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 competence.
Here’s how to prepare a successful application from day one.
The Challenge of No Trading History
A new business has no cash flow, no bank statements, and no existing compliance record. That means the Traffic Commissioner will assess your application based entirely on what you plan to do, not what you’ve already done. They’ll want to see solid proof that you can meet the financial and compliance obligations of holding a licence.
This includes:
-
Showing you have access to the correct financial reserves
-
Proving you’ve appointed a competent Transport Manager (for standard licences)
-
Demonstrating that your operating centre, maintenance arrangements, and record keeping are ready
Step 1: Prepare Proof of Financial Standing
Even if you haven’t started trading, you must show you have access to funds. The requirement in 2025 for a Standard National or International Licence is:
-
£9,100 for the first vehicle
-
£5,000 for each additional vehicle
For Restricted Licences, the amounts are:
-
£3,650 for the first vehicle
-
£2,000 for each additional one
To prove this, submit:
-
A recent business bank statement in your company’s name showing the full required amount
-
If the business doesn’t yet have its own account, use a personal account but include a signed letter confirming the funds are reserved for the business
-
A director’s loan agreement, if funds are being lent to the company
-
A letter from your accountant if needed
What matters is showing the money is available and legally tied to the business’s operations.
Step 2: Show You’ve Appointed a Transport Manager
If you’re applying for a Standard Licence, you must show professional competence. This usually means hiring or nominating a qualified Transport Manager.
Even if your company is new, the Transport Manager must already hold a valid CPC qualification. You must include:
-
A copy of the CPC certificate
-
A signed declaration showing how many hours they’ll dedicate each week
-
Details of their responsibilities (e.g., maintenance, driver hours, safety procedures)
If the person is external, they should not manage more than four licences or 50 vehicles across all clients.
Step 3: Submit a Strong Operating Centre Plan
You’ll need to list your proposed operating centre in your application. It must be:
-
Secure and large enough to house your vehicles
-
Accessible and suitable for loading/unloading
-
Approved by the landowner, if you rent or lease it
Even with no trading history, you must show your base of operations is ready. Include a lease agreement or letter of permission if required.
Step 4: Maintenance and Compliance Systems
You’ll be asked how you plan to keep vehicles roadworthy and legal. Even without experience, your answer must show you understand what’s needed.
Set out a plan that includes:
-
A named maintenance provider or garage
-
Planned safety inspection intervals (e.g., every 6 or 8 weeks)
-
How you’ll track defects, repairs, and servicing
-
Who will carry out daily walkaround checks
-
Where records will be stored and who is responsible for managing them
Attach a maintenance agreement or contract from a garage with their address, contact details, and terms.
Step 5: Explain Your Intentions Clearly
In the “Additional Information” part of the application, explain that your business is new and hasn’t traded yet. Be open and clear about:
-
When you plan to start operations
-
What services you’ll offer
-
Where your first work is likely to come from (e.g., local contracts, haulage subcontracting)
-
How your systems and team are already prepared for compliance
This gives the Traffic Commissioner confidence that, although new, you’re well-prepared and responsible.
Step 6: Plan for Inspections or Hearings
Sometimes, new applicants are called to a public inquiry or informal hearing to explain their setup. This is not a rejection—just a way for the Office of the Traffic Commissioner to assess your preparedness.
If that happens:
-
Stay calm
-
Bring printed copies of all your documents
-
Be ready to answer questions about finance, vehicles, and compliance
-
Show that you understand your legal duties
This can be your chance to make a strong impression.
Blue Flag Transport Consulting Can Help
If you’re applying with no trading history, you must get it right first time. Blue Flag can help you:
-
Prepare a clear financial standing submission
-
Appoint or connect with a qualified Transport Manager
-
Draft a full compliance plan
-
Review your maintenance agreements
-
Prepare for any public inquiry or audit
Their team has helped dozens of new operators secure their licences with minimal delay or risk.
Start your Operator Licence journey confidently. Contact Blue Flag Transport Consulting today.
