Driver Assessment Scheme

Shropshire County Council's Driver Assessment Scheme
The Driver Assessment Scheme covers all Shropshire County Council employees and willing external organisations. Health and safety regulations are making their mark on road transport as a whole. Driver assessments can help prove that an organisation is serious about health and safety and is showing due diligence in implementation of safe systems of work. There are potential cost savings through improved effectiveness. Improved driver performance will reduce wear and tear on the vehicle and improve fuel consumption.

Who should be assessed?
Any person who, in the course of their work drives a vehicle provided for them, and anybody required to drive a different type of vehicle, e.g. minibus, heavy goods vehicle, must be assessed.

What is assessed?
The assessor is looking at overall driving performance throughout the one hour assessment drive. In particular the driver’s observation, hazard perception and anticipation skills, plus judgement of speed and distance. All types of road are covered in the assessment such as town, country, dual carriageway etc. We can also offer training sessions and assessments/training for trailer towing.

What is the cost?
An assessment costs £25, which includes the assessment drive and feedback from the assessor. In the event that a driver fails, the feedback will include advice on correcting faults before the re-assessment. If your company or organisation would like to join the County Council's Driver Assessment Scheme please contact the Road Safety Team.

What vehicle is needed for the assessment?
The assessment should be taken in the vehicle which you are going to be driving in the course of your work. This may mean a Shropshire County Council minibus or van. You need to take your assessment in the largest vehicle you are likely to drive. The assessor will need to check your licence before you go out in the vehicle so remember to bring this with you - both the card and paper part if you have the new style.

What are the driving licence requirements for the assessment?
If you are taking your assessment in a minibus with nine passenger seats or more, you will need category D1 (not for hire or reward) on your driving licence. Most licences held before 1 January 1997 will have this category but those held after this date will not necessarily have this entitlement. To obtain category D1 you will need a Passenger Carrying Vehicle entitlement (PCV) which requires a medical and taking a further test. Please see the links on this page for how to go about doing this.

Taxi Assessments
The Road Safety Section also carry out driver assessments for new Taxi Driver's on behalf of Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council. The assessment is similar to the Driver Assessment Scheme and costs £25. The assessment should be taken in a similar vehicle to the one which will be driven as a taxi but it cannot be a badged vehicle.

If you would like more information about becoming a Taxi Driver, please contact Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council (SABC) using the link on this page. Alternatively, visit the DirectGov website via the link on this page to view taxi regulations and safety advice.