Operators Licences

The purpose of Goods Vehicle and Public Service Vehicle Operator Licensing is to ensure the safe and proper use of goods/PSV vehicles and to protect the environment around operating centres.

It is an offence to operate vehicles without an Operator’s Licence if one is needed.   In general you need an O Licence if:

  • You use a good vehicle of over 3.5 tonnes gross plated weight
  • You operate a PSV vehicle for hire or reward (payment or payment in kind) that can carry 9 or more passengers
  • You operate a smaller PSV vehicle carrying passengers and charge separate fares for the journey

There are some exemptions and there are different types of licence within each category depending on the goods you carry, the size of your business and where you operate.

Applications are made to the Traffic Commissioner and are processed through the Central Licensing Office.  However, the country is divided into eight different traffic areas each with its own traffic commissioner who can make the final decisions on applications.  If you operate in more than one traffic area you will be required to hold multiple Operators Licences.

Each application requires a wealth of supporting documentation to demonstrate that you have the finances to run and maintain the vehicles, systems in place to ensure the vehicles are adequately inspected and maintained and a suitably qualified Transport Manager if you wish to carry other people’s goods for hire and reward either in the UK or abroad.

Compiling and submitting an application can be a complex process but it is what we do on a daily basis; our knowledge and experience ensures that most applications pass through the statutory processes with the minimum of delay, allowing the licence to be granted in as short a time as possible.