Operator Licence for HGV or PSV
Applying For An Operator Licence in HGV or PSV for your Transport Business.
The Transport Consultant can help you to apply for your Operator licence to start your transport business in HGV (heavy Goods Vehicles) or PSV (Public Service Vehicles).
Operator Licences are required if you are going to run a HGV (heavy Good vehicles) for road haulage or PSV (Public service vehicles) as a business. These will include, lorries, coaches, buses and even limousines.
Whatever vehicles you want to run, get in touch with The Transport Consultant and let us be your one-stop shop from business coaching, to applying for your operator licence, to finding your Transport Manager, auditing and transport compliance. We can advice and support you throughout the process so you don’t get overwhelmed during the set up of your business ensuring growth and profitability from the start.
Applying For An Operator Licence in HGV or PSV for your Transport Business.
The Transport Consultant can help you to apply for your Operator licence to start your transport business. We will undertake your new operator licence application on your behalf. The Transport Consultant will ensure all documents and the application form is fully completed and in order before sending your application to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. Alongside your new application, The Transport Consultant can also help wit any major or minor variations to your current operator licence. This could include increasing the number of vehicles in your fleet or changing your operating centre. Whatever it may be, we can help you with applying for your Operator Licence.
The Transport Consultant is experienced in both the online application process as well as the traditional paper based application process. Whatever the method, we ensure your application is accurate, providing you support throughout the process. We will ensure you have all the supporting documents required, we will proofread your application, submit your application and manage the correspondence from the Office of the Traffic Commissioner.
You will be required to show evidence of your financial standing, ensuring that you have the required funds within your business to cover maintenance and any other costs that may aris whilst running your leet of vehicles. Your finances can be shown as an average balance in your bank account, savings or agreed overdraft facility.
Alongside financial standing, you must have the following:
Details of your operating centre, where vehicles will be kept when not in use including the number of vehicles kept at each site. The operator must confirm if the site if owned or rented and must supply a written letter to confirm permission t use the site and how many vehicles specified in the agreement.
As a Transport Manager for a road haulage or passenger transport company, you will have several important responsibilities.
- The inspection/report (drivers defect report forms) which is being intended to use
- A written contract where an agent or garage is responsible for safety inspections and maintenance.
- Operators must indicate the proposed maximum number of weeks between safety inspections.
Transport Manager must be appointed at the time of the application. One that is professionally qualified and all original certificates of qualifications must be provided. The operator and the Transport Manager must be of good repute.
Standard International Operator Licence
A Standard International Operator Licence allows you to carry your own goods, and other peoples goods in the UK and Internationally. If you are applying for a vehicle operators licence for the first time, you will get a UK Licence for the Community as part of your application for a Standard International Operator Licence. This permit allows trips between EU member countries, transit through them, and cabotage within single European states. To qualify and apply for a Standard National or International Operator Licence, the operators must be able to satisfy the a traffic commissioner that they:
- Pay the fee
- Advertise their application for a licence
- Advertise their proposed operating centre – where the vehicle will be kept when not in use
- Provide information about their financial standing
- Provide a maintenance contract with a garage or agent to carry out safety inspections, if they don’t do it themselves.
- An increase in the vehicle and/or trailer authority
- An additional or change in operating centre
- A change in the licence type
The decision for a Restricted Operator Licence can take up to 7 weeks if applied online and up to 9 weeks if made by post and you will need to provide the information and documents as requested in the application process. The applicant will need to adhere to a certain number of conditions as well as the following:
- Pay the fee
- Advertise their application for a licence
- Advertise their proposed operating centre – where the vehicle will be kept when not in use
- Provide information about their financial standing
- Provide a maintenance contract with a garage or agent to carry out safety inspections, if they don’t do it themselves.
Restricted Operator Licence
Applying for your Operators Licence
- Tell you what documents we need from you.
- Advice of any changes to make in your application to give you the best chance to have your application granted.
- Find a Transport Manager for you, based on location and your requirements.
- Find a suitable and acceptable operating centre.
- Prepare your application.
- Liaise with the Office of the Traffic Commissioner on your behalf and answer any questions.
GET YOUR HGV OR PSV OPERATOR LICENCE – SIMPLE, FAST, AND STRESS-FREE
What is an Operator’s Licence for HGV and PSV?
An Operator’s Licence is a legal requirement issued by the Traffic Commissioner and regulated by the DVSA. It certifies that your fleet, drivers, and operations meet stringent safety, financial, and professional standards necessary for commercial transport of goods or passengers.
Why You Need an Operator’s Licence for Your HGV or PSV Business
- Your business is financially sound.
- Vehicles comply with roadworthiness and maintenance standards.
- Drivers are fully trained and compliant with hours and tachograph rules.
- Your business operates professionally and legally.
Failing to hold or comply with an Operator Licence can result in fines, suspension, or loss of license. We make the application process straightforward and hassle-free.
Types of Operator Licences
Licence Type | Vehicles Covered | Key Notes |
Restricted Licence | 1–2 goods vehicles (up to 3.5 tonnes) | Limited fleet; only 1 named Transport Manager required |
Standard National Licence | Goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, or more than 2 vehicles | UK-only operations; requires financial standing, operating centre, qualified Transport Manager |
Standard International Licence | Any number of goods vehicles operating internationally | Includes national licence requirements plus international compliance |
PSV Licence | Buses/coaches for passenger transport | Regulated separately by the Traffic Commissioner |
Protect Your Operator Licence
Your licence is the foundation of your transport business. Losing it can mean losing everything. Protect it through expert compliance audits, vigilant transport management, and systems aligned with DVSA rules.
Common risks include:
- Poor vehicle maintenance or lacking roadworthiness evidence.
- Breaches of driver hours or tachograph regulations.
- Inadequate record-keeping or failed audits.
- Lack of qualified Transport Manager oversight.
Even minor failures risk warnings, fines, or licence revocation. Staying fully compliant prevents Desk-Based Assessments and protects your reputation.
Why Choose The Transport Consultancy?
With over 20 years’ experience, we offer fast, reliable service that reduces application delays and refusal risks—helping your business start strong and stay compliant.
How We Support Your Licence Application
Navigating Operator Licence applications can be complex. The Transport Consultancy simplifies the process, ensuring full compliance and audit readiness from day one.
Our services include:
- Application submission and advice to the Traffic Commissioner.
- Guidance on documentation, financial evidence, and advertising.
- Support appointing qualified Internal or External Transport Managers.
- Assistance sourcing Operating Centres if needed.
- Compliance system setup for maintenance, driver hours, and record-keeping.
- Ongoing consultancy to maintain licence compliance.