Driving for Work: Mythbusters
52 common misconceptions – and the facts employers and drivers need to know
Myth 4: Licensed for the vehicle? Here’s the keys… off you go
Holding the correct driving licence category is just one element of being fit to drive a particular vehicle.
A licence confirms someone once passed a test – it says nothing about their familiarity with that specific vehicle type, its dimensions, its braking characteristics, its safety systems or any load it may be carrying.
Drivers switching to larger or unfamiliar vehicles need proper familiarisation time and ideally structured training.
Employers should not assume that a valid licence category equals competence.
Before operating any vehicle, drivers should receive appropriate vehicle familiarisation training and should not be authorised to operate any vehicle they have not received training on.
Driver takeaway:
If a vehicle is new or unfamiliar to you – its size, blind spots, braking distance, or load – ask for familiarisation time before driving it. A licence category does not mean you’re ready.
Manager takeaway:
Never authorise a driver to operate a vehicle they have not been properly inducted on.
Document familiarisation training and treat it as a non-negotiable step, not a box-ticking exercise.
