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Driver assessment checklist

An employer's assessment of someone who drives for work, in the yard and on the road. Record the licence categories and how you saw them, penalty points, the Driver CPC and tachograph card, and an eyesight check at 20 metres. Note the vehicle, the roads covered and route points with GPS. Then score 22 items from 1 to 4: the daily check, cab drill, vehicle height, load, coupling, and reversing with a banksman; mirrors, speed, following distance, junctions, positioning, hazards, controls, signals, distraction and parking; and what the driver knows about hours, the tachograph, a moving load, breakdowns and defects. The form adds up the score, suggests an outcome and records training needs. Check the vehicle itself with the HGV daily check sheet.

For transport managers, driver trainers and fleet managers who assess new drivers before they drive alone, and reassess drivers after an incident or on a schedule.

Written for Great Britain (DVLA licence checks, Driver CPC, the Highway Code). Elsewhere, use the scored items and take the licence and training rules from your own country.

  • Licence categories, how the licence was seen, points, entitlement, Driver CPC expiry with days left, and an eyesight check
  • Vehicle by label scan, the roads covered and route points with GPS
  • 22 observations scored 1 to 4 across the yard, the road and the driver's knowledge, with a note for every low score
  • Live total, percentage, scores of 1 and 2, and a suggested outcome from stated bands
  • Assessor's outcome, restrictions, training needs, actions and two signatures
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What should a driver assessment checklist include?

A driver assessment is useful when every score is backed by what the assessor saw, the low scores turn into named training with dates, and the documents behind the driving (licence, Driver CPC, eyesight) are recorded on the same day. A manager can then see why the driver was cleared, or not, and what happens next.

Last updated . Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 28 October 2026 against HSE, employers: make sure drivers and riders are safe, GOV.UK, check someone's driving licence information, The Highway Code, rules for drivers and motorcyclists (89 to 102), GOV.UK, Driver CPC training: how much training you need to do and HSE, workplace transport: reversing.

How to run a driver assessment

Plan a route that includes the yard, the roads the driver will use, and a customer site if you can.

  1. Check the documents

    Record the licence categories and how you saw them, the points, whether it covers the vehicle, the Driver CPC and tachograph card, and the eyesight check.

  2. Watch the yard work

    Score the daily check, cab drill, height, load, coupling and reversing, and how the driver moves around the yard.

  3. Ride the route

    Score observation, speed, following distance, junctions, positioning, hazards, controls, signals, distraction and parking. Drop GPS points where things happen.

  4. Ask the questions

    Score what the driver tells you about drivers' hours, the tachograph, a moving load, breakdowns and reporting defects.

  5. Agree the outcome

    Read the total and suggested outcome, choose yours, set restrictions and training with dates, and both sign.

What makes a driver assessment useful

Scored observations, with a note for every 1 or 2

New rigid lorry driver, 8 October, wet roads, 34 miles. Reversing and use of a banksman: 2. Reversed onto the customer's drive without getting out to look, lost sight of the banksman for a few seconds and kept going. Following distance: 2, about one second behind a van on the A508 in the rain. Total 64 of 84, 76%. Competent with development; yard coaching by 15 October.

Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.

A common recording mistake

Scoring everything 3 to get the driver out on the road, with no notes, so nobody can tell later what was actually seen or why a driver involved in an incident had been cleared.

What happens next

Do the training by the dates set, lift any restrictions only after it is done, and reassess on the date given or after any incident.

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Every question in the driver assessment checklist template

An on-road and yard assessment of a driver who drives for work: licence categories and how they were seen, penalty points, entitlement, Driver CPC and tachograph card, eyesight at 20 metres and fitness, the vehicle and route with GPS points, then 22 observations scored 1 to 4: walkaround and cab drill, height, load, coupling, reversing with a banksman, mirrors, speed, following distance, junctions, positioning, hazards, controls, signals, distraction, parking, drivers' hours, tachograph, load moving, breakdowns and defect reporting. Total, percentage, suggested and final outcome, training needs and sign-off. 8 sections and 113 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.

Make it your own: every question is editable

This is a starting point, not a fixed form. Once it is in your SiteSurvey account you can reword any question, add or remove questions, sections and answer options, and add your own logo, so it fits the way your team works and the jobs you do.

Details you only enter once

Add this form to a project in SiteSurvey and it fills in what the project already knows, so nobody on site retypes it and every form on the job uses the same names. Anything filled in can still be changed.

  • Project: the project name
  • Depot or start address: the site address, from the space or the project
  • Employer or operator: the project's customer

Assessment details

  • ProjectShort answer

    Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.

    Fills in from the project name
  • Depot or start addressShort answer
    Fills in from the site address, from the space or the project
  • Employer or operatorShort answer
    Fills in from the project's customer
  • Location (GPS)Short answer
  • Assessment date*Date
  • Assessor*Short answer
  • Assessor role or qualificationShort answer

    For example transport manager, in-house driver trainer, external assessor.

  • Reason for the assessment*Choose one
    • New driver, before driving alone
    • Periodic reassessment
    • After an incident or near miss
    • After a complaint or telematics alert
    • New vehicle type
    • Return after a long absence
    • Other
  • Other reasonShort answer
    Shown when “Reason for the assessment” is “Other”
  • Weather on siteAnswer
  • GuidanceAn employer's assessment of how a driver drives for work. It is not a driving test, it does not grant a licence, and it does not replace Driver CPC training. HSE says employers must assess workers' competence and make sure they are adequately trained, including on breaks and rest, daily vehicle checks and load security.

Driver, licence and fitness

  • Driver*Short answer
  • Employee or payroll numberShort answer
  • Licence categories held*Tick all that apply
    • B
    • BE
    • C1
    • C1E
    • C
    • CE
    • D1
    • D1E
    • D
    • DE
  • How the licence was seen*Choose one
    • DVLA online check with a check code from the driver
    • Photocard licence seen
    • Both
  • Date the licence was seen or the DVLA check madeDate
  • GuidanceGOV.UK: to check a licence online you need the last 8 characters of the licence number and a check code from the driver. The code works once, within 21 days. It is a criminal offence to get someone else's licence information without their permission. This form records what you saw; it does not look anything up.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Penalty pointsNumber
  • Endorsements, restrictions or codes notedShort answer
  • Licence covers the vehicle used today?*Yes or No
  • WarningThe licence does not cover this vehicle. Do not let the driver drive it.
    Shown when “Licence covers the vehicle used today?” is No
  • Drives a lorry, bus or coach professionally (Driver CPC needed)?*Yes or No
  • Driver CPC card expiry*Date
    Shown when “Drives a lorry, bus or coach professionally (Driver CPC needed)?” is Yes
  • Days until the Driver CPC expiresWorked out by the form
    Shown when “Drives a lorry, bus or coach professionally (Driver CPC needed)?” is Yes and “Driver CPC card expiry” is answered and “Assessment date” is answered
  • WarningThe Driver CPC has expired. GOV.UK: 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years keep it valid. The driver must not drive a lorry, bus or coach professionally until it is renewed.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • CheckThe Driver CPC expires within 60 days. Check the driver's periodic training hours and book what is left.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Uses a digital tachograph card?Yes or No
  • Tachograph card expiryDate
    Shown when “Uses a digital tachograph card?” is Yes
  • Read a number plate at 20 metres in good daylight, with glasses or lenses if worn?*Yes or No

    Highway Code rule 92 (20.5 metres for an old-style plate).

  • WarningThe driver could not read the number plate at 20 metres. Do not continue the drive. Highway Code rule 92: drivers must be able to.
    Shown when “Read a number plate at 20 metres in good daylight, with glasses or lenses if worn?” is No
  • Driver says they are fit to drive today, with no condition they must report to DVLA?*Yes or No

    Highway Code rule 90.

  • WarningDo not assess on the road today. Agree next steps with the driver privately.
    Shown when “Driver says they are fit to drive today, with no condition they must report to DVLA?” is No
  • doc_issuesWorked out by the form

Vehicle and route

  • Scan the fleet number or registrationScan a label: registration, fleet number, vin

    Optional. Scan the fleet number label or the plate.

  • Registration or fleet number*Short answer
  • Vehicle*Choose one
    • Car
    • Van up to 3.5 tonnes
    • Rigid lorry
    • Articulated lorry
    • Lorry and drawbar trailer
    • Minibus or bus
    • Other
  • Vehicle height known to the driver (laden)Short answer

    As the driver states it, checked against the cab notice.

  • Driver did the daily vehicle check before setting off?*Yes or No
  • Roads covered*Tick all that apply
    • Yard or depot
    • Urban
    • Rural
    • Dual carriageway
    • Motorway
    • Customer or delivery site
  • Distance (miles)Number
  • Time on the road (minutes)Number
  • Route points
    Repeat for each point. Each one asks:
    • Point*Short answer

      For example depot gate, ring road roundabout, customer yard.

    • Location (GPS)Short answer
    • What happened hereShort answer
  • Route descriptionNotes

Yard and before driving

  • GuidanceScore each item 1 to 4 from what you see: 4 good, a model for others; 3 competent; 2 needs development; 1 unsafe or not to standard. Use Not assessed if it did not come up. Scores of 1 and 2 need a note.
  • Daily vehicle check*Choose one

    Uses the check sheet, looks at each item, and reports defects.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Cab drill*Choose one

    Seat, mirrors, seat belt and head restraint set before moving.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Knows the vehicle height, laden and empty*Choose one

    HSE asks employers to check drivers know it.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Load secure and within the vehicle's limits before leaving*Choose one
    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Coupling and uncoupling*Choose one

    Score Not assessed if the vehicle has no trailer.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Reversing and use of a banksman*Choose one

    Checks all round before reversing, gets out to look if they cannot see, follows the signaller, stops at once if they lose sight of them.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Yard speed and pedestrians*Choose one

    Keeps to the site speed limit and routes, and watches for people on foot.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • PhotosPhotos

    Optional. For example the load as secured, or the reversing area.

On the road

  • Observation and mirrors*Choose one

    Checks mirrors before signalling, changing speed or direction, and before moving off.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Speed*Choose one

    Within the limit and suited to the road, traffic, weather and load.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Following distance*Choose one

    Leaves enough room to stop, more in the wet.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Junctions and roundabouts*Choose one

    Approach speed, observation, gap selection and position.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Lane discipline and positioning*Choose one

    Including room for a long vehicle on bends and at turns.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Hazards and vulnerable road users*Choose one

    Spots hazards early. Gives room to cyclists, motorcyclists and people on foot.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Use of controls*Choose one

    Smooth steering, braking and gear changes; no harsh braking.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Signals*Choose one

    Correct and in good time.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Distraction*Choose one

    No handheld phone. Hands-free only as company policy allows.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Parking and securing the vehicle*Choose one

    Legal, safe place; handbrake on, engine off, secured.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant

Knowledge

  • GuidanceAsk the driver, and score what they tell you.
  • Drivers' hours and breaks*Choose one

    Knows which rules apply to this vehicle (assimilated, GB domestic or none) and when breaks are due.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Tachograph use*Choose one

    Card in, correct mode, manual entries. Not assessed if none is fitted.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • What to do if the load moves*Choose one

    Pull over safely, no harsh braking or steering, and phone the office.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Breakdown and incident procedure*Choose one

    Where to stop, warning triangle and high-visibility clothing, and how to report an incident or near miss.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Defect reporting*Choose one

    How and to whom a defect found during the day is reported.

    • 4: Good, a model for others
    • 3: Competent
    • 2: Needs development
    • 1: Unsafe or not to standard
    • Not assessed
  • What you saw*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant

Score and outcome

  • Total scoreWorked out by the form
  • Items scoredWorked out by the form
  • Maximum possibleWorked out by the form
  • Score (%)Worked out by the form
  • Items scored 1Worked out by the form
  • Items scored 2Worked out by the form
  • Suggested outcomeWorked out by the form
  • GuidanceSuggested outcome, SiteSurvey's own bands, not a DVSA standard: any item scored 1, or under 65%: not yet competent; any item scored 2, or 65 to 79%: competent with development; otherwise competent.
  • Assessor's outcome*Choose one
    • Competent
    • Competent with development
    • Not yet competent
  • WarningAn item was scored 1 (unsafe or not to standard), a licence, eyesight or fitness check failed, or the CPC has expired, but the outcome says the driver is competent. Check the outcome.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Reason for the outcome*Notes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Restrictions until development is doneShort answer

    For example no motorway work, no reversing on to bays without a banksman, accompanied only.

    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Training needs
    Repeat for each training need. Each one asks:
    • Topic*Short answer
    • HowChoose one
      • Coaching on the road
      • Yard coaching
      • Classroom or e-learning
      • Driver CPC course
      • Toolbox talk
      • Other
    • Due byDate
  • Reassessment dueDate

Actions and sign-off

  • Items needing development or actionWorked out by the form
  • ResultWorked out by the form
  • Actions
    Repeat for each action. Each one asks:
    • Action*Notes
    • PriorityChoose one
      • Before driving again
      • Within the next month
      • At the next review
    • Who will do it*Short answer
    • Due byDate
    • Status*Choose one
      • Open
      • In progress
      • Done, checked
    • Photo when donePhotos
      Shown when “Status” is “Done, checked”
  • Actions still openWorked out by the form
  • Decision*Choose one
    • Cleared to drive
    • Cleared to drive with the restrictions and training listed
    • Not cleared to drive until reassessed
  • Next review of this recordDate
  • Summary for the driver and managerNotes
  • Assessor nameShort answer
  • Assessor signature*Signature
  • Driver nameShort answer
  • Driver signatureSignature

See it filled in

A completed driver assessment checklist report, made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit: every answer, the photos, the guidance that applied and the sign-off, ready to send as a PDF.

See completed form (PDF) ↗

Driver assessment checklist FAQs

Do employers have to assess people who drive for work?

HSE says employers must assess workers' health and safety capabilities and competence, and make sure they are adequately trained. For drivers it lists experience, driving record, physical fitness, any driving offences, and making sure licences, insurance and MOTs are legal and up to date, and it expects induction to cover breaks and rest, daily vehicle checks and load security. An on-road assessment is one way to show you have done that.

Source: HSE, employers: make sure drivers and riders are safe.

How do I check a driver's licence?

On GOV.UK, with the driver's permission. You need the last 8 characters of their licence number and a check code they create; the code works once, within 21 days, and shows the vehicles they can drive and any points or disqualifications. It is a criminal offence to get someone else's licence information without their permission. The form records how you saw the licence and what it showed; it does not look anything up.

Source: GOV.UK, check someone's driving licence information.

What eyesight check should the assessment include?

Highway Code rule 92 says you must be able to read a vehicle number plate in good daylight from 20 metres (20.5 metres for an old-style plate), wearing glasses or lenses if you need them. Rule 90 says you must report to DVLA any health condition likely to affect your driving. The form asks both questions and shows a red note if the number plate check fails.

Source: The Highway Code, rules for drivers and motorcyclists (89 to 102).

Does a lorry driver need a Driver CPC?

Yes, to drive a lorry, bus or coach professionally. GOV.UK says a driver must do 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to keep the Driver CPC. The form records the card's expiry date, shows the days left, and warns when it expires within 60 days or has already expired.

Source: GOV.UK, Driver CPC training: how much training you need to do.

How is the score worked out?

Each item is scored 1 to 4, or Not assessed. The form adds the scores, divides by 4 times the number of items scored, and shows a percentage. Its suggested outcome uses SiteSurvey's own bands, not a DVSA standard: any item scored 1, or under 65%, is not yet competent; any item scored 2, or 65 to 79%, is competent with development; otherwise competent. The assessor chooses the final outcome, and the form warns if it is kinder than the scores. Reversing is scored against HSE's advice on using a signaller and stopping if the driver loses sight of them.

Source: HSE, workplace transport: reversing.

Is this a driving test or a mobility driving assessment?

No. It is an employer's record of how someone drives for work, for induction, reassessment or after an incident. It does not grant a licence, it is not a DVSA test, and it is not the medical or mobility driving assessment that some drivers are referred to after an illness or injury.

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