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Being called to a driver conduct hearing can be unsettling for both the driver and the company the driver company works for. The objective of the hearing is for Traffic Commissioner to question whether a driver is fit to continue to hold a vocational/professional licence.
A case that may appear to be very serious from an initial outline may ultimately avoid a severe outcome following a hearing of evidence. However, a case that initially appears not to be serious may result in a more detrimental outcome once a full consideration of the evidence has been dealt with at a hearing. Call our specialist driver conduct hearing solicitors now for immediate help and advice on 01616 966 229.
Traffic Commissioner Driver Conduct Hearings are a tribunal hearing in front of the Traffic Commissioner that looks into your driving conduct. At the end of the hearing, it will be decided if any action will be taken against your professional/vocational driving license.
Although many driver conduct cases are dealt with via letter and written submission, committing certain criminal offences means that you may be called to a hearing. Examples of those types of offences are:
Every case is unique and the outcome will depend on an number of factors including the type of offence and/or number of offences committed, aggravating and mitigating factors, whether it was planned, whether it was committed in the course of a licence holder acting as a large good vehicle (LGV) or a passenger carrier vehicle (PCV) holder. Those responsible for the safety of passengers have added responsibilities. The Traffic Commissioner will examine if it was a repeat offence and how probable further offences may be. Wider conduct of the driver unrelated to their vocational licence requirements and expectations can also be considered and the driver may be asked to answer questions on this.
The list is extensive however some examples include:
As well as considering the circumstances of any offence and background information relating to that, the Traffic Commissioner will also consider the background to the driver and will consider previous good conduct as evidence by way of character references and any other evidence specific to the circumstances of a driver’s case that may assist them in making a determination.
The outcome of any criminal proceedings are directly considered by the Traffic Commissioner to the extent that the penalty imposed in any criminal court can be the benchmark for any regulatory sanction imposed by the Traffic Commissioner at a driver conduct hearing. Whether you intend to plead guilty or not guilty, representation in the criminal court to assist with defending or even minimising any penalty can have an impact on your vocational licence further down the line. For example, a disqualification of a certain length imposed by a Magistrates’ Court in relation to your standard licence could result in an extension of the ban in relation to your vocational licence. The Traffic Commissioners are guided by statutory guidance. Our specialist motoring and traffic offence solicitors work alongside our road transport team and can provide an end to end service.
Traffic Commissioners can take the following actions against a professional license holder:
Drivers who are summoned to a driver conduct hearing should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Call our specialist solicitors now for immediate help and advice on 01616 966 229.
Stephensons has highly experienced road transport solicitors who are able to provide advice, represent and defend drivers whose conduct could risk their licence and their ability to work as a professional driver.
Our work includes defending drivers and businesses accused of drivers’ hours offences and careless or dangerous driving and involves regular representation in court relating to action taken by the Traffic Commissioners.
For immediate help and advice contact us on 01616 966 229.
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