COVID-19: Required documentation for test drives

legal updates

We suggest looking at our Test Drive Agreements which can be used alongside driving licence checks.

Read our disclaimer keyboard_arrow_down

This website content is intended as a general guide to law as it applies to the motor trade. Lawgistics has taken every effort to ensure that the contents are as accurate and up to date as at the date of first publication.

The laws and opinions expressed within this website may be varied as the law develops. As such we cannot accept liability for or the consequence of, any change of law, or official guidelines since publication or any misuse of the information provided.

The opinions in this website are based upon the experience of the authors and it must be recognised that only the courts and recognised tribunals can interpret the law with authority.

Examples given within the website are based on the experience of the authors and centre upon issues that commonly give rise to disputes. Each situation in practice will be different and may comprise several points commented upon.

If you have any doubt about the correct legal position you should seek further legal advice from Lawgistics or a suitably qualified solicitor. We cannot accept liability for your failure to take professional advice where it should reasonably be sought by a prudent person.

All characters are fictitious and should not be taken as referring to any person living or dead.

Use of this website shall be considered acceptance of the terms of the disclaimer presented above.

Last week, it was publicised that the DVLA had confirmed that customers can go on solo test drives on trade plates.

This of course helps with the issue of social distancing as it avoids the requirement for a salesperson to accompany a customer on a test drive. There are of course insurance considerations and dealers will need to check with their insurer if they are covered and/or if they need to increase their level of cover. 

Here at Lawgistics we already deal with the problem of dealers having to pay speeding fines which occurred when a customer was out on a test drive. This could increase if a customer is out on their own. Further, we are sure that insurers will require increased due diligence for solo test drives and so we recommend that dealers have all the right paperwork in place to cover themselves in both scenarios particularly, as some penalties can only be passed on to a driver if there is signed documentation in place that the driver accepts liability.

If you do not have any such documentation, we suggest looking at our Test Drive Agreements which can be used alongside driving licence checks so you know who exactly is in your car and importantly, who was driving your car at the time of an offence which may have been committed 3 months before the fine turns up in the post. You should keep the paperwork and a copy of the driving licence for 6 months as in most cases, fines and penalties have to be issued within 6 months of the offence. 

Our test drive agreements are available to buy as NCR pads on Amazon and Ebay.

This collection of personal data should be reflected in your GDPR privacy policy which of course should be reviewed annually to stay compliant. On that subject, now is a good time to review your privacy policies, especially if you are starting to collect more data online. Lawgistics members can do so via their personal HR Manager portal.  

Wearewood Services LtdMotor Trade Web Specialists

We offer an all-encompassing web, digital & design service specially tailored to the Motor Industry.

Nona BowkisHead of Legal Services / SolicitorRead More by this author

Related Legal Updates

Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away!!

Should you receive a PCN, you must contact the DVLA with all the evidence you have so they can change the registered keeper on their database.

Advise the DVLA of any change of vehicle colour

Any change that makes a vehicle a predominantly different colour must be reported.

Pandemic impact on annual leave entitlement

The change in March 2020 allowed for four weeks of annual leave to be carried over. So, as a reminder, any carried over leave must be used in 2022!

See you in court… in a year or so…

Before deciding to issue or defend proceedings, it is important to consider how court delays may impact you as a business and as an individual.

End of COVID-19 restrictions – Employment implications

Until 24 March 2022, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will continue to be available to employees who self-isolate.

Divorcing couples and their cars

The vast majority of cases are not theft. They are civil disputes and for this reason we would initially recommend speaking to a solicitor or Citizens Advice.

A word of caution – Dismissal of an anti-vaccination employee ruled to be fair

Does this decision lend grounds for employers to dismiss staff refusing a COVID-19 vaccine at present?

Get in touch

Complete the form to get in touch or via our details below:

Phone
01480 455500
Address

Vinpenta House
High Causeway
Whittlesey
Peterborough
PE7 1AE

By submitting this quote you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.