When applying for a goods vehicle operator licence in the UK, you must provide several documents. These show that you meet the legal requirements for financial standing, safety, and operational control. Missing or incorrect paperwork can delay or block your application.
1. Proof of Financial Standing
You must show that you have enough funds to run and maintain your vehicles. Submit:
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Recent bank statements (dated within the last 28 days)
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Business accounts (if available)
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Overdraft agreement (if using one)
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Letter from your accountant (if applicable)
The amount you need depends on the type of licence and number of vehicles. For 2025, a standard licence requires
Restricted licence rates are lower.
2. Maintenance Agreement
You must prove that your vehicles will be kept roadworthy. Provide:
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A signed contract or letter from a maintenance provider (if using a third party)
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Maintenance plan (if done in-house)
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Sample inspection sheet
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Evidence of safety inspection frequency (e.g., every 6 or 8 weeks)
3. Proof of Operating Centre Use
You need to show that you have a legal base where your vehicles will be parked and maintained. Provide:
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Lease or ownership documents
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Letter of permission from the landowner (if it’s not your property)
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Planning permission evidence (if needed)
You must also publish a notice in a local newspaper announcing your use of the site.
4. Transport Manager Documents (Standard Licence Only)
If applying for a Standard National or International licence, submit:
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Transport Manager’s CPC certificate
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TM1 form (details of the transport manager)
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Employment agreement or external contract
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Transport Manager’s schedule of responsibilities
If you don’t have a transport manager yet, you can request a Period of Grace and explain your plan.
5. Public Notice of Operating Centre
A copy of the newspaper advert must be included with the application. The advert must:
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Be in a local newspaper covering the area of your operating centre
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Follow the prescribed wording format
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Run for at least 7 days
6. Business Identity Documents
If you’re a limited company:
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Certificate of incorporation
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Companies House registration number
If you’re a sole trader:
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Your full name and business name
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National Insurance number
If part of a partnership:
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Partnership agreement or names of all partners
7. Completed Application Forms
Submitted via the Vehicle Operator Licensing (VOL) system, or as a paper application. Include:
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Application form GV79 (or GV79e if done online)
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TM1 form (if using a transport manager)
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All required supporting documents above
Need help gathering these documents or submitting your operator licence application?
📞 Contact Blue Flag Transport Consulting. They’ll check your documents and guide you through the process to avoid delays or refusals.
