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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 Driver Conduct Issues Can Trigger a Public Inquiry

Jul 31, 2025

Running a professional and compliant transport business in the UK means more than just keeping vehicles roadworthy and paperwork in order. Your drivers play a key role in the reputation and legality of your operation. When things go wrong on their end, it can lead to...

Keeping Records: A Transport Manager’s Responsibility

Jul 30, 2025

In the world of road haulage, paperwork might not be the most exciting part of the job—but it’s absolutely essential. If you're a transport manager or business owner operating under a vehicle operators licence, maintaining accurate records is not just good...

What Happens If You Fall Below the Required Financial Standing?

Jul 29, 2025

Running a transport business in the UK comes with its fair share of responsibilities, and one of the most critical is maintaining your financial standing. Whether you're applying for an operator licence, holding a restricted operators licence, or managing a fleet...

How to Use Savings, Overdrafts, and Credit Lines as Proof

Jul 28, 2025

When applying for an operator licence, one of the key things the Traffic Commissioner looks for is your financial standing. This means showing that your business has enough money to run vehicles safely and legally. In this guide, we'll look at how you can use savings,...

The Role of a Transport Manager in Daily Vehicle Checks

Jul 24, 2025

Daily vehicle checks are a legal requirement for all commercial operators in the UK. They ensure road safety, help reduce breakdowns, and prevent costly penalties. While drivers are responsible for conducting these checks, transport managers play a crucial...

Financial Standing for Single-Vehicle Operators – What You Need

Jul 23, 2025

Getting started as a single-vehicle operator is a big step. Whether you’re an experienced driver looking to go independent, or a new business dipping your toes into the transport industry, it’s vital to understand the financial standing requirement. It’s not just...