BFT Consulting Blog

Get the latest news and articles about the transport industry right here on our blog.

Get A Free Quote

Adding Categories to Your Driving Licence

by John | September 16, 2026 | Driving Licence | 0 Comments

Adding categories to your driving licence lets you drive larger or different types of vehicles. This step is often needed when moving into professional road transport. You may want to drive a lorry, bus, coach, minibus or vehicle with a trailer. Each category sets out...

Download and Order DVLA Forms: A Simple Guide for UK Drivers and Transport Operators

by John | September 15, 2026 | Driving Licence | 0 Comments

Drivers and transport operators often need official forms to update records, apply for a driving entitlement or report a change. Many DVLA forms are available online. You can download some forms, while others must come from a Post Office that offers DVLA services....

Driving Licence Fees for UK Transport Professionals

by John | September 14, 2026 | Driving Licence | 0 Comments

Driving licence fees form a small but important part of running a transport business. Drivers need the right licence for the vehicle they drive. Operators must also check each driver’s entitlement before giving them work. A missed renewal, an expired photocard, or the...

Driving in Great Britain on a Non-GB Licence

by John | September 11, 2026 | Licence Application | 0 Comments

Drivers come to Great Britain from many parts of the world. Some visit for a short work trip. Others move here to join a haulage firm or start a transport business. If you hold a non-GB driving licence, you must check whether it allows you to drive in England,...

Reapply for Your Driving Licence If You’ve Been Disqualified

by John | September 10, 2026 | Driving Licence | 0 Comments

A driving disqualification can stop you from working and affect your income. This is a serious issue for HGV drivers, bus drivers, owner drivers and transport companies. When your ban ends, your old driving licence does not always become valid at once. You may need to...

Seven Steps to Ensure Drivers Are Managed for Willing, Demonstrable, and Active Compliance

by John | September 9, 2026 | Compliance management | 0 Comments

Prepared by: BFT Consulting Ltd Principal Consultant: John Potgieter Cambridge / Marlow Company Number: 14943001 Contact: +44 7513 379221 Version Control Version Date Author Description 1.0 10 Dec 2025 J. Potgieter Initial document creation Important Disclaimer This...

Top Seven Transport Compliance Pitfalls for Transport Managers

by John | September 8, 2026 | Transport manager UK | 0 Comments

Prepared by: BFT Consulting Ltd Principal Consultant: John Potgieter 18 Chivers Way, Northstowe, Cambridge CB24 1AH Company Number: 14943001 Contact: +44 7513 379221 Version Control Version Date Author Description 1.0 10 Dec 2025 J. Potgieter Initial document creation...

Top Seven Reasons Cited by Traffic Commissioners for Revoking Operator Licences

by John | September 7, 2026 | Traffic Commissioner | 0 Comments

Top Seven Reasons for Operators and Transport Managers to Be Referred to Magistrates’ Court for Prosecution

by John | September 4, 2026 | Transport manager UK | 0 Comments

Top Seven Risks for Restricted Operator Licence Holders

by John | September 3, 2026 | Restricted Operator Licence | 0 Comments

Operator Licence for Owner Drivers

Feb 1, 2026

Operator Licence for Owner Drivers in the UK If you're an owner driver using a goods vehicle over 3.5 tonnes for business, you legally need an operator licence. Even if it’s just one lorry, the rules still apply. This ensures you run legally, stay compliant, and...

Step by Step Guide to Your First Operator Licence

Jan 30, 2026

Getting your first operator licence in the UK can feel overwhelming. The process involves detailed paperwork, financial planning and legal responsibilities. Whether you're launching a small courier fleet or running HGVs, this guide will walk you through each step...

First Time Operator Licence Checklist

Jan 29, 2026

Use this checklist before you apply.It helps you avoid delays, refusals, and rework. Step 1. Choose Your Licence Type Confirm your work type. • Restricted for your own goods only• Standard National for hire or reward in the UK• Standard International for UK and EU...

How to Avoid Operator Licence Rejection

Jan 28, 2026

Most Operator Licence refusals happen because of weak preparation.You must prove control, funds, and safety systems. There we will shows how to avoid rejection. Meet Financial Standing First You must show stable funds in a business account. Standard licence• First...

Operator Licence Changes for Vans Over 2.5 Tonnes

Jan 27, 2026

The rules for vans over 2.5 tonnes changed.Many operators now need an Operator Licence for work that used to run without one. You must check your fleet now. Which Vans Are Affected You need a licence if your van: • Has a gross weight over 2.5 tonnes• Runs...

Notification and Driver Management Failures That Trigger Public Inquiry

Jan 26, 2026

Many operators lose credibility before enforcement even begins. The cause is silence. Notification failures undermine trust. You must notify the Traffic Commissioner of material changes. Late disclosure damages repute. Common notification breaches • Change of address...