Running a professional and compliant transport business in the UK means more than just keeping vehicles roadworthy and paperwork in order. Your drivers play a key role in the reputation and legality of your operation. When things go wrong on their end, it can lead to serious consequences for your operator licence—including being called to a public inquiry.
Whether you’re managing a vehicle operators licence, a restricted operators licence, or preparing a PCO operator licence application, understanding how driver conduct can impact your licence is essential. This article explains how driver behaviour affects your standing with the Traffic Commissioner and how to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
What Is a Public Inquiry?
A public inquiry is a formal hearing held by the Traffic Commissioner. It’s typically called when there are concerns about your compliance with the conditions of your operator licence.
A public inquiry can result in:
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A warning
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Licence curtailment (reducing the number of vehicles you can run)
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Licence suspension
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Licence revocation
So, it’s vital to understand what can trigger one—especially when it relates to driver conduct.
The Transport Manager’s Responsibility
Keeping an Eye on Driver Behaviour
Transport managers are expected to have continuous and effective control of the vehicles and drivers under their licence. That includes:
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Monitoring driving hours and rest periods
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Ensuring drivers follow safety protocols
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Acting promptly when a driver commits a serious offence
Failing to address poor behaviour could be seen as neglecting your responsibilities—one of the most common reasons for being called to a public inquiry.
What Kind of Driver Conduct Can Trigger a Public Inquiry?
Even a single incident can lead to a deeper investigation, especially if it shows a wider issue within your business.
Common Issues That Raise Red Flags
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Tachograph tampering
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Driving without a valid licence or Driver CPC
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Exceeding driving hours without proper rest
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Speeding or dangerous driving
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Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
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Failing roadside checks or vehicle inspections
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Involvement in serious road traffic accidents
While one minor incident might result in a warning, repeated issues or serious offences can have a far more damaging effect.
Examples That Lead to Public Inquiries
Let’s look at a few real-world-style examples to show how quickly things can escalate:
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A driver is caught using a magnet to interfere with the tachograph. The company is called to a public inquiry, and the transport manager is questioned about their control systems.
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Multiple drivers are found to be breaching rest period rules over several weeks. This leads to an inquiry into whether the business is managing compliance properly.
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A driver is convicted of drug-driving while operating an HGV. The Traffic Commissioner questions the company’s drug and alcohol policy and the manager’s oversight.
The Impact on Your Operator Licence
Risks You Face as an Operator
When driver conduct leads to an inquiry, your business may face:
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Licence curtailment – reducing your operational capacity
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Licence suspension – a temporary halt in operations
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Licence revocation – the complete loss of your vehicle operators licence
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Increased scrutiny – more frequent visits or audits from enforcement bodies
If you’re applying for a renewal, restoration, or reinstatement, a poor track record of driver behaviour can seriously damage your chances.
How to Prevent Driver Conduct Issues
Clear Policies and Procedures
Having clear company policies on conduct, safety, and compliance sets expectations from day one.
Create written policies that cover:
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Working time regulations and tachograph usage
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Drink and drug testing procedures
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Mobile phone usage while driving
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Reporting vehicle defects
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Fitness to drive and mental health support
Make sure drivers read and sign these as part of their onboarding.
Regular Training and Refreshers
Keeping drivers up to date with regular training shows that you’re serious about safety and compliance. Consider:
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Periodic CPC courses with a focus on conduct and safety
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Toolbox talks on tachograph compliance and road risk
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One-to-one coaching after any incidents
A well-trained driver is not just safer—they’re a valuable asset to your business.
Ongoing Monitoring and Checks
Don’t wait until something goes wrong to act. Put in place:
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Routine downloads and analysis of tachograph data
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Spot checks on driver hours and rest periods
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Internal audits of your compliance systems
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Regular licence checks using DVLA online services
The Traffic Commissioner expects proactive management—not reactive excuses.
Your Responsibilities at a Public Inquiry
If you do end up at a public inquiry due to driver conduct, preparation is key. You’ll need to show:
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That you’ve investigated the issue
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That appropriate disciplinary action has been taken
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That systems have been improved to prevent a repeat
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That you’re still fit to hold an operator licence
It helps to be honest, professional, and demonstrate that you’ve learned from the situation.
When to Seek Expert Help
Sometimes, you’ll need more than just internal support. A specialist in transport consulting can help you:
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Prepare for a public inquiry
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Review and strengthen compliance systems
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Create or update conduct policies
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Manage your operator licence application or reinstatement process
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Respond properly to enforcement action
Bringing in outside expertise can protect your licence and keep your business running smoothly.
The Bigger Picture: Reputation and Responsibility
Remember, your drivers represent your brand on the road. Poor behaviour not only risks your vehicle operators licence, but also damages customer trust, team morale, and insurance premiums.
By managing conduct with care and consistency, you’re not only protecting your licence—you’re building a stronger, more respected business.
When it comes to operators licence UK compliance, prevention is always better than cure. Don’t let driver mistakes become your problem. Take the time to educate, monitor, and act—and your transport business will stay on the right side of the law.
Need Support? Contact Blue Flag Transport Consulting
If you’re facing a public inquiry, planning a PCO operator licence application, or want to improve your compliance processes, we can help.
At Blue Flag Transport Consulting, we offer:
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Full support for vehicle operators licence compliance
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Preparation for public inquiries related to driver conduct
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Expert guidance on reducing the risk of licence suspension or revocation
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Assistance with operators licence cost and application paperwork
📞 Contact Blue Flag Transport Consulting today and safeguard your Operator Licence with confidence and peace of mind.