The FORS Standard version 7.1

Requirement

To require all drivers to have knowledge of and comply with the rules of the road.

Purpose

To ensure a safe standard of driving, consideration for other road users and to reduce the risk of death and injury.

Demonstration

FORS Operators shall have a policy in place on the driving standards required within the organisation and provide drivers with access to the current version of the following documents:

• The Highway Code for UK-based operations
• Official road user guide or code of practice for non-UK based operations

Drivers should also have access to the current version of the official road user guide or highway code for any other country they operate in.

Alongside the requirements of the FORS Standard, the driving standards policy shall be supported by a risk assessment or method statement and include:

• Driver responsibilities and professionalism
• Wearing seat belts where fitted and required
• Adherence to speed limits, traffic signs and road markings
• Distractions such as smoking, eating and drinking whilst driving
• Sharing the roads safely, particularly with vulnerable road users
• Fuel efficient driving techniques, air quality and emissions
• Driving on different road types such as urban, rural and motorways
• Driving in adverse weather conditions
• Actions in the event of a breakdown and road traffic collision

A procedure shall be in place for drivers to make an annual declaration that they have access to, read and understood, the following information:

• Driving standards policy
• Current version of The Highway Code
• Official road user guide or code of practice for non-UK based operations

Any driver incentive scheme that is operated shall not promote or encourage illegal, unsafe or unprofessional behaviour.