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Operator's Licence Compliance
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O'LICENCE Application

Apply for an operator licence

  • End-to-End Operator Licence Application
  • Help with finding the cheapest advert provider in your area
  • Expert guidance for licence applications
  • Support with finding a Transport Manager
Costs:
  • £295 - Restricted Licence
  • £395 - Standard Licence
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General Costs of Operator Licence - Payable to the DVSA
New Application Fee
£257.00
Licence Issue Fee
£401.00
Continuation of a licence after 5 years
£401.00
Interim Licence Fee
£68.00
Major Changes to Licence Fee
£257.00


Restricted Operator's Licence
It can be quite tough to balance the pressures of running a business and fulfilling the obligations of a Restricted Operator's Licence, although the buck stops with you, you are not alone.
Types of Operator’s Licences
Standard Licence UK

This allows the carriage of goods for hire or reward in Great Britain. Standard Licence requires that a qualified transport manager is on the licence as a named individual. Both the Operator and the transport manager officially work in tandem to ensure compliance within the organisation.

Restricted Licence

This allows the carriage of goods, but only on own account, within Great Britain and abroad. Restricted licences don’t require a mandatory Transport Manager, rather the operator takes full responsibility for compliance of the organisation. This however does not stop the operator to have a full or part-time transport manager, this person wouldn’t be designated on the licence and wouldn’t need to be fully CPC trained but they would be required to have a working knowledge of rules and regulations to ensure that they can competently oversee your operations.

Most Restricted Licences are held by businesses whose main business is not transport, rather they use HGV vehicles for their business, such as scaffolders, manufacturers who are moving their goods, farmers who move their crops or skip hire companies.

In our experience the owners of the ROL are at the most risk of falling foul of non-compliance with regard to the obligations of the licence, this is because the directors in most cases are knee-deep in running their core business and the obligations of an operator’s licence fall to the wayside.

We offer a comprehensive and bespoke set of solutions to restricted licensees, ensuring that whilst they carry on giving attention to their core business, we work alongside them guiding them to ensure they fulfil their obligations. From making an application for an Operator's Licence to putting in practice we are with you every step of the way.


Operator LIcence

Obligation of an Operator Licence 

  • Be fit to hold a licence. This means that you must not have any relevant convictions or activities that would make you unfit to hold a licence, such as driving offences or financial problems.

  • Have sufficient financial resources or to be of the appropriate financial standing. This means that you must have enough money to cover the costs of operating your vehicles, such as fuel, maintenance, and insurance.

  • Have satisfactory facilities and arrangements for maintaining vehicles in a fit and serviceable condition. This means that you must have a place to store your vehicles and that you must have a system in place for maintaining them in good condition.

  • Advertise your operating centres. You must display a notice at each of your operating centres stating that you are a licensed operator.

  • Meet environmental standards. You must comply with all relevant environmental regulations, such as those relating to emissions and noise pollution.

  • Agree to a number of undertakings and conditions. When you apply for an operator's licence, you will be required to agree to a number of undertakings and conditions. These undertakings and conditions will set out the standards that you must meet in order to keep your licence.

The obligations and undertakings of the holder of a Vehicle Operator Standard Licence may vary depending on the specific regulations of the region or country where the license is issued. However, in general, the obligations of the holder of a Vehicle Operator Standard Licence include:

  1. Compliance with all relevant laws and regulations related to the operation of vehicles, including traffic laws and regulations, safety regulations, and environmental regulations.

  2. Ensuring that all vehicles under their control are properly maintained, inspected, and serviced to meet safety and performance standards.

  3. Keeping accurate records of all vehicle inspections, maintenance, and repairs, and making those records available for inspection upon request.

  4. Ensuring that all drivers operating vehicles under their control are properly trained, licensed, and authorized to drive those vehicles.

  5. Complying with all relevant employment laws and regulations, including those related to driver training, hours of service, and working conditions.

  6. Implementing policies and procedures to manage risk, including procedures for responding to accidents and incidents.

  7. Ensuring that all vehicles under their control are properly insured and that insurance coverage meets legal requirements.

  8. Reporting accidents and incidents to the appropriate authorities as required by law.

  9. Cooperating with regulatory authorities and providing information as requested during inspections or investigations.

It is important for holders of a Vehicle Operator Standard Licence to be aware of their obligations and to ensure that they are meeting all requirements to operate vehicles safely and legally.
Operator Licence Obligations

Step-by-Step Guide for HGV Operator Licence Holders: Ensuring Compliance with DVSA Regulations

Compliance with DVSA regulations is a vital aspect of operating HGVs. Upholding compliance not only ensures the safety of your fleet and drivers but also helps build a reputable and trustworthy business. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with step-by-step guidelines to ensure practical compliance with your operator obligations. By following these guidelines, you can navigate the regulatory landscape confidently, avoiding costly penalties. Additionally, leverage the services of our expert transport compliance consultants at the FTC for tailored solutions to meet your compliance needs.

Step 1: Understand and Fulfill Your Operator Obligations

To achieve compliance, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with your operator obligations as outlined by the DVSA. These obligations include maintaining accurate records, conducting regular vehicle inspections, managing drivers' hours and rest periods, and implementing robust maintenance and safety practices.

Step 2: Establish an Effective Compliance System

Implementing a robust compliance system within your organization is key to ensuring compliance. Develop clear policies, procedures, and processes aligned with DVSA regulations. Create an internal compliance manual outlining responsibilities for fleet managers, drivers, and maintenance personnel.

Step 3: Regularly Review and Update Policies

Stay informed about changes in transport regulations to keep your policies up to date. Subscribe to industry newsletters, participate in relevant training programs, and review DVSA guidelines regularly. Proactively adapting to regulatory changes helps you avoid non-compliance.

Step 4: Implement Effective Driver Management Practices

Compliance hinges on effective driver management. Ensure your drivers have valid licenses, receive proper training, and are regularly monitored. Maintain accurate records of their working hours, rest periods, and any incidents or infringements. Establish a robust system for reporting and addressing driver-related issues promptly.

Step 5: Maintain a Comprehensive Vehicle Maintenance Schedule

Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial for safety and compliance. Develop a comprehensive maintenance schedule encompassing routine inspections, repairs, and servicing. Keep detailed records of all maintenance activities, including dates, work descriptions, and responsible individuals. Conduct thorough daily vehicle checks to promptly identify and rectify any issues.

Step 6: Maintain Accurate and Up-to-Date Records

Accurate record-keeping is essential to demonstrate compliance with operator obligations. Maintain detailed records of driver hours, vehicle maintenance, inspections, incidents, and infringements. Streamline record-keeping processes using digital tools or specialized compliance software, minimizing errors and ensuring easy access to information.

Step 7: Conduct Regular Internal Audits

Internal audits play a pivotal role in assessing compliance status. Conduct periodic audits to review policies, procedures, and records. Identify areas of non-compliance or potential weaknesses, taking prompt corrective actions. Audits help address issues before they escalate and demonstrate your commitment to compliance.

Conclusion:

Ensuring compliance with DVSA regulations is an ongoing responsibility for HGV operator licence holders. By following this step-by-step guide, you can establish robust compliance systems, maintain accurate records, and prioritize safety in your operations. Compliance is not only a legal requirement but also vital for building trust and sustaining a successful business. For specialized assistance and tailored solutions to enhance your compliance practices, leverage the services offered by our expert transport compliance consultants at www.theftc.co.uk. Their expertise and experience will guide you in navigating the complex regulatory landscape while ensuring compliance at every step.

Advert In Local Newspaper (GV79 Form)

One of the requirements for a new operator license or a significant change to an existing license is the requirement to advertise the proposal in a local newspaper. From our experience, the law in this area is well outdated and newspaper companies are taking advantage by charging extortionate amounts for a small advert in their newspaper. It is commonly between £250 to £2000 in certain circulations. (Daylight Robbery)
Although we can't make the newspaper companies any cheaper, we continue to raise this issue with the authorities and can advise operators with the best-priced newspaper circulation in their areas.

Please download the advert template below or copy and paste the text below, make ammendments accordingly, if comapny name is different from trading anme mention both in the advert.
 
 Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence
Company Name of Address is applying for a licence to use Address as an operating centre for X goods vehicles and X trailers. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.
Download Advert Template 

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