DVSA Earned Recognition: Vehicle Check Evidence & Compliance Guide

DVSA Earned Recognition: What Evidence You Need for Vehicle Checks  

If you're aiming for DVSA Earned Recognition or already part of the scheme, you’ll know that keeping on top of your vehicle check logs is essential. The DVSA wants to see reliable evidence that your vehicles are being inspected properly and regularly. This evidence should demonstrate adherence to DVSA's guide to maintaining roadworthiness. A little intimidating, right? 

But fear not, in this article, we’ll break down exactly what kind of DVSA-earned recognition evidence is needed for vehicle checks, and not to blow our own trumpet but how digital tools like SmartCheck can make life much easier when it comes to staying compliant. 

What is DVSA Earned Recognition? 

Just a quick recap: The DVSA Earned Recognition is a voluntary scheme that allows you to show off your fleet operations and prove they meet high standards for road safety and compliance. In return, you’ll receive fewer roadside checks and DVSA inspections because the DVSA trusts you’re doing things properly. To keep that trust, you need to share performance data regularly, particularly about vehicle maintenance and daily checks. 

It’s a great way to demonstrate compliance while gaining breathing space from inspections.

What Kind of Evidence Do You Need? 

To stay compliant, you need to keep a clear and accurate paper trail…or even better, a digital one of all vehicle checks and any issues found. 

The DVSA is looking for: 

Daily Walkaround Checks: 

• A record of every check, including who did it and when. 

• Full details of any defects spotted and their seriousness.  

• Confirmation of completed checks. 

Defect Reporting & Repairs: 

• Vehicle check logs showing when a defect was reported 

• Evidence of when it was fixed, and that the vehicle wasn’t used until it was safe 

 Missed Checks 

• Records of any days where checks weren’t done, or issues went unreported 

• Notes on what action was taken. 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): 

• Track and report on KPIs related to vehicle maintenance and driver behaviour. 

• This includes having management systems in place to monitor these KPIs and report on any missed targets.  

Data Storage & Access 

• Securely stored records for at least 15 months 

• Ready and easy to access records for audit at any time 

How SmartCheck Can Help You Stay Compliant 

Let’s be honest trying to manage all of this on paper is a nightmare. Lost records, stained checks, torn vehicle check logs… It’s a total headache. If you value your time and would love to make your life easier our SmartCheck digital solution could be exactly what you need. We have a digital defect reporting app and supporting online portal for desktop that takes the hassle out of compliance. 

How we help: 

• Digital checklists you can customise to suit your fleet 

• Automatic timestamps, GPS-location stamps and user tracking, so you know exactly who did what, where and when. 

• Option to upload photos of defects for ease and transparency. 

• Real-time notifications sent straight to your inbox so you’re always in the loop without chasing people. 

• A handy dashboard to view, download, or export reports whenever you need them, giving you the tools to be in control. 

• All of your DVSA earned recognition evidence organised, secure, and ready for audit, saving you from last-minute panics. 

Go out and Prove Yourself 

DVSA Earned Recognition can be a real game-changer for operators. It shows you’re serious about safety and compliance and gives you fewer interruptions on the road. With digital tool like SmartCheck, you can tick all the right boxes, stay audit-ready, and save yourself a lot of time and stress along the way. 

If you would like to know more about joining the scheme, click here.