International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is honoured in over 150 countries outside of the United States, and it is issued in a folder that explains the data entries and vehicle permissions granted.

IDPs are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Their purpose is to allow persons travelling abroad to avoid potential problems arising from language barriers. An IDP is proof that you hold a valid driving licence in your own country, they are only a supplement to a valid licence, not a replacement, and are not valid in an individual’s country of residence. It is not always necessary to have one, since many countries recognise each other's licenses. It is intended to overcome the difficulties drivers may have while travelling in other countries that may have widely varying license requirements.

It is printed in 10 languages - the five United Nations official languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese) plus German Arabic, Italian, the Scandinavian languages and Portuguese.

BVRLA members can get further information on foreign driving licences by requesting the ‘ID Checking Guide’ by emailing: info@bvrla.co.uk

See also our 'Driving in GB on a foreign licence' post...

To become a member of the BVRLA click here...

source: BVRLA

National Speed Limits for Vans

When driving a van, be aware that the national speed limits are different from those for cars, depending on the road you are on. Lower speed limits will apply in built up areas and on many local roads. These lower limits are the same for both cars and vans.

Cars may be driven at up to 60 miles per hour (mph) on single carriageways and up to 70 mph on dual carriageways. Vans may be driven at up to 50 mph on single carriageways and up to 60 mph on dual carriageways. A dual carriageway is a road that has a central reservation separating the carriageways.

If you are driving a van on a motorway the speed limit is 70 mph, like cars, unless you are towing a trailer. If you are towing a trailer the motorway speed limit is 60 mph.

Any vehicle towing a trailer is not allowed to use the outside lane where there are three or more lanes in use in the same direction.

These long-standing national speed limits for vans are the same for all goods vehicles that have a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of no more than 7,500 kilograms (kg).

Remember, RIVAL Insurance has additional rules in place for its scheme, including age and endorsement requirements. We also exclude the use of vehicles for towing.

For the full details on the Directgov website click here...

source: Directgov website

The Highway Code

New online version - the code applies to all road users.

This version has been adapted for online use from the Department for Transport's current printed version of the Highway Code. In any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, only the Department for Transport's current printed version of the Code should be relied upon.

For their full online guide to the Highway Code click here...

source: Directgov website

Driver Licensing Guidance

For guidance and advice on driver licensing - including entitlements, medical rules, obligations and endorsements - we suggest you visit the Directgov website.

Remember, RIVAL Insurance has additional rules in place for its scheme, including age and endorsement requirements, and these can be found on our standard Qualification Rules (UK), Qualification Rules (Eire) and Minibus & Large MPV Additional Rules sheets.

To visit the DVLA website click here...

Marketing data in Revolution

While Revolution is primarily a Rental software product, it does have some very useful marketing functions too. The following reports will give you access to some of the key marketing data held on the software.

Agreement Analysis: (Reports, Agreement reports number 6.) Here you are able to use a date range of who has rented in the last 6 months and access their spending details . You can print or export the list to Excel or Acrobat and to use how you wish.

Mailshot Labels Print Tool: (General reports number 8.) Here you can choose all renters (or Companies) or pick off a list one by one before exporting to an Excel document. If you recorded any customer’s email addresses, this is exported too.

Customer Source Analysis: (Management Reports D.) Here all agreements are listed monthly by source code (this is how they heard about you, as entered when you raise their first rental agreement) and converted to a percentage. This can be used to help marketing strategies ongoing.

Remember: All the reports found in Revolution can be exported to Excel.

Prohire Software Support

If you are using the Prohire Software system and need IT support or training, please contact Prohire in the first instance.

Support: 01795 434010

Additional information and advice may be available by contacting your Regional Sales Manager.

To view the Prohire online tutorials click here...

To visit the Prohire online support site click here...