What Every Vocational Driver Should Know About Traffic Commissioners

What Every Vocational Driver Should Know About Traffic Commissioners

If you hold or are working towards a vocational driving licence—whether for Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs) or Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCVs)—it’s crucial to understand the role of the Traffic Commissioner and how their decisions can directly impact your career.

Many drivers are unaware that the Traffic Commissioner has the legal authority to assess your conduct and decide whether you should be allowed to continue driving professionally, regardless of court convictions.

Who Are the Traffic Commissioners?

The Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain are independent regulators responsible for:

• Licensing and regulating commercial vehicle operators

• Assessing the conduct of vocational drivers

• Supporting road safety and fair competition in the transport industry

Each region has a Traffic Commissioner, and their work is guided by a set of official documents published by the Senior Traffic Commissioner, known as Statutory Guidance and Directions.

Recent Review: Why This Matters Now

The guidance used by Traffic Commissioners to assess drivers has been recently reviewed in 2025, and a new consultation is underway to update how vocational driver conduct is handled.

This review covers:

• How risk is assessed when evaluating driver behaviour

• The fairness and clarity of decisions, including when hearings are required

• What conduct could lead to warnings, suspensions, or full disqualification

• New case studies and practical examples to explain how decisions are made

These changes are designed to make the process more transparent, consistent, and proportionate—but they also highlight the seriousness of the consequences if a vocational driver fails to meet expected standards.

How a Traffic Commissioner Can Affect Your Licence

You can be referred to a Traffic Commissioner if there are concerns about your behaviour on or off the road, including:

• Driving offences such as speeding, careless driving, or using a mobile phone

• Failing drink or drug tests

• Aggressive or inappropriate conduct toward enforcement staff

• Repeated breaches of hours or tachograph regulations

Depending on the circumstances, a Commissioner can:

• Issue a formal warning

• Temporarily suspend your vocational entitlement

• Fully disqualify you from holding a professional driving licence

In some cases, this may happen even if you have not been prosecuted in court—the Traffic Commissioner operates under a separate legal framework.

Why Drivers Need to Pay Attention

Losing your professional licence—even temporarily—can mean losing your income. The updated guidance aims to focus on risk-based decision making, which considers both:

• Negative conduct (e.g., unsafe driving, poor attitude)

• Positive conduct (e.g., remorse, training completed, good history)

Understanding the process and your responsibilities can help protect your future as a vocational driver.

What You Can Do to Stay Compliant

• Keep your Driver CPC, digital tacho card, and training up to date

• Maintain a clean driving record

• Take enforcement officers and roadside checks seriously

• Avoid behaviours that could be seen as careless, dangerous, or unprofessional

• If you’re called to a hearing, seek advice early

• Stay informed about changes to vocational licensing rules

Stay Informed and Protect Your Career

Many drivers only learn about Traffic Commissioners when it’s too late. By understanding their role now and taking proactive steps to stay compliant, you can safeguard your career in the long term.

The recent review of vocational driver guidance is a reminder that the standards are high—but also fair. Drivers who show responsibility and professionalism will always have the opportunity to demonstrate their fitness to drive.

For more information, or to read the consultation in full click here