You must have an operator’s licence to operate vehicles over 3.5 tonnes in the UK for carrying goods. Applying for an operator’s licence can seem to be a complicated step to many, but it is necessary. In this guide, RWTCS experts will discuss how to apply for an operators licence in detail.
Before knowing how to apply for an operator’s licence, let us know about the operator’s licences.
What is an Operators Licence?
Vehicle owners and drivers require an operator’s licence to operate a vehicle that weighs over 3.5 tonnes in the UK. The operator’s licence is especially required if the vehicle is used to carry goods for business or trade purposes. It does not matter whether the vehicle is being used for carrying personal goods or for hire or reward.
The main reason for getting or applying for an operators licence is to ensure the safety of the goods vehicles. The operator’s licence also protects the environment surrounding operating centres. If you drive without a valid operator’s licence, the vehicle could be seized and scrapped after 21 days.
Operator’s Licence Types:
There are three types of operator’s licence: restricted, standard international, and standard national. Let us know the details of these transport operators licence types.
1. Standard International Licence:
A standard international licence permits vehicle users to carry goods both in and out of the UK. These goods can be carried for personal purposes or for hire or reward. To get a standard international licence, the user and transport manager must satisfy all the requirements and professional competence.
2. Standard National Licence:
A standard national licence permits vehicle users to carry personal goods and for hire or reward within the UK. This licence also enables users to carry only personal goods out of the UK. The user and transport manager must fulfil the requirements and professional competence to get a standard national licence.
3. Restricted Operators Licence:
A restricted operators licence only permits vehicle users to carry their personal goods within the UK and the EU. There is no need for the user or transport manager to satisfy requirements and professional competence.
Operator’s Licence Exceptions:
There are a few exceptions when it comes to vehicles using an operator’s licence. These are:
- Recovery vehicles are used to transport, lift or tow disabled vehicles.
- Vehicles that have the equipment, machines, or appliances attached to them permanently. For example, road sweeper or cherry picker.
- Vehicles that are used for clearing snow or in connection with distributing salt or grit.
How To Apply for an Operators Licence?
To apply for an operators licence, you will have to:
- Advertise your licence application
- Advertise the proposed operating centre(s) of your vehicle
- Hire a transport manager in case you are applying for a standard international/national licence
- Submit required information regarding your financial condition
- Sign up a vehicle maintenance contract with a nearby garage or agent to carry out safety inspections
- Pay the fee for applying for an operator’s licence
It is suggested to apply at least nine weeks before the user wishes to begin operating the vehicle. These nine weeks allows the Traffic Commissioner to make any enquiries they think is needed. If there is no problem with the application, then a licence will be issued within nine weeks.
Requirements for an Operators Licence:
The user and transport manager must satisfy a few requirements to qualify and apply for an operators licence. These are:
- The user has a good reputation and is fit to hold an operator’s licence.
- The user has enough money to operate the business.
- The user has the facilities of maintaining the vehicle operations.
- The user is capable of making sure that all their staff will abide by the rules and regulations.
There are three additional requirements that must be satisfied if you are applying for a standard licence:
- The applicant must have premises in Great Britain where the operator keeps the core documents of the business. No PO box or third party address cannot be used on a standard licence for correspondence.
- The applicant must hire a transport manager with a great reputation and professional competence.
- The licence holder must own at least one vehicle or have an official agreement with a vehicle hire company.
Requirements for an Operating Centre:
Businesses cannot park vehicles over 3.5 tonnes on public roads; thus, they need a safe place to park the vehicles. This place is the operating centre and must have enough space for all vehicles and trailers owned by the business.
The applicant provides a list of their proposed operating centres while applying for an operators licence. You have to prove that you are permitted to use the operating centre if you do not own it. Specific requirements must be fulfilled by an operating centre. Get to know the following issues while you learn how to apply for an operators licence first.
These are:
- The operating centre(s) is big enough
- The operating centre(s) has a safe and secure access
- The operating centre(s) is located in a safe and environmentally acceptable location
Operator’s Licence Cost:
You must pay a one-off application fee of £254.00 if you are applying for a new operators licence. The application fee is also applicable if you apply for a publishable change on an existing operator’s licence. You have to pay £68 in case you need a temporary or interim licence.
If the operator’s licence application is granted, the applicant must pay £449.00 as licensing fee, which covers five years. You have to pay £449.00 after every five years if you want to renew your operator’s licence. If you received a standard licence before 1st July 2012, you must apply for a new one before the current licence expires.
Note: All of these fees will not be refunded under any condition.
Vehicle Operator Licencing System:
You can use the Vehicle Operator Licencing (VOL) System once you have identified the required type of licence. The VOL system can be used to apply for an operator’s licence or make changes to your existing licence.
The Vehicle Operator Licencing System can be used to:
- Change details on the licensing application
- Add or remove transport managers or agents
- Export data of the operating vehicle
- Fill the licensing application online
- Receive help regarding the operator’s licence application
- Reduce the waiting time for receiving the licence
- Upload any additional information or documents online, if needed
RWTCS offers fixed-fee goods vehicle operator’s licence application. This fixed fee does not include any additional expense, such as an application fee or licensing fee. Professional competence is a vital requirement in applying for an operator’s licence.
RWTCS makes sure that your expertise directly complies with the operator’s licence you applied for. For a fixed fee, our highly experienced transport consultants will:
- Take complete responsibility for the application and necessary procedures of your operator’s licence.
- Ask and arrange for all the documents and information required to apply for an operators licence.
- Offer expert consultation on any changes or improvisions required on the application of the licence.
- Prepare an operator’s licence application for you by keeping the needs of your business in mind.
- Ensure liaison with the authorities on your behalf and save you from all the hassles encountered.
Our team at RWTCS can help you with a smooth, fast, and efficient service whenever you need an operators licence. If you are worried about any additional inspection or variation with your application, we are just a call away. Contact us, and we’ll let you know how to apply for an operators licence and get it without hassle.