I must get around to doing my first one ever this week, but I’m with an agency that doesn’t have the facilities yet, although I have asked them (politely, it was the first request…) to get it sorted. One alternative is to buy a reader and get some cheap/free software to interpret the info. I asked DVSLADIRECT.GOV.UK/VOSA/that’s_far_too_complicated_for_me.php.main (well I spoke to SOMEONE official on the phone, either VOSA, DVLA or the modern equivalent) who eventually (after some really pointed questions from me) pointed out it is actually alright to do it myself and give myself a rollocking for my transgressions/infringements on my own PC, but that as long as I have my digi-card with me I should be fine. They also said any company I work for would need access to my records if they are facing “Questions” from VOSA, so I’d have to keep the files I create for two years.
So my query is this, is anyone doing their own downloads or should be asking the companies I’m working for to help?
Sumsmeister:
I must get around to doing my first one ever this week, but I’m with an agency that doesn’t have the facilities yet, although I have asked them (politely, it was the first request…) to get it sorted. One alternative is to buy a reader and get some cheap/free software to interpret the info. I asked DVSLADIRECT.GOV.UK/VOSA/that’s_far_too_complicated_for_me.php.main (well I spoke to SOMEONE official on the phone, either VOSA, DVLA or the modern equivalent) who eventually (after some really pointed questions from me) pointed out it is actually alright to do it myself and give myself a rollocking for my transgressions/infringements on my own PC, but that as long as I have my digi-card with me I should be fine. They also said any company I work for would need access to my records if they are facing “Questions” from VOSA, so I’d have to keep the files I create for two years.
So my query is this, is anyone doing their own downloads or should be asking the companies I’m working for to help?
That DVSA bod or whoever you talked to was talking rubbish, the transport company you drive for have a legal obligation to download your card every 28 days, if you’re not at the same place all the time they should make sure they download your card while you are there.
The agency has no obligation to have download facilities or to download your card, in fact I’ve ever only come across one agency who did have the facilities to download driver cards and that was only because they had HGV vehicles on the premises.
Your only legal obligation is to make your card available to the companies you drive for, it’s up-to them whether or not they choose to do the download the cards data.