Our Operator Licence Application & Management Services
In the UK, obtaining an operator licence is a legal obligation for anyone transporting goods or passengers for commercial purposes. This licence outlines the conditions that operators must follow while managing their business. It ensures compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and broader road transport laws, helping operators maintain legal and responsible operations.
Pre-Application Assessment for Your Operator Licence
Before submitting your Operator Licence application, we conduct a thorough assessment to ensure you choose the most suitable option. Our evaluation covers:
Purpose of Application: What is the reason for applying for an Operator Licence?
Fleet Size: How many vehicles and trailers do you operate?
Vehicle Storage Suitability: Is your storage facility appropriate for your vehicles and trailers?
Maintenance Plans: Who will handle routine maintenance and inspections? Will this be managed in-house or by a third-party provider?
Financial Standing: What proof can you provide to demonstrate that you meet the Traffic
Commissioner’s financial requirements?
Compliance Knowledge: Do you have the necessary knowledge to run your licence compliantly? Are you familiar with driver’s hours regulations and operator licence compliance?
Types of Vehicle Operator Licences
HGV Restricted Operator Licence: For operators transporting their own goods within the UK or EU.
PSV Restricted Operator Licence: For small-scale operations where passenger transport is not the main business, allowing the use of up to two small vehicles.
PSV Special Restricted Operator Licence: For running a licensed taxi service on a local, registered route.
PSV/HGV Standard National Licence: Enables operators to transport their own goods across the EU and charge for transporting goods they do not own within the UK on a hire or reward basis—typically used by haulage, logistics, or passenger transport businesses operating within the UK.
PSV/HGV Standard International Licence: Required by hauliers for EU Community Authorisation to transport passengers or goods for hire and reward across Europe.
European & Offshore Licences: While UK hauliers can hold a standard international licence for international routes, in some cases, obtaining a licence from another EU country may be more suitable. We can also assist with securing international licences if needed.
Prices for Operator Licence Applications and Major Changes
Restricted Operator: Online consultation and application – £275 plus VAT
Standard National: Online consultation and application – £325 plus VAT
Standard International: Online consultation and application – £375 plus VAT
European & Offshore Licences: Contact us for a quote
Full Application Process (including all fees and a visit): £1995 plus VAT
Additional Costs to Consider When Applying for an Operator Licence
Government fees applicable as of March 2023:
HGV Operator Licence Application / Major Licence Change Fee: £257
HGV Licence Issue / 5-Year Continuation Fee: £401
HGV Interim Licence Fee (if applicable): £68
Newspaper Advert: Approx. £450-£750 plus VAT
PSV Standard or Restricted Operator Licence Application Fee: £209
Application for a Special Restricted (taxi) Licence Fee: £61
5-Year Continuation Fee for a Special Restricted (taxi) Licence: £61
PSV Major Licence Change Fee: £122
Financial Standing Requirements for HGV/PSV Applications:
HGV / PSV Standard Licences: £8000 for the first vehicle, plus £4500 for each additional vehicle
HGV / PSV Restricted Licences: £3100 for the first vehicle, plus £1700 for each additional vehicle
Please note: External Transport Managers are charged separately for their services.
For further details or to start your application, feel free to contact us.
Important Considerations After Obtaining Your Operator Licence
Once you’ve secured your operator licence, there are several ongoing requirements to remain compliant. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage these responsibilities effectively. Some key areas include:
- Monthly Compliance Reviews and Internal Audits
- Monitoring Compliance with Drivers’ Hours, Working Time Directive, and Domestic Drivers’ Hours Regulations
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We are here to assist with all these aspects to ensure your operations remain compliant and efficient.
- Maintenance Checks – Scheduling, Documentation, and Record Keeping
- Pre-Use Vehicle Inspections, Fault Rectification, and Recording Procedures
- Driver Management, Including Regular Licence Checks
- Incident Reporting and Documentation
- Managing Vehicle Insurance, Tax, VOR, and SORN Procedures
- Using the VOL System and Reviewing OCRS Reports
- Conducting Gate Checks
- Tyre Management and Safety
- Operator Licence Updates and Expert Advice
Consequences of Non-Compliance with Your Operator Licence
Failure to comply with your vehicle operator licence requirements in the UK can lead to serious consequences enforced by the Traffic Commissioners or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Non-compliance can result in:
Fines and Penalties: Financial penalties can be imposed for breaches.
Licence Suspensions or Revocations: Your operator licence could be suspended or even revoked.
Disqualification from Operating Vehicles: You could be disqualified from running a transport business.
Criminal Prosecution: In severe cases, you may face criminal charges, which could lead to a custodial sentence.
The Role of Traffic Commissioners
Traffic Commissioners are responsible for licensing and regulating operators of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), public service vehicles (PSVs), and local bus services. If non-compliance is identified, operators may be called to:
Public Inquiry
Preliminary Hearing
Driver Conduct Hearing (for vocational drivers)
Depending on the outcome, the Commissioner may impose sanctions such as curtailing, suspending, or revoking operator licences.
Additionally, drivers could face disqualification or loss of their professional driving entitlement.
How We Can Support Your Compliance
We provide support for all types of operator licences, covering everything from tachograph analysis and paperwork compliance to training. Our services include:
Monthly Compliance Reviews and Internal Audits
Monitoring Compliance with Drivers’ Hours, Working Time Directive, and Domestic Drivers’ Hours Regulations
Maintenance Checks – Scheduling, Documentation, and Record Keeping
Pre-Use Vehicle Inspections, Fault Rectification, and Recording Procedures
Driver Management, Including Regular Licence Checks
Incident Reporting and Documentation
Managing Vehicle Insurance, Tax, VOR, and SORN Procedures
Using the VOL System and Reviewing OCRS Reports
Conducting Gate Checks
Tyre Management and Safety
Operator Licence Updates and Expert Advice
We are here to help ensure your operations stay compliant and avoid the risks of enforcement actions.
How Long Does It Take to Complete the Application Process?
It can take up to 12 weeks to complete the whole process from start to finish, although we can apply for an interim licence which may allow your licence to be granted sooner. We would discuss this with you to see if this would be a worthwhile option based on your circumstances.
How Do We Support You Through the Application Process?
We have a team of consultants and one person will be assigned to complete the process with you. All the consultants are very experienced with operator licencing, and are all qualified transport managers and auditors.
We Assist With The Following:
- Fixed price and support from start to finish
- Advice on the licence type that your business requires
- Full assistance with the Operator Licence application
- Assistance and guidance on obtaining an interim licence
- Public notice assistance
- Advice on financial standing and what is required on-going
- Preparation of a maintenance agreement or assistance with your provider
- Assistance with the operating centre consent letter with your provider
- Advice with the TM1 form for your transport manager, if required
- Checking all relevant documentation to ensure the application goes through first time
- Regular updates with the DVSA’s throughout the application process
Why Choose Total Compliance?
Total Compliance is ISO 9001 Certified and registered with the DVSA to provide training, with all our trainers’ competencies continuously monitored. Our consultants are qualified CPC Transport Managers, possessing extensive experience in the transport sector, including both HGV and PSV/PCV operations.
Additional Services Offered by Total Compliance:
Consultancy and audit services for DVSA Earned Recognition
Continuous support for maintaining operator licence compliance
Comprehensive services, including tachograph analysis, driver licence checks, and electronic walkaround inspections
Driver CPC training, with specialised courses such as First Aid
I'm looking for someone to manage my operators licence. Can you help?
Yes! Not only can we help you apply for your DVSA operators licence, but we can also assist you with the ongoing management, ensuring that your stay compliant.
Do I need an operators licence?
If you are unsure whether you need one, get in contact and we can advise you on operator licence requirements and which one would be the most appropriate for you.
I'm looking for someone to manage my operators licence. Can you help?
Yes! Not only can we help you apply for your DVSA operators licence, but we can also assist you with the ongoing management, ensuring that your stay compliant.
I'm looking for someone to manage my operators licence. Can you help?
Yes! Not only can we help you apply for your DVSA operators licence, but we can also assist you with the ongoing management, ensuring that your stay compliant.