Being a goods vehicle operator
Apply for a licence
The goods vehicle operator licensing scheme is administered by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) on behalf of the traffic commissioners.
The rules and fees are different if you’re in Northern Ireland.
How to apply for a licence
You can apply for a goods vehicle operator’s licence online.
You’ll also need to:
- advertise your application for a licence
- advertise your proposed operating centre(s)
- nominate a transport manager if you’re applying for a standard licence
- provide information about your financial situation
- draw up a maintenance contract with a garage or agent to do safety inspections and repair vehicles if you do not do this yourself
You’ll have to pay a fee to apply for a licence.
You’ll usually get a decision on your application within 7 weeks. It can take longer - for example, if you do not provide all the required documents when you apply online.
Apply for an interim licence
If you need a licence urgently, you can apply for an interim licence until you get your full licence.
The traffic commissioner will only consider issuing an interim licence on receipt of a complete application for an operator’s licence.
What the traffic commissioners do
There are 8 traffic areas in Great Britain with a traffic commissioner responsible for each area. You’ll need to hold a goods vehicle operator’s licence for each traffic area where you have an operating centre.
Traffic commissioners are responsible in their area for:
- licensing operators of goods vehicles
- granting vocational licences
- taking action against drivers of goods vehicles
When necessary, they also hold public inquiries to consider:
- the environmental suitability of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) operating centres
- applications for new licences
- disciplinary action against operators who have broken the conditions of their licences