Vehicles and Driving

Policy

We are committed to ensuring the safety of our team, other occupants of the vehicle, and other road users when driving for work. All vehicles must be safe, suitable, registered, and warranted.

Anyone driving for work purposes must be eligible under New Zealand law, and physically safe to drive.

Q36

Staff may drive practice-owned cars for work purposes and claim mileage.

The driver is responsible for any costs incurred if they violate any traffic laws or are found to be at fault in an accident. Costs include fines or parking tickets, insurance excess, or the full vehicle repair costs if their actions invalidate the vehicle's insurance cover.

If the driver commits a serious breach of conduct while driving in the course of their employment, this will be investigated following our disciplinary process.

Drivers must drive safely and comply with road user legislation at all times. Texting is not permitted while driving, and mobile devices must be voice-activated and hands-free.

Driver responsibilities while driving for work

Q80

The driver must:

• ensure they are legally able to drive in New Zealand and carry their drivers license with them when driving the practice car
• keep the car presentable, clean, and tidy
• be responsible and accountable for their actions while driving, including avoiding distraction, assessing hazards, and taking rest breaks if needed
• comply with traffic legislation at all times
• make note of the start and finish mileage, and the purpose of the trip
• use the practice's expense reimbursement form to claim mileage
• report any accidents, incidents, or serious near misses while driving for work purposes as soon as possible
• pay any costs incurred as a result of their actions while driving for work purposes, such as parking tickets or traffic fines.

Refer to IRD Vehicle expenses guidelines for more information

If you have an accident

Immediately stop the vehicle and ensure it isn't blocking traffic. Take care of your own safety first and then help others. Call for assistance if needed.

If possible, write down:

• details of the other vehicle and registration number
• names and addresses of the other drivers
• names and addresses of any witnesses
• names of insurers.

Give the other driver(s) your name, address, and company details. If you damage an unattended vehicle, you must leave a note with contact details.

Report the accident to the practice manager as soon as possible.

Never admit fault for an accident because it may invalidate the vehicle's insurance. If an accident results in injury, contact the police.