How To Apply For An Operators Licence

Do I need an Operators Licence?

You need an operator’s licence to carry goods (or burden) connected with any trade or business if you "USE" a motor vehicle on a road with a gross vehicle mass (weight) of over 3,500 Kg (3.5 tons).

We can support you in your application by managing the process for you. This will include checking the documentation, completing the form and progress chasing to granting. We can even arrange the statutory advert through our experienced media specialists. The fee for this work is £250. If you wish us to undertake this work please use the apply online button below.

What Type of licence do you need?

• A Restricted Operators Licence - to operate vehicles within the EEC as long as you are only carrying your own goods. The main advantage of this type of licence is that there is no requirement to employ a transport manager with a CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) and the financial resources that need to be in place are less. However as the operator must maintain the same standards as an unrestricted licence holder it is advisable to have access to professional advice
• A National Operators Licence - to operate on a "hire and reward" basis (charge for the transport of goods not owned) within the UK
• An International Operators Licence - to operate on a "hire and reward" basis (charge for the transport of goods not owned) within the EEC

Requirements

• CPC holder - not required for a restricted licence
• Operating Centre – If not owned or leased, permission to park
• A Statutory Notice must be advertised inviting objections about the operating centre - The wording of the notice is detailed in the GV79 form but must advertised in a newspaper which is in free circulation in the area of the operating centre
• Maintenance Requirements – Either details of in house maintenance or signed agreement to maintain the vehicles including a copy of the inspection sheet to be used
• Finances - Three months demonstrating access to sufficient funds to maintain the fleet

The Application Process

The applicant must complete a GV79 application form and send it to the Traffic Commissioner’s Office in Leeds along with the documentation detailed above. VOSA (Vehicle & Operators Services Agency) recommend that you apply ten weeks before you need the licence, if a quick decision is needed an interim licence can be applied for at an additional cost and it assumes that there will be no problems with application.

Costs

There are a series of fees which apply throughout the application process.

An application fee of £250 is required with the submission of the GV79 Application Form. An average application will take around 10 to 12 weeks, however, this can be reduced to around 6 weeks if an application is made for an interim licence but there is an additional fee of £61 for this. When the licence is granted a further licence fee is required. The licence fee is a one off payment of £391 and lasts for 5 years.

How Do I Apply For A License?

To apply for a new licence you need to complete a Form GV79 which is available from your Area Traffic Office, or online @ www.vosa.gov.uk

For more information on how we can help you solve and manage your transport problems contact us or call 01275 390001

Our Diverse Range of Clients include:

• owner drivers to multi-national hauliers
• national charities to Government enterprises
• all sectors from food distribution & groundworks to art galleries & road management companies
  

Qualifications and Memberships

• RSA Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC Holder)
• Class One LGV licence with over 25 years practical experience
• IOSH qualified (Institute of Occupational Safety & Health)
• Graduate in Transport Management & Economics
• Freight Transport Association
• Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport
• Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
• Federation of Small Businesses
• Break.org.uk
• RoSPA
• Road Haulage Association
• Driver CPC Training