“Statistically, the use of driver controls has been shown to improve loss results for companies involved in hiring drivers to support their business functions,” says W. Michael Thomas of The Investment Guild.

He offers a few suggestions:

• Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) should be obtained on all new drivers and reviewed for licence status, licence class, and conviction history.
• MVRs should be updated every three years for drivers with clean driving records, and every year for drivers who have conviction histories.
• As a business owner, determine what is acceptable with respect to conviction history, what disciplinary action is to be taken, and apply that criteria consistently. Insurers generally recommend there are no more than three minor convictions (e.g. speeding under 50 km/hour, not coming to a complete stop, improper turn, seatbelt infractions, etc.). Drivers who have any major convictions (drunk driving, speeding over 50 km/hour, careless driving, etc.) should not be placed in driving positions.
• Drivers should be assigned to a vehicle in order to ensure that they are operating the correct vehicle for their class of licence. For example, a driver who is only licensed to operate a private passenger or light commercial vehicle, should not be assigned/operating a heavy commercial vehicle for which a different class of licensing is required.  
• Employers must be familiar with licensing requirements and ensure that a driver is only assigned to a vehicle when the insured is certain that the driver is appropriately licensed for that type of vehicle.
• A minimum age for drivers and a minimum number of years of driving experience should be determined. The minimum driving experience should be applied to the type of vehicle being operated. For example, a driver being hired to operate a dump truck must have the minimum driving experience of “x” years on that type of vehicle. The total years licensed is not the measure of experience for this type of unit.

Thomas also offers suggested hiring standards to manage a fleet of vehicles and in turn help reduce insurance costs. The standards include: a job description for each for all positions; the insured should use an application in order to collect all relevant information, including driver’s licence numbers; all applicants should be asked to supply a copy of their MVR for review during the interview process; no drivers under the age of 25, as they are considered higher risk drivers and you will be charged an additional premium for them and references should be checked.