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A truck can cost many lakhs, and the cargo is often worth more. Handing it to a driver you have not checked is one of the biggest avoidable risks in fleet ownership. Here is a practical checklist for verifying a driver, and how digital KYC shortens the process.
What should you verify before hiring a truck driver?
At a minimum, verify the driver's identity, a valid driving licence that matches your vehicle type, their driving experience and at least one reference. Each check answers a different question: who they are, whether they are legally allowed to drive your truck, and whether others would trust them with one.
- Identity: a government photo ID, matched against the person in front of you.
- Driving licence: check that it is valid, not expired, and covers the class of vehicle you operate.
- Experience: ask which routes and vehicle types they have driven, and for how long.
- References: speak to a previous owner or transporter, not only a friend.
- Address and contact details: so you can reach the driver and their family if needed.
Why does the licence class matter?
A licence is valid only for the vehicle classes printed on it. A driver with the wrong class can void an insurance claim after an accident, even if the licence is otherwise valid. Always check the class and the expiry date, not just that a licence exists.
How do you handle driver ID documents safely?
Identity documents are personal data. Keep copies in one secure place, share them only with people who need them, and avoid forwarding them on chat apps. India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 puts obligations on those who handle personal data, so it is worth treating driver records carefully from day one.
How does digital KYC make this faster?
Paper checks are slow and easy to lose. With digital KYC, a driver's details and documents are recorded once, linked to their profile and available to the owner who hired them. Bohiba includes driver verification, so owners can see a driver's verification status before assigning a trip. Read the FAQ to see how onboarding works.
