Transport & Maintenance
I am receiving deliveries; how can I do this safely?
It is important to ensure that social distancing measures are implemented on farm when accepting any deliveries.
NFUS, in collaboration with Road Haulage Association, is prompting the Drop n’ Go approach to ensure farmers, crofters and delivery drivers can stay safe. You can find out more here
Tips to consider may include communicating with your delivery service to work out a plan to accept the delivery safely, this may include:
- Receiving an emailed delivery note or invoice,
- Agreeing a designated drop-off zone in advance to prevent you from mixing with the driver,
- Placing signage where is visible for any delivery driver stating you are practicing social distancing measures, or
- Placing a bucket of soapy water at the drop-off point if the drivers want to wash their hands.
Guidance from NHS Inform about social distancing is available here
How has Coronavirus Impacted MOTs?
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced UK wide changes where vehicles require MOTs. Please see Legal & Technical Business Guides for more information.
I have a driving test due, what can I do?
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) suspended tests in March.
Instruction and testing for tractor and motorcycles can resume from 22 July. DVSA have not yet indicated when car tests can resume. NFUS have raised the issue of access to driving tests for agricultural workers. The DVSA are aware of our concerns and will provide an update on testing policy when available.
Emergency tests may be available to critical workers which includes those who work in the food and other necessary goods sector. You can apply for an emergency test through the DVSA portal here.
I cannot complete my required CPC training due to Coronavirus, what can I do?
Most professional lorry and bus drivers must complete 35-hours of periodic training over 5 years to maintain a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) card.
The Department of Transport recognise that some drivers may struggle to fit their required training in and have therefore made temporary changes to the professional driver qualification requirements.
The changes will be in place from 1 March 2020 to 30 September 2020 an include:
- Drivers whose Driver CPC card expires between 1 March 2020 to 30 September 2020 can continue to drive,
- Military drivers will be allowed to drive in civilian situations during this period.
From 1 October 2020, drivers will be expected to comply with the normal Driver CPC rules.
More information is available in the Business Guide Update.
What are the enforcement arrangements?
On 31 March, the DVSA gave notice that, subject to review it did not intent to carry out enforcement actions from 1 September 2020 to 30 September 2020 if their DQC expired during this period. This step was to give drivers up to 29 extra days to complete their periodic CPC training in light of potential COVID-19 disruption.
On 4 June 2020, the DVSA confirmed that this has been revoked and enforcement action will be carried out from September 2020 in relation to DQCs expiring after 31 August. This is because the DVSA consider enough periodic CPC training courses to be available to allow drivers to complete their required training and renew their DQC.
Please note, that if your DQC expires from September 2020, you must not drive until it is renewed. You could face a £1000 fine if you drive without a valid DQC. More information is available here