Driving for work: Mythbusters

There are many common misconceptions held by drivers and managers alike – beliefs that, however widely held, are factually wrong and, in many cases, genuinely dangerous.

Our mythbusters have been designed to be used as a basis for structured discussion between managers and drivers – in team briefings, toolbox talks, induction sessions, or as part of a broader driver training programme.

The purpose is to surface assumptions, prompt honest conversation, and support the joint development of safer working practices.

What are the commonly believed myths?

Myth 1: There are no drivers’ hours rules for van drivers
Myth 2: Hands-free mobile phones – if it’s legal, it’s safe
Myth 3: Breakdowns are unavoidable
Myth 4: Licensed for the vehicle? Here’s the keys… off you go
Myth 5: Employee-owned vehicle? Not the company’s business
Myth 6: A valid MOT means the vehicle is safe to use
Myth 7: Clean driving licence = safe driver
Myth 8: It’s important to get home, even when you’re tired
Myth 9: Telematics is for catching drivers out
Myth 10: Minor incidents aren’t worth investigating
Myth 11: The driver must take a call if it’s from their manager
Myth 12: Driving for work doesn’t affect your physical health
Myth 13: A compliant driver is a safe driver
Myth 14: A driver who’s never had a collision is a safe driver
Myth 15: ADAS systems will stop the driver crashing
Myth 16: Camera systems are ‘big brother’ in the cab
Myth 17: Hungover? Strong coffee and a good breakfast will clear my head
Myth 18: Employers have no legal right to check a driver’s licence
Myth 19: High speed motorways are dangerous – I stick to rural routes
Myth 20: I don’t need to tell my employer what medication I’m taking – that’s my business
Myth 21: My manager won’t be interested if I say I’ve had no sleep and I’m too tired to drive
Myth 22: A driver who has passed a driving test has proved they can drive safely
Myth 23: It’s OK for employees to use their own private car for an occasional work journey
Myth 24: Health and safety is just for the office, not the road
Myth 25: Some drivers will always have collisions – they’re just that type of person
Myth 26: Employees are responsible for their own safety when they are out driving for work
Myth 27: We trust all our employees so we don’t need to do any checks
Myth 28: Mature drivers are safer than younger drivers
Myth 29: Grey fleet vehicles don’t need the same checks as company cars
Myth 30: Vans can carry anything because they’re big and strong
Myth 31: Roadside stops for vans are rare
Myth 32: Fines for van offences are minor
Myth 33: If a driver has a licence, they’re automatically fit to drive for work
Myth 34: The Highway Code is just guidance
Myth 35: A vehicle can be used for work even if the driver’s insurance doesn’t explicitly include business use
Myth 36: If a van is under 3.5 tonnes, the driver is exempt from most rules
Myth 37: Grey fleet only applies if staff claim mileage
Myth 38: I don’t need to wear a seat belt on short or slow journeys
Myth 39: Dashcams are a privacy risk so we shouldn’t use them
Myth 40: Driver training is only for bad drivers
Myth 41: Fatigue is just about being tired
Myth 42: A driver’s mental health is none of the company’s business
Myth 43: Running late is just part of the job
Myth 44: As long as equipment is in the van, it doesn’t matter how it’s loaded
Myth 45: The speed limit is always safe to drive at
Myth 46: Near misses don’t count if nothing happened
Myth 47: I only have to declare medical conditions when renewing my licence
Myth 48: Wearing glasses or contacts means my vision is fine for driving
Myth 49: Eating or drinking at the wheel is fine
Myth 50: I’ve driven this route a hundred times – I know it and I’m safe
Myth 51: It’s quicker to skip the walkaround check when I’m in a rush
Myth 52: Loads inside a van don’t need to be secured