Licence Check has added a new text message-based driver authorisation method to its Davis fleet compliance system.
It says the new feature has been designed to speed up the process and make it more accessible, while complying with social distancing or remote working requirements.
Following receipt of an initial text message, the driver is required to validate their identity, confirm the company they work for and then give permission for their employer to access their DVLA driving record. This removes the need for the driver to directly log in to the Davis application, making the process faster.
The company says the launch has been timed to allow Davis users to adopt the system ahead of the forthcoming third anniversary of GDPR in May, and the consequent expiration of driver mandates following changes to data protection laws.
Licence Check general manager Terry Hiles said: “Despite the progress towards gradual relaxation of lockdown, it is important that social distancing is maintained and the SMS method is another way to ensure that vital duty of care checks to protect the wider public can continue.
“SMS E-Approval was developed to offer an alternative to sharing an email address and eliminated the need for drivers to log into Davis.
“We believe SMS E-Approval to be an industry first but most importantly, we believe this to be one of the quickest end-to-end process for obtaining driver permission.”
