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Goods vehicle operator licensing guide

by John | February 19, 2026 | Operator's Licence | 0 Comments

If you use goods vehicles for business in Great Britain, you likely need an operator Licence. This is not optional paperwork. It is your legal authority to run HGVs on public roads. The Goods Vehicle Operator Licensing system is strict. It protects road safety, fair...

4 Mistakes When Called to a Public Inquiry | BFT Consulting

by John | February 18, 2026 | Public Inquiries | 0 Comments

4 Mistakes Operators Make When Called to a Public Inquiry If you have been called to a Public Inquiry by the Traffic Commissioner, your response matters. A Public Inquiry is a formal regulatory hearing and the Traffic Commissioner has powers that can include...

The Highway Code, Road Safety and Vehicle Rules

by John | February 18, 2026 | Operator's Licence | 0 Comments

If you run lorries or manage a fleet, The Highway Code is not optional reading. It shapes how your drivers behave on the road. It also affects your operator Licence and your standing with the Traffic Commissioner. Road safety is at the core of Operators Licence UK...

Driving with Medical Conditions, Blue Badges and Transport for Disabled People

by John | February 17, 2026 | Transportation | 0 Comments

If you work in the trucking and passenger transport industry, medical fitness is not optional. It is a legal duty. Your operator Licence, your livelihood, and public safety all depend on it. At the same time, many drivers and operators also deal with disability...

Transfer a Vehicle Operating Centre to Another Operator’s Licence

by John | February 16, 2026 | Operator's Licence | 0 Comments

Moving an operating centre from one operator Licence to another is not a simple swap. The Traffic Commissioner treats it as a formal change to a licence. You must follow the right process, or you risk delays, objections, or even enforcement action. If you run HGVs in...

DVSA Visit Checklist for New Operators

by John | February 13, 2026 | Operator's Licence | 0 Comments

When you’re granted your operator licence, the DVSA may visit your operating centre within the first 3 to 6 months. Their goal is to check you’ve set up your systems properly and are ready to run vehicles in full compliance with the law. If you’re not prepared, this...

What is Green OCRS score and How To Get It

by John | February 13, 2026 | Operator's Licence | 0 Comments

Happy Valentine's Day from BFT — because nothing says love like a green OCRS score. Plus: what your OCRS actually means and how to keep it green. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Transport Compliance Specialists 0330 179 7379 ♥ Valentine's Day Special — 14...

Most Common Operator Licence Audit Failures

by John | February 12, 2026 | Operator's Licence | 0 Comments

Operator Licence audits test your compliance with the promises you made when you applied for your licence. The DVSA or Traffic Commissioner will expect proof that your systems work in real life—not just on paper. Here are the most common reasons operators fail these...

How to Pass Your Operator Licence Audit

by John | February 11, 2026 | Operator's Licence | 0 Comments

An operator licence audit is a formal check to confirm you're following the rules set by the Traffic Commissioner. Whether you’ve just been granted your licence or have been operating for years, the audit tests how well you’re meeting your legal obligations. Failing...

How to Get an Operator Licence With No Trading History

by John | February 9, 2026 | Operator's Licence | 0 Comments

If your business is new and hasn’t started trading yet, you can still apply for a Standard or Restricted Operator Licence. However, the process requires extra care to prove you meet the licensing requirements—especially around financial standing and professional...

How to Rebuild Your Reputation After a Public Inquiry

Aug 8, 2025

Being called to a Public Inquiry is a stressful experience for any operator. Whether the outcome involved conditions, curtailment, suspension, or even revocation of your Operator Licence, it can leave a lasting mark on your reputation within the transport industry....

How to Train Your Staff to Support the Transport Manager ?

Aug 7, 2025

A successful transport operation relies on more than just vehicles and a good transport manager. Behind every efficient operator licence lies a well-informed, well-trained team that works alongside the transport manager to keep everything running smoothly. Whether you...

How to Stay Financially Compliant Throughout Your Licence Period

Aug 6, 2025

Running a commercial transport business in the UK requires more than just maintaining vehicles and delivering goods on time. If you operate vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (or 2.5 tonnes internationally), holding a valid Operator Licence is essential. But keeping your...

Can Personal Finances Be Used to Support Business Applications?

Aug 5, 2025

In the UK’s road haulage and transport industry, securing an Operator Licence is a key requirement if you plan to run goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (or 2.5 tonnes in some international cases). But what happens if your business is new and lacks the financial history...

How to Transfer or Update an Existing Operator Licence

Aug 4, 2025

Running a transport business in the UK comes with its fair share of regulations. Whether you're expanding operations, moving to a new operating centre, or simply need to update your records, it's important to know how to transfer or update your Operator Licence...

Licence Breaches That Commonly Lead to Public Inquiries

Aug 1, 2025

Running a successful transport business in the UK takes more than moving goods from A to B. If you hold a vehicle operators licence, you must follow strict rules to stay compliant. Failure to do so may land you in front of a Traffic Commissioner at a public inquiry—a...