Educational workplace-safety awareness — connected to industries, occupations, employment law, employment documents and company types. Informational only — not legal advice and not a substitute for mandatory workplace safety training; employers remain responsible for compliance, training and worker authorization.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for people who will drive a vehicle as part of a new role — for example deliveries, passenger transport or visiting sites. It gives general awareness of common driving-for-work safety topics.
It is not a substitute for your employer’s instruction, their driving-at-work policy, or the licence and any training the law requires. Your employer’s rules and risk assessment come first, and they remain responsible for managing driving-related risk. For specifics, ask your supervisor and follow the official road and safety authority where you work.
What to expect
- A check that you hold the correct, valid licence for the vehicle you will drive.
- Instruction on your employer’s driving-at-work policy and journey expectations.
- Guidance on daily vehicle checks before you set off.
- Information on reporting defects, incidents and near misses.
- A point of contact for questions about routes, hours and loads.
Key things to know
- Only drive vehicles you are licensed, trained and authorised to drive.
- Carry out the pre-use vehicle checks your employer sets out and report any defect.
- Plan journeys with realistic timings so you are not pressured to rush or speed.
- Never use a hand-held phone while driving, and follow the rules of the road.
- Secure loads as your training and the risk assessment require so nothing shifts in transit.
Working safely in general terms
- Wear your seatbelt and adjust mirrors and seat before moving off.
- Take regular breaks and stop if you feel tired — fatigue affects reaction time.
- Keep within speed limits and leave a safe distance for the conditions.
- Park, manoeuvre and reverse with care, using a banksman where one is provided.
- Do not drive if medication, alcohol or illness could affect you, and tell your employer.
If something feels unsafe
- Stop in a safe place if continuing could put you or others at risk.
- Report vehicle defects, accidents and near misses to your supervisor through the proper process.
- Tell your employer if schedules leave too little time to drive safely or take breaks.
- Do not drive a vehicle you believe is unroadworthy — report it so it can be checked.
- Ask for help or advice rather than taking a risk you are unsure about.
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