedure has been written: it considers whether the system is implemented, monitored and supported by reliable records.
LDP conducts independent HGV operator licence compliance audits for operators that want objective assurance, need to respond to identified risk, or have been asked to obtain an audit by the Traffic Commissioner or as part of an operator licence undertaking.
When MIGHT an independent audit be appropriate?
An audit may be commissioned...
- Voluntary assurance requested by a director or transport manager
- Following a compliance concern
- As part of due diligence
- Before or after regulatory contact
- To satisfy an operator licence undertaking
If your audit forms part of an operator licence undertaking or follows a request from a Traffic Commissioner or DVSA, please provide the relevant correspondence and any specified requirements before we agree the audit. This allows us to confirm the scope, timescales and reporting arrangements.
WHAT THE AUDIT COVERS (as a minimum)
Operator licence and management
- Operator licensing and undertakings
- Governance and management control
- Management review and record retention
Vehicle compliance
- Vehicle maintenance systems
- Safety inspection records
- Brake testing and tyre management
- Driver defect reporting and rectification
Driver compliance
- Driver licensing and competence
- Drivers' hours and working time
- Tachograph controls
Operator licence and management
- Operator licensing and undertakings
- Governance and management control
- Management review and record retention
Vehicle compliance
- Vehicle maintenance systems
- Safety inspection records
- Brake testing and tyre management
- Driver defect reporting and rectification
Driver compliance
- Driver licensing and competence
- Drivers' hours and working time
- Tachograph controls
We review a representative sample of records based on your operation and the audit requirements. We may also speak with key personnel and review systems in practice to confirm that your procedures work as intended.
A clear audit process
Before the audit
- Confirm scope, fleet, operating centres, deadline and evidence requirements.
During the audit
- Review evidence, sample records, speak to relevant personnel and test systems.
After the audit
- Provide the written report with findings and recommendations.
Before the audit
- Confirm scope, fleet, operating centres, deadline and evidence requirements.
During the audit
- Review evidence, sample records, speak to relevant personnel and test systems.
After the audit
- Provide the written report with findings and recommendations.
Where an audit forms part of an operator licence undertaking, you will need to submit a formal response explaining how you intend to address the findings and recommendations. LDP can clarify the audit findings and provide practical guidance on the next steps, while maintaining the independence of the audit.
What you receive
The deliverable is a structured audit report with clear findings, risk-based recommendations and an action plan.
The report is designed to be useful to directors and transport managers while providing the detail expected from an evidence-based compliance assessment.
An audit is a snapshot based on the scope and samples reviewed. It does not transfer the operator’s legal responsibilities or guarantee future compliance.
Request an accurate quotation
To quote properly, we will normally need the following:
- Operator name
- Driver numbers
- Licence number/type
- Reason for audit
- Number of licences
- Required scope
- Operating centres
- Location
- Authorised and actual fleet
- Deadline
- Trailer numbers
Send any undertaking, DVSA request or relevant correspondence at the outset.
CALL NOW ON 0333 567 1966
Frequently asked questions
Are LDP audits suitable for a Traffic Commissioner undertaking?
Yes. LDP Transport Consultancy is a DVSA Earned Recognition authorised audit provider and can undertake independent compliance audits required by a Traffic Commissioner.
How many records will you sample?
Sampling depends on the size and risk of the operation and any applicable audit criteria. We confirm the evidence request before the audit.
Will the audit report say whether we have passed or failed?
The format depends on the audit purpose. The report will clearly identify the standard used, findings and actions; it will not conceal weaknesses behind vague wording.
Is this a DVSA Earned Recognition audit?
No. A formal DVSA Earned Recognition audit is a separate service completed against the scheme’s specific standards and process.
NOT SURE WHAT SUPPORT YOU NEED?
You don’t need to choose a service before contacting us, Tell us about your Operator Licence, Fleet and what is concerning you and we’ll explain the most appropriate next step.