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• The initial interview must be face-to-face in the agency's office so you know the firm has checked your licence and other documents.
• If the firm doesn't ask for references or undertake a competency test, then you really should be questioning its credibility.
• Also, do its registration forms look professional? If you're asked tl complete a piece of A4 that's clearly been photocopied hundrec of times, you should question it.
• Use your own professionalism to test their knowledge of compliance and drivers' hours. Take an up-to-date record of you hours and ask them how they want to record them. If they have correct compliance procedures in place, this will be quickly and easily done.
• With regards to pay, do your homework and attempt to find out if the agency pays promptly. There should not be any request for a recruitment fee this is illegal.
• A good agency will usually issue all its new drivers with a code of conduct handbook or something similar, contact details and business cards. Reputable firms may also offer free or discount€ personal protection equipment such as a high-visibility jacket.
• If the agency starts asking a driver to do jobs for which he or she she is not qualified (HIAB. ADR), or work that would break EU drivers' hours or working time regulations, consider whether this is a firm worth working for.