Supporting Driver Roadworthiness Through Compliance and Wellbeing

When people think of compliance in the transport industry, they often picture vehicle maintenance, brake tests, and tachograph rules. But what about the person behind the wheel? At Total Compliance, we believe true compliance goes beyond machinery — it must also prioritise the health, well-being, and readiness of drivers.

Driver roadworthiness isn’t just about holding the right licence or clocking legal hours. It’s about ensuring drivers are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to do their job safely. If we’re serious about reducing risk and creating safer roads, we need to elevate driver wellbeing to the same level of importance as vehicle safety.

The Real Risks Behind the Wheel

We all know that vehicles are inspected daily — but when was the last time a driver received a meaningful check on their fitness for duty?

Recent research (Clemes et al., 2022) paints a stark picture of driver health:

• 87% are physically inactive

• 45% report less than 6 hours of sleep per night

• 31% experience anxiety

• 15% report symptoms of depression

These figures suggest that many professional drivers are operating under conditions that would compromise anyone’s ability to concentrate, make decisions, and stay alert — especially after long hours on the road.

In an industry where 95% of road traffic collisions are attributed to human error, this is not something we can afford to ignore.

Compliance Is About People Too

At Total Compliance, we work closely with transport operators across the UK, and we see a growing recognition that compliance must evolve. While maintenance and records remain essential, there’s now a greater need to view compliance through a people-first lens.

What does this mean in practice?

• Creating a work environment where drivers feel comfortable raising wellbeing concerns

• Encouraging routine self-assessments as part of daily procedures

• Offering regular health checks or signposting drivers to relevant support services

• Providing wellbeing-focused training, not just technical upskilling

Compliance is not only about staying legal — it’s about building a resilient operation where people are supported to perform at their best.

What the DVSA and Law Expect

The DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness doesn’t just cover vehicles. It also highlights the driver’s duty to report defects and be in a condition fit for duty.

Employers have a legal duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act and can be held accountable if a driver who is unfit causes harm.

Using Technology to Monitor and Support Wellbeing

Many operators already have the tools they need — they just need to use them more effectively.

For example:

• Tachograph data can reveal signs of fatigue or burnout long before it becomes critical.

• Performance management systems help flag early issues, from concentration lapses to driver disengagement.

• Digital driver handbooks can include wellbeing resources and reminders to check in with themselves, not just the vehicle.

• Walkaround checks can be customised to include driver wellness prompts — a simple "Are you fit to drive today?" can make a big difference.

The key is integration — wellbeing shouldn’t be a separate initiative. It should be part of your compliance strategy, your safety culture, and your daily operations.

The Role of Leadership

Strong policies and smart technology mean little without leadership backing. The most successful operators we work with are those where leadership sets the tone — not only in terms of rules and procedures but in how they value people.

Creating a healthy, safe, and compliant operation starts at the top. It means:

• Modelling the right behaviours

• Listening to staff without judgement

• Rewarding safety-minded decisions

• Prioritising prevention, not just reacting to incidents

Operators who treat drivers as valued professionals, not just a cost centre, are seeing the benefits in retention, performance, and reputation.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

The transport industry is under pressure, from driver shortages to rising costs and tighter regulation. Operators need every advantage they can get. A proactive, people-first approach to compliance is not just the right thing to do — it’s a competitive edge.

At Total Compliance, we help businesses embed this thinking into their everyday operations. Whether it's through smarter systems, tailored training, or compliance consultancy, we support fleets that want to go beyond ticking boxes and build safer, stronger businesses.

Let’s Build a Safer Future Together

Driver wellbeing isn’t a soft topic. It’s a safety issue. It’s a compliance issue. And it’s a business issue. Supporting driver roadworthiness through proper systems, strong leadership, and a culture of care is how we move the industry forward.

If you're ready to strengthen your compliance strategy by putting your drivers at the heart of it, get in touch with Total Compliance today.