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BHA Driver Handbook

The BHA Driver Handbook sets out the required standards for professional courier drivers operating on behalf of BHA Couriers across the UK. It covers daily vehicle checks, defect reporting, safe driving, load security, incident reporting, vehicle maintenance, driver fatigue, and driver health responsibilities.

These standards form part of BHA operational requirements. All drivers must complete a daily driver check before starting work, confirming that the vehicle is safe, compliant, and ready for use.

Driver Responsibilities

  • Operate vehicles safely and legally at all times
  • Complete daily vehicle checks before starting work
  • Report defects immediately
  • Ensure loads are secured correctly
  • Comply with all road traffic laws
  • Report incidents and insurance matters within 24 hours
  • Ensure they are fit to drive and meet eyesight requirements

Failure to meet these responsibilities may result in removal from work allocation.

Driver Compliance Areas

Driver compliance is built around the following core areas. Each section provides detailed guidance and must be understood and followed at all times.

Daily Vehicle Checks Defect Reporting Safe Driving Standards Load Security Driver Fatigue Incident Reporting Vehicle Maintenance Driver Health & Eyesight

Why Daily Driver Checks Matter

Daily vehicle checks are a critical part of safe driving and legal compliance. Identifying issues early helps prevent breakdowns, reduces accident risk, and ensures vehicles remain roadworthy.

For courier drivers operating on tight schedules, a failure to carry out checks can lead to safety risks, delivery delays, damaged goods, insurance exposure, and avoidable cost.

Daily Driver Check Requirement

All drivers must complete a daily driver check before starting work. This confirms that:

  • The vehicle is safe and roadworthy
  • All required checks have been completed
  • No defects are present unless reported
  • No incidents have occurred unless declared
  • The driver is fit to drive and ready for work
Complete Daily Driver Check

Compliance & Enforcement

Compliance is actively monitored through driver submissions, reporting systems, and operational oversight.

  • Failure to complete daily checks may result in suspension from work allocation
  • Unreported defects are treated as serious compliance breaches
  • Unsafe driving behaviour may result in removal from the driver network
  • Failure to report incidents may result in immediate review

Drivers are expected to operate to a professional standard at all times.

Ongoing Training & Standards

Drivers may be required to complete training or provide evidence of competency in areas including:

  • Safe driving practices
  • Load securing
  • Incident reporting
  • Vehicle safety checks
  • Driver fitness and awareness

Records may be requested at any time.

Using This Handbook

This handbook is designed to be used alongside the BHA driver check and reporting system. Drivers should review the relevant sections regularly and use the linked guidance pages for more detailed information on each compliance area.

Quick Access

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