Regulator Profile

DVSA

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency

Enforcement Regulator

2

Areas of regulation

17

Laws enforced

UK-wide

Quick links

Visit official website Call 0300 123 9000

Operator Licensing Vehicle Standards

What DVSA does

Regulates drivers, vehicles, and operators in UK road transport. Issues operator licences for goods vehicles (HGVs) and PSVs. Enforces roadworthiness and driver standards.

Legal framework

Legislation that DVSA enforces.

Primary legislation

• Civil Aviation Act 2012 Act 2012
• Aviation Security Act 1982 Act 1982
• Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1992 Act 1992
• Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995 Act 1995
• Harbours Act 1964 Act 1964
• Maritime Security Act 1990 Act 1990
• Road Traffic Act 1988 Act 1988
• Transport Act 1968 Act 1968

Secondary legislation

• Air Navigation Order 2016 UK Statutory Instrument 2016
• Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 UK Statutory Instrument 2009
• Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 UK Statutory Instrument 1986
• Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) Regulations 2022 UK Statutory Instrument 2022
• Merchant Shipping (STCW) Regulations 2022 UK Statutory Instrument 2022
• Motor Vehicles (Tests) Regulations 1981 UK Statutory Instrument 1981
• Road Vehicles (Authorised Weight) Regulations 1998 UK Statutory Instrument 1998
• The River Humber (Upper Burcom Cooling Works) Order 1994 UK Statutory Instrument 1994
• Vehicle Drivers (Certificates of Professional Competence) Regulations 2007 UK Statutory Instrument 2007