Insights
02 Sept 24
What is the DVSA and what do they do?
Chris Powell
Our transport regulation experts explain what an operators' licence is, how they work, and answer some frequently asked questions on the topic.
If you or your business are going to operate heavy goods vehicles, or already do so, you will require an operator’s licence. In this article, we’ll explain what an operator’s licence is and answer some key questions about them.
What is an operator’s licence?
An operator’s licence is a licence that lets your business operate heavy goods vehicles.
An operator’s licence is issued by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, which also has a wide range of powers to regulate their use.
How many different types of operators’ licence are there?
There are three types of operators’ licence:
- Restricted: this allows the licence holder to carry their own goods. They must not use the licence to carry goods for others.
- Standard national: this allows the licence holder to carry their own goods and goods for others, but only within the United Kingdom.
- Standard international: this allows the licence holder to carry goods for themselves and others, both within the UK and internationally.
How much is an operator's licence?
When applying for an operator’s licence for the first time, you will need to pay an application fee of £257. You will also need to pay the licence fee of £401.
You will also need to show that you have enough money to maintain the vehicles that you wish to operate under your operator’s licence:
| Licence type | Rate for first vehicle | Rate for each additional vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Restricted licence | £3,100 | £1,700 |
| Standard national and international licence | £8,000 | £4,500 |
You will have to show evidence of your financial standing when you apply for your licence and if you apply to increase the number of vehicles on your licence.
How long does an operator’s licence last?
An operator’s licence is valid for five years from the date of issue. You will need to pay a fee of £401 to renew the licence.
Who can apply for an operator’s licence?
The government’s guidelines say that the ‘user’ of the vehicle should apply for an operator’s licence. Using a heavy goods vehicle without an operator’s licence is a criminal offence, unless an exemption applies.
The person or organisation applying for the operator’s licence must be able to demonstrate among other things, that:
- They are fit to hold the licence;
- They have the necessary finances to maintain the vehicles;
- They have the necessary facilities and personnel to keep their vehicles in good working order;
- They have a sufficient level of professional competence;
- They have a suitable operating centre to keep the vehicles.
Those operating heavy goods vehicles will need to have an operator’s licence for each Traffic Area in which they have an operating centre.
How do I get an operator’s licence?
Applications for an operator's licence should be made online via the Vehicle Operator Licensing System.
How long does it take to get an operator's licence?
An operator’s licence will generally be issued within nine weeks of the application being submitted. However, it can take longer for more complex applications.
Do you need a Transport Manager for an operator’s licence?
All holders of a standard national or standard international operator’s licence need to have a Transport Manager. A Transport Manager’s role is to ensure legal compliance with road transport regulations and to have continuous and effective control over the transport operations.
If your Transport Manager leaves the business, the Traffic Commissioner may allow you a grace period of up to six months to have a Transport Manager in place.
Can I be my own Transport Manager?
Yes, it is possible to be your own Transport Manager. However, if you plan to do so, you should be aware that all of the responsibility for complying with road transport regulations (and the consequences for failing to do so) will rest with you.
We have developed a Transport Manager compliance tool which can assist you in making sure that you correctly follow the requirements.
What are the consequences of breaching an operator’s licence?
If you are suspected of breaching an operator’s licence, you may face a DVSA investigation or a Traffic Commissioner public inquiry.
If you are found guilty of breaching your operator’s licence, your licence may be revoked.
If you find yourself under investigation, it is vital that you take expert advice. Our expert transport regulatory solicitors can help.
Can I use someone else’s operator’s licence?
No, an operator’s licence cannot be sold or transferred. Except in very narrow circumstances, only the person or organisation that was issued the licence is permitted to use the operator’s licence.
Do I need a CPC for an operator’s licence?
An operator does not need to hold a driver’s certificate of professional competence (CPC) themselves, but they must ensure that all of their drivers hold the correct certification.
Chris is a leading road transport regulatory specialist. He advises goods vehicle and passenger transport operator licence holders on all aspects of transport regulation.
If you need help with any issues relating to operators' licences, contact our transport regulation lawyers.
