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 clearly.
Blue Flag Transport Consulting supports new operators with advice and compliance checks, helping you get licensed with confidence.
Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Licence
There are three main types of operator licences:
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Standard National: For carrying goods for hire/reward in the UK only.
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Standard International: For carrying goods for hire/reward across the UK and Europe.
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Restricted: For carrying your own goods in your own vehicles, not for hire.
Choose based on your business model. Most haulage or logistics firms will need a Standard licence. A builder delivering materials to site may only need a Restricted licence.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Before you apply, make sure you meet basic requirements:
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Have a permanent operating centre for vehicle parking and maintenance.
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Prove financial standing (more on this below).
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Be of good repute with no major convictions.
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Demonstrate professional competence (Standard licence only).
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Provide access to a qualified transport manager (Standard only).
Blue Flag can check your readiness before you submit your application to avoid rejections or delays.
Step 3: Prepare Financial Standing Evidence
You’ll need recent bank statements or a letter from your accountant to prove this. The Traffic Commissioner will assess whether you can maintain your fleet without cutting corners.
Tip: Blue Flag helps you plan your financial standing and flag any weaknesses.
Step 4: Appoint a Transport Manager (If Required)
Standard licence holders must have a qualified transport manager.
This person must hold a valid CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence). They can be:
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An in-house employee
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An external consultant (if agreed by the Traffic Commissioner)
You’ll need to submit a TM1 form with their details and agreement. The manager must have enough hours to manage compliance properly.
Step 5: Secure an Operating Centre
You must have a suitable place to park and maintain your vehicles. It must:
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Be large enough for your fleet
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Have the proper planning permission
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Be under your control (owned or leased)
If the site is near houses or other businesses, you may need to prove that it won’t cause a nuisance. This includes noise, pollution, or blocked roads.
Blue Flag helps operators select compliant sites and avoid planning issues.
Step 6: Advertise in a Local Newspaper
You must advertise your licence application in a local paper covering your operating centre’s area. The ad must run for at least seven days and include:
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Your business name and address
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Operating centre address
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Number and type of vehicles
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A contact for objections
If no one objects in 21 days, your application will move forward.
Step 7: Submit Your Application to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner
Apply online using the Vehicle Operator Licensing system. You’ll need to upload:
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Financial standing proof
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Transport manager details (if applicable)
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Operating centre details
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Maintenance arrangements
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Advertisement confirmation
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Proof of good repute (if requested)
Blue Flag can complete the application for you or check it before submission.
Step 8: Prepare for a DVSA Visit
Once submitted, DVSA may inspect your site and systems. They will assess:
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Maintenance scheduling
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Driver checks and records
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Tachograph procedures
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Transport manager control
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Staff understanding of duties
Blue Flag offers pre-licence audits to get you ready.
Step 9: Wait for the Decision
If there are no objections or issues, your licence will be granted in 7–9 weeks. If there are delays or questions, it can take longer.
You’ll receive:
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A copy of your licence
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Your Vehicle Operator Licence disc(s)
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Your Operator Licence number
Keep copies at your operating centre. Display the discs in each authorised vehicle.
Step 10: Stay Compliant from Day One
Getting the licence is the start, not the end. You must:
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Maintain financial standing daily
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Keep maintenance logs and safety inspections
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Record driver hours and tachograph data
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File changes to your licence promptly
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Ensure drivers are trained and managed
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Update Blue Flag with any changes or issues
Failing to meet these responsibilities can result in licence curtailment, suspension or revocation.
Need help with your operator licence application?
Blue Flag Transport Consulting guides new operators from planning to approval. Their support covers licence applications, financial checks, transport manager advice and compliance audits.
Contact Blue Flag today to get your Operator Licence right the first time.
