In brief
Driver's license checks regularly verify the driving authorization of everyone who uses company vehicles. They are among the vehicle owner's duties and must be documented.
Why Are These Checks Mandatory?
Under § 21 StVG, an owner who instructs or allows someone to drive without a valid driving license commits a criminal offense. A license can be revoked at any time without the company being informed, so a single check when the vehicle is handed over is not enough.
How Often Must Licenses Be Checked?
The law does not set a fixed interval. In practice, checks every six months have become established; a shorter interval may be appropriate when the risk is higher. The chosen interval should be justified and documented. The original driving license must be checked, or an electronic procedure must provide an equivalent check.
Three methods are common: an in-person visual inspection, a check using an RFID seal on the license, and approval through an app using a photo or NFC scan. In every case, a tamper-proof record of the time and result is essential.
What Check Methods Are Available?
All methods must achieve the same result: establish the authenticity of the driving license and document the outcome so it can be traced. They differ in effort and in how well they suit drivers spread across different locations.
| Method | How it works | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| In-person visual inspection | The original license is presented, checked, and documented | Small fleets at one location |
| RFID or barcode seal | A seal on the license is scanned at a station or with a smartphone | Regular groups of drivers, multiple locations |
| App with authenticity check | A camera or wireless chip scans the license and checks security features | Field staff and teams working in different locations |
| Check by a service provider | An external provider performs and documents the check | Companies without an internal fleet team |
| Linked to booking | A vehicle cannot be booked without a valid check | Pool vehicles with changing users |
What Causes Problems Day to Day?
Following up. At first, the person carrying out checks records only drivers who respond. The work increases with those who miss appointments, work in the field, or are ill. Without automatic reminders and escalation, a backlog grows among precisely the people who are hardest to reach. With pool vehicles, the user group also changes. Linking checks to bookings helps: anyone without a valid check cannot book a vehicle.
Further reading
Fleet Management Without Excel Spreadsheets
With the AZOWO Mobility Cloud, you can keep track of your vehicles, costs, and obligations all in one place.
Book a free product demo