FAQ's

What type of operator licence do I need?

Who needs a licence?

Goods vehicles: If you use a goods vehicle over 3.5 tonnes gross plated weight (or an unladen weight over 1,525kg) to transport goods for hire or reward, or in connection with a trade or business.
Public service vehicles (PSV): If you are carrying nine or more passengers for hire or reward, you need a PSV operator’s licence.
International transport: You will need a licence for international journeys if you carry goods for hire or reward using a vehicle over 2.5 tonnes.

Types of licences

Standard International: Allows you to carry goods for hire or reward in the UK and internationally.
Standard National: Allows you to carry goods for hire or reward only in the UK.
Restricted: Only allows you to carry your own goods within the UK and EU (e.g., a builder transporting their own tools).

Apply to the Traffic Commissioner: Applications are made to the Traffic Commissioner for your specific traffic area.
Submit required documents: This includes a completed application form and other relevant documents, such as details of your operating centre and financial standing.
Pay fees: There are fees for the application and for the issue of the licence itself.
Provide a newspaper advert: You may need to place an advert in a local newspaper to publicise your application.
Declare convictions: You will need to declare any relevant convictions or cautions.
Demonstrate suitability: The Traffic Commissioner will assess your fitness, financial resources, and professional competence.

What categories do my drivers need on their driver licence?

Driving categories are different classifications on a driving licence that permit you to drive specific types of vehicles. These categories are used to distinguish between different vehicle types, such as cars and vans, motorcycles, lorries, and buses, and may have specific weight, seat, or power restrictions. Examples include category B for cars and vans, A categories for different classes of motorcycles, and C and D categories for larger vehicles like lorries and buses.

Car and trailer categories

Category B: Allows you to drive a motor vehicle with up to 8 passenger seats and a maximum weight of 3,500kg, plus a trailer up to 750kg.
Category B1: For light four-wheeled vehicles, such as a quad bike.
Category BE: For driving a car with a trailer over 750kg.

Motorcycle categories

Category A1: Light motorcycles with an engine size up to 125cc and 11kW of power
Category A2: Motorcycles with a maximum power of 35kW.
Category A: Unrestricted motorcycles with a power output of more than 35kW.
Category AM: Mopeds and light quadricycles capable of at least 15mph and no more than 28mph.

Lorries, buses, and other vehicles

Category C1: Medium-sized vehicles weighing between 3,500kg and 7,500kg.
Category C: Lorries weighing over 3,500kg.
Category D1: Minibuses with no more than 16 passenger seats.
Category D: Buses with more than eight passenger seats.
Category C1E, CE, D1E, DE: These categories allow you to tow a trailer over 750kg with the corresponding vehicle type.
Category F: Agricultural tractors.
Category G: Road rollers.
Category H: Tracked vehicles.
Category K: Mowing machines or pedestrian-controlled vehicles.
Category L: Electrically-propelled vehicles.
Category M: Trolley vehicles.

What is a PMI?

In the UK, Preventative Maintenance Inspections (PMIs) are required for vehicles like HGVs and PSVs, typically every four to six weeks, depending on age and usage. Key requirements include keeping maintenance and defect records for at least 15 months, performing a brake test at every PMI, and having two signatures on the safety inspection report to prove the work was done satisfactorily.

Frequency of inspections

Usage and age: Frequencies can vary based on mileage, age, and type of use. High-mileage, older, or heavy-use vehicles require more frequent checks.

Key requirements

Brake tests: A brake test is mandatory during every PMI.
Record keeping: Safety inspection sheets, brake reports, and defect records must be kept for at least 15 months.
Sign-offs: Safety inspection reports must have two signatures. The first is for the inspector, and the second is from a competent person, like a transport manager, who declares the defects were fixed satisfactorily.
Daily checks: Drivers must complete a meaningful daily walkaround check to identify any potential issues before they become major problems.

What is checked during a PMI?

A PMI involves both internal and external checks.
Typical checks include oil and filter changes, suspension, brakes, seat belts, indicators, lights, and electrical systems.

Compliance and records

Digital systems: Digital fleet management systems are acceptable for scheduling and recording maintenance, provided they meet DVSA requirements.
Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS): The DVSA uses the OCRS to track an Operator’s roadworthiness performance.
Continuous control: Operators must be able to prove continuous and effective control over their maintenance systems.

What are the UK Tachograph Rules?

UK tachograph rules for HGV drivers include a maximum of 9 hours driving per day (extendable to 10 hours twice a week), with a 56-hour weekly driving limit and a 90-hour two-week limit. Drivers must take a mandatory 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving, which can be split into a 15-minute and a 30-minute break. Daily rest is a minimum of 11 hours, and weekly rest is a minimum of 45 hours, though both can be reduced under specific circumstances.

Driving and working hours

Daily driving: Maximum of 9 hours, can be extended to 10 hours up to twice a week.
Weekly driving: Maximum of 56 hours.
Two-weekly driving: Maximum of 90 hours over any two consecutive weeks.

Breaks

Mandatory break: A 45-minute break is required after 4.5 hours of driving.
Splitting breaks: The 45-minute break can be split into two parts: one of 15 minutes and one of 30 minutes.

Rest

Daily rest: A minimum of 11 hours of rest is required each day. This can be reduced to 9 hours up to three times between two weekly rest periods.
Weekly rest: A regular weekly rest period is at least 45 hours. This can be reduced to 24 hours every other week, but the lost time must be compensated for later.
Weekly rest start: The weekly rest must begin no later than 6 days after the end of the last weekly rest.

What are GB Domestic Rules?

GB domestic tachograph rules for drivers in the UK set limits on daily driving (maximum 10 hours), duty (maximum 16 hours), and daily rest (minimum 10 hours, reducible up to 3 times a week). Drivers need breaks after 5.5 hours of driving, either a 30-minute break or a total of 45 minutes in breaks within the first 8.5 hours of work. Rules for passenger vehicles include a 24-hour off-duty period every two weeks, but no specific weekly rest requirement.

Daily driving and duty limits

Maximum driving: 10 hours per day.
Maximum duty: 16 hours between the start and end of the working day.

Breaks and rest periods

Daily break: Take a break of at least 30 minutes after 5.5 hours of driving.
Alternative break: Within the first 8.5 hours of work, you must have breaks totalling at least 45 minutes. This 45 minutes does not have to be a single, continuous break.
Post-break: After the 8.5-hour period, you must take an additional 30-minute break unless you are beginning your rest period.
Daily rest: A minimum of 10 hours of rest is required between two working days, but this can be reduced to 8.5 hours up to three times per week.

Weekly rules

Weekly rest: While there is no specific weekly rest requirement for passenger vehicles, you must have at least one period of 24 hours off duty in any two consecutive weeks.
Week definition: A working week is from Monday to Sunday.