Get an operator's licence for goods vehicles

Guide summary

Advertise a heavy goods vehicle application in a local newspaper, from 21 days before to 21 days after applying
Ask for an interim licence if you need to start before the full licence is issued; it lasts up to 6 months
Do not operate before a licence or interim licence is issued; your vehicle could be impounded
Expect a decision in about 7 weeks; if refused, you have 1 month to apply for permission to appeal
Show you have the required funds available for the life of the licence, not as a fee
Tell the traffic commissioner within 28 days of changes to a standard licence, such as the number of vehicles
Keep safety inspection and maintenance records for at least 15 months
Operating without a licence carries an unlimited fine in England and Wales for offences from 12 March 2015

Work out whether you need a licence

Using a goods vehicle on a road to carry goods for hire or reward, or for or in connection with your trade or business, without an operator's licence (O-licence) is a criminal offence.

The Traffic Commissioner for the traffic area where your operating centre is grants the licence. Great Britain has 8 traffic areas, and you need a separate licence for each area where you keep vehicles.

Operator's licence (O-licence) overview

Requirements for goods vehicle operators

You usually need a goods vehicle operator's licence (O-licence) to use a goods vehicle over 3.5 tonnes gross plated weight (or, with no plated weight, over 1,525kg unladen) to carry goods for hire or reward or in connection with a trade or business. You also need one to carry goods for hire or reward on international journeys in a vehicle or combination over 2.5 tonnes maximum laden weight, which brings many vans into scope. If you only carry your own goods in the UK in a vehicle of 3.5 tonnes or less, you may not need one.

Licence types

A standard national licence lets you carry your own goods in the UK or abroad, and other people's goods for hire or reward in the UK only.
A standard international licence lets you carry your own goods and other people's goods for hire or reward in the UK and on international journeys.
A restricted licence lets you carry only your own goods.

Requirements for a standard licence

Good repute
Financial standing
Professional competence (a transport manager with a CPC)
A suitable operating centre

In Great Britain, the traffic commissioners grant licences and can take regulatory action for non-compliance.

When you need a goods vehicle operator licence

Weight thresholds and exemptions for goods vehicle operator licensing in England, Scotland and Wales.

In England, Scotland and Wales you need a goods vehicle operator licence to carry goods for hire or reward, or in connection with your trade or business, in a vehicle over 3,500 kg gross plated weight or, where it has no plated weight, over 1,525 kg unladen weight. For a vehicle and trailer, the combined gross plated weight (or combined unladen weight where there is no plated weight) is tested against the same limits. The rules differ in Northern Ireland.

Vehicle with a plated weight: Over 3,500 kg gross plated weight
Vehicle with no plated weight: Over 1,525 kg unladen weight
Vehicle and trailer: Combined gross plated weight over 3,500 kg, or combined unladen weight over 1,525 kg where unplated
Light trailer, own goods only: No licence if the trailer's unladen weight is under 1,020 kg
Hire or reward in Europe: Standard international licence needed for vans over 2,500 kg maximum authorised mass, and for vans or cars towing a trailer over 2,500 kg gross train weight
Carrying other people's goods for hire or reward: Standard licence
Carrying only your own goods: Restricted or standard licence

Exempt vehicles: Military vehicles, snow ploughs and gritters, emergency service vehicles (including those of gas, electricity, water and telephone companies), hearses, passenger-carrying vehicles, vehicles used under trade plates and showman's goods vehicles
Recovery vehicles: Exempt only if used exclusively for recovery
Tractors and agricultural vehicles: Exempt in certain circumstances, including within 15 miles (24.135 km) of the farm, forestry or estate for specified purposes
Private premises: Exempt if the vehicle uses public roads for under 6 miles a week while moving between private premises of the same owner
Never exempt: Mobile exhibition vehicles, catering vehicles, mobile shops, mobile medical screening vehicles, and vehicles with fixed equipment that carry goods not strictly for use with it

Any use of a vehicle that relies on an exemption must fall entirely within that exemption. Operating outside it needs a licence, however short the period. Exemptions apply to journeys within the UK only, so check the rules of any country you travel to. It is an offence to operate without a licence, and you could be prosecuted and your vehicle impounded if you operate before a licence or interim licence is issued.

Check if you need an operator licence (opens in a new tab)

Zero emission vehicles up to 4,520kg maximum laden weight that are used only in Great Britain are also exempt.

Show that you meet the requirements

For a standard licence the Traffic Commissioner checks that you have good repute, enough money, a qualified transport manager and a suitable operating centre. For a restricted licence the financial requirement is lower, you do not need a transport manager, and the Commissioner checks that you are fit to hold a licence.

When you apply you must declare convictions and cautions, bankruptcies and company failures, and any earlier operator licence history for your directors, partners and transport manager. The Commissioner uses this to decide whether you are of good repute, so declare everything.

Financial standing for goods vehicle operator licences

The funds standard and restricted operator licence holders must show, the evidence the traffic commissioner accepts, and what happens if funds fall short.

Standard licence holders must show financial standing, and restricted licence holders financial resources: continuous access to enough funds to operate vehicles safely and legally. The amount depends on the licence type and the number of vehicles authorised. These amounts have applied since 1 January 2021. They are resources that must be available for the life of the licence, not a fee.

Standard national or international, first vehicle: £8,000
Standard national or international, each additional vehicle: £4,500
Restricted, first vehicle: £3,100
Restricted, each additional vehicle: £1,700
Standard, light goods vehicle operators: £1,600 first vehicle, £800 each additional
Several licences: The first vehicle rate applies only once
In force since: 1 January 2021

Evidence on application: Bank statements showing the required funds for 28 days
Evidence for existing licence holders: Average balance over three months
Whose name: The entity applying for the licence; a limited company cannot use statements in a director's name
Accessibility of funds: Genuinely accessible, generally within 30 days

Accepted evidence: Audited accounts under 18 months old; bank statements; formal overdraft, credit card or invoice finance agreements with supporting statements; guarantees or insurance policies from financial institutions; savings accounts if money can be drawn down within one month
Not accepted: Cash without documentation, children's accounts, unverified shares or bonds, physical assets, bank letters (other than formal overdrafts) and aged debt registers

You must keep your financial evidence up to date and tell the traffic commissioner promptly about significant changes. If you cannot meet the requirement, a standard licence holder can ask for a period of grace of up to 6 months. The traffic commissioner decides whether to grant it, and restricted licence holders cannot ask for one. If the requirement is still not met when it ends, the licence may be revoked.

Standard licence, 1 vehicle: £8,000
Standard licence, 3 vehicles: £17,000
Standard licence, 10 vehicles: £48,500
Restricted licence, 5 vehicles: £9,900

Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)

Who needs a transport manager, the Transport Manager CPC exam, how the traffic commissioner approves a transport manager and the hours expected.

Operators with a standard national or international operator licence need a transport manager. The transport manager must hold a Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and does not need a driving licence. The operator applies to add you to its licence, and the traffic commissioner decides whether to approve you.

Who needs a transport manager: Operators with a standard national or international licence
Qualification: Transport Manager CPC
Exam types: Road haulage (goods vehicles) or road passenger transport (buses and coaches); pass both to manage both
Exam format: Multiple-choice questions and case study questions; you must pass both parts
Exam providers: CILT, City & Guilds, Innovate Awarding, NLTC, NOCN Group and Skills and Education Group (SEG) Awards
Exam fee: Set by the exam provider
Minimum age to sit the exam: None
Approval time: Usually about 7 weeks, longer if the traffic commissioner has questions
Knowledge check: The traffic commissioner may ask for evidence of up-to-date knowledge if your qualification is more than 10 years old

What the exam covers

Civil, commercial, social and fiscal law
Business and money management
The paperwork needed to take goods or passengers out of the UK
Road haulage or passenger vehicle standards
Road safety

What a transport manager is responsible for

Drivers hold valid licences
Vehicles are taxed, insured, have a valid MOT and are properly maintained
Vehicles are loaded safely and not overloaded
Drivers follow speed and drivers' hours rules
The operator keeps to safety rules

If the operator breaks the law you can be called to a public inquiry, and the traffic commissioner can ban you temporarily or permanently from being a transport manager.

Recommended working hours

Vehicles managed	Hours per week
2 or fewer	2 to 4
3 to 5	4 to 8
6 to 10	8 to 12
11 to 14	12 to 20
15 to 29	20 to 30
30 to 50	30 hours to full time
More than 50	Full time, and another staff member needed

The traffic commissioner sets these hours. They may reject your application if your hours are too short for the fleet or you work too many hours for different operators. You may need to work longer if the vehicles pull trailers. In Northern Ireland the Transport Regulation Unit and Transport Regulator carry out the traffic commissioner's role.

Become a transport manager (opens in a new tab)

Operating Centre Requirements for Operator Licences

What a heavy goods vehicle operator licence requires of an operating centre, how it is advertised, who can object and the conditions a traffic commissioner can attach.

A heavy goods vehicle operator licence must name each operating centre: the base where the vehicles are normally kept when not in use. You give the address of each proposed centre and the number of vehicles and trailers you will keep there. You must show that the centre is large enough, has safe access and is in an environmentally acceptable location. If you do not own it, you must show that you are allowed to use it.

Operating centre: Base where vehicles are normally kept
Must show: Large enough, safe access, environmentally acceptable
If you do not own it: Show you may use it
Advert: Local newspaper, within 21 days before or after applying
Objection period: 21 days after publication in Applications and Decisions
Using an unlisted site: Ground to revoke, suspend or curtail

Who can object

Local councils, planning authorities, the police, trade associations and trade unions can object to an application. Objections can be made on the grounds of your fitness to operate, your financial arrangements, your professional competence, the environmental impact of the operating centre and its general suitability. Owners and occupiers of land near the centre can make representations on environmental grounds if the use would affect their use or enjoyment of their land.

What the traffic commissioner considers

The traffic commissioner takes account of the effect on the surrounding environment, planning permissions or applications relating to the centre or nearby land, the number, type and size of vehicles using the centre, where and how vehicles will park, and how often and for what purpose the centre will be used.

The commissioner can attach conditions to prevent or minimise adverse environmental effects. These can regulate the number, type and size of vehicles at the centre, the parking arrangements and the hours at which operations are carried on. Before attaching a condition, the commissioner must give you the chance to make representations about its effect on your business.

Apply for the licence

Apply online. Have ready your organisation details, the names of the people responsible for it, your transport manager's details and qualification, your financial evidence, and your vehicle and operating centre details.

Operator Licence Application Overview

How to apply for a goods vehicle operator licence, what you need to provide, the fees and how long a decision usually takes.

You apply for a goods vehicle operator licence online. You will usually get a decision within 7 weeks, although it can take longer if you do not provide the right supporting documents. It is illegal to operate a vehicle before the licence has been issued.

If you need to start sooner, you can ask for an interim licence, which lasts up to 6 months. The traffic commissioner will only consider one once you have completed a full application. If your application is refused, you have 1 month to apply for permission to appeal.

Application method: Online, Vehicle Operator Licensing service
Decision: Usually within 7 weeks
Interim licence: Up to 6 months
Key requirements: Financial standing, good repute, operating centre
People to name: Transport manager (standard licence) and safety inspector
Appeal: 1 month to apply for permission to appeal

Apply for a goods vehicle operator licence (opens in a new tab)

Operator Licence Statutory Notices

How a heavy goods vehicle operator licence application is advertised and published, and the time limits for the advert and for objections.

If you apply for a heavy goods vehicle operator licence, you must pay to advertise the application in a local newspaper. You do not need to advertise an application for a public service vehicle licence or a light goods vehicle licence. If the advert is not published correctly, the application can be refused without its merits being considered, and you will need to pay for a new advert if you apply again.

Who must advertise: Applicants for a heavy goods vehicle licence
Where: Local newspaper covering the traffic area of the operating centre
Timing: Once, from 21 days before to 21 days after applying
Evidence: Image of the whole page, with newspaper name and date
Public notice: Application published in Applications and Decisions
Objection period: Until 21 days after that publication

Choosing the newspaper

The newspaper must be local rather than regional or national, cover the traffic area where the operating centre is, include stories as well as adverts (free sheets are not accepted) and carry other public notices such as planning applications. Write the advert using the template. If you apply for more than one operating centre, publish separate adverts where different newspapers cover the centres. If one newspaper covers them, one advert listing each centre's address and the number of vehicles and trailers kept there is enough. Upload the image of the page when you apply.

Keep the licence once you have it

Check that every driver you use has the right licence and training.

Operator Licence Ongoing Compliance

Fees, notifications and record-keeping that continue after a goods vehicle operator licence is granted.

After a goods vehicle operator licence is granted, you must keep your vehicles safe, keep records of safety inspections and maintenance, and tell the traffic commissioner about changes. You pay a continuation fee every 5 years to keep the licence active.

Notify changes (standard licence): Within 28 days
Inspection and maintenance records: Keep for at least 15 months
Walkaround check: Before first driving each day
Maintenance provider: Send the traffic commissioner a copy of the contract
Update a licence: Online, for example to add vehicles

Changes to report

A standard licence carries a condition to report within 28 days any change to the name or legal form of the business, the address of the establishment, the type of operation or number of vehicles, and anything affecting good repute, financial standing or professional competence. The same applies to the transport manager's good repute or professional competence.

Keeping vehicles safe

You must keep records of all safety inspections and maintenance you or your maintenance contractor carry out for at least 15 months. If you carry out the work yourself, the records must show the vehicle details, the items inspected, when and by whom, the result, any work done and a declaration that defects have been fixed. Make sure drivers carry out a walkaround check before driving a vehicle for the first time each day. If you do not maintain the vehicles yourself, you must give the traffic commissioner a copy of a contract with a maintenance provider, and you stay responsible for the condition of the vehicles.

The Traffic Commissioner can revoke, suspend or curtail a licence, or attach conditions, if you break its terms, are convicted of certain offences, become insolvent or use a place that is not listed as an operating centre. That can follow a public inquiry.

Know what the courts can fine

Operating without a licence, and several other offences connected with running goods vehicles, are prosecuted in the courts as well as dealt with by the Traffic Commissioner.

Court fines for operator licensing offences in England and Wales

Fines the courts can impose in England and Wales for the main operator licensing and goods vehicle offences.

These offences are tried in the magistrates' court. Level 5 fines are unlimited for offences committed from 12 March 2015 (Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, section 85). Level 4 is £2,500 and level 3 is £1,000.

Operating without an operator licence: Unlimited (level 5)
Dangerous condition, brakes, steering, tyres: Unlimited (level 5, goods vehicle)
Overloading: Unlimited (level 5)
Breaching a prohibition: Unlimited (level 5)
Unspecified operating centre: £2,500 (level 4)
Inspection records not kept: £1,000 (level 3)

Court fines for operator licensing offences in England and Wales

Fines the courts can impose in England and Wales for the main operator licensing and goods vehicle offences.

Operating without an operator licence: Unlimited (level 5)
Dangerous condition, brakes, steering, tyres: Unlimited (level 5, goods vehicle)
Overloading: Unlimited (level 5)
Breaching a prohibition: Unlimited (level 5)
Unspecified operating centre: £2,500 (level 4)
Inspection records not kept: £1,000 (level 3)

Court fines for operator licensing offences in Scotland

Fines the courts can impose in Scotland for the main operator licensing and goods vehicle offences.

These offences are tried in the magistrates' court (the sheriff court in Scotland). Level 5 on the standard scale is £5,000. Level 4 is £2,500 and level 3 is £1,000.

Operating without an operator licence: £5,000 (level 5)
Dangerous condition, brakes, steering, tyres: £5,000 (level 5, goods vehicle)
Overloading: £5,000 (level 5)
Breaching a prohibition: £5,000 (level 5)
Unspecified operating centre: £2,500 (level 4)
Inspection records not kept: £1,000 (level 3)

Legal basis

Primary legislation and key regulations

Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995 Primary 1995 · UK-wide Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 Primary 1995 · Scotland Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 Primary 1988 · UK-wide Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 Primary 1981 · UK-wide Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Regulations 1995 SI 1995 · UK-wide

Browse UK legislation legislation.gov.uk

Official guidance

Become a transport manager (opens in a new tab)

GOV.UK · Great Britain

Apply for a vehicle operator licence (opens in a new tab)

GOV.UK · Great Britain

Statutory document 2: finance (opens in a new tab)

Publication · GOV.UK · Great Britain

Being a goods vehicle operator (opens in a new tab)

DVSA · Great Britain

Getting added to an operator's licence (opens in a new tab)

GOV.UK · Great Britain

Professional competence for road transport operators (opens in a new tab)

GOV.UK · Great Britain

OCR Transport Manager CPC qualifications (opens in a new tab)

Get an operator's licence for goods vehicles

Work out whether you need a licence

Show that you meet the requirements

Apply for the licence

Keep the licence once you have it

Know what the courts can fine

Legal basis

Official guidance

Related guides in Logistics & Shipping

Prepare for a Traffic Commissioner public inquiry

DVSA Enforcement and Your Operator Compliance Risk Score

Keep your goods vehicles roadworthy

Check your drivers hold a valid Driver CPC

International Road Haulage Permits and Cabotage