Operator Licencing

Question 1

Gibbs and his son, Brian, are planning to start their own transport business, Thomas
having
been in the industry for over 30 years. Brian has just obtained a Certificate of Professional
Competence in order that they can obtain a Standard Operator’s Licence. Brian is explaining
to his
father the key criteria that the new business must meet in order to obtain and keep the licence.
Identify FIVE of these criteria and, for each, give a brief explanation.

Answer 1

1 Financial standing – the applicant will need to show that they have funds available to maintain the authorised
vehicles/trailers and run the business
2 Good repute – the applicant and any person on whom the licence depends must be of good repute. They will
declare any convictions they have had in the past 5 years
3 Suitable operating centre(s) – the operating centre(s) must have sufficient off street parking for the authorised fleet
4 Evidence professional competence – the transport manager nominated on the licence must be able to evidence
professional competence. Original certificates of qualification must be forwarded to the Traffic Commissioner
5 Suitable maintenance arrangements – the Traffic Commissioner will require sight of maintenance contracts if
safety inspections and or maintenance is to be carried out by external maintenance providers. Details of staff and
facilities for maintaining vehicles if elect to carry out these obligations in-house
6 Access to a vehicle – this means that the applicant must either own a vehicle to be used under the licence or have
a formal contract in place to hire one when needed
7 Properly established in GB – the applicant will have premises in GB in which they keep their core business documents
8 Systems in place to show a Traffic Commissioner that the applicant has adequate systems and procedures in place
to ensure legal compliance with regard to drivers’ hours etc

Question 2

You have recently been appointed as the Transport Manager for a small agricultural merchant
based in mid-Wales. You are replacing the previous holder of the position, who left the business
several months ago due to the loss of his ‘good repute’.
List and briefly explain SIX situations that may contribute to loss of repute.

Answer 2

1 Vehicles – a conviction for using an unroadworthy vehicle
2 Speeding – offences relating to goods vehicles exceeding speed limits
3 Overloading – a conviction of using a vehicle in an overloaded state
4 Drivers’ hours – conviction for offences committed under the drivers’ hours rules
5 Environmental protection – a conviction under the Environmental Protection Act
6 Prison sentence – if a period of imprisonment in excess of 3 months was imposed
7 Community service – a community service order in excess of 60 hours
8 A fine exceeding Level 4 on the penalty scale
9 Weights and dimensions – a contravention of the weights and dimensions regulations
10 Offence committed outside of GB are also notifiable to the Traffic Commissioner

Question 3

3.You are applying for a Standard National Licence for your limited company. Identify 6 of the
documents that would accompany the application and explain their purpose when considered by
the Traffic Commissioner.

Answer 3

1 Full page of newspaper showing the advertisement – evidences that advertisement was placed in local
newspaper to proposed operating centre, that the correct wording was used and the date is shown to support the
application
2 Evidence of financial standing – evidences that the applicant has sufficient funds to maintain the fleet and run
the business
3 Maintenance contract – to satisfy the Traffic Commissioner that there are arrangements in place to ensure
vehicles will be maintained and inspected to meet the criteria required
4 Copies of safety inspection forms – shows the Traffic Commissioner the items that will be checked by the
maintenance provision when undertaking safety inspections
5 Certificate of Incorporation – where the applicant is a limited liability company this document will confirm the
status of the organisation
6 Landlord’s letter of authority – this shows that the applicant has the right to park goods vehicles at a leased
operating centre
7 Evidence of professional competence – the original documents are sent to the Traffic Commissioner to show that
the requirements for professional competence have been met
8 TM1 form – completed by the nominated transport manager to acknowledge duties and responsibilities

Question 4

.As an operator you wish to change your operator licence from a Restricted to a Standard
International licence. Explain the procedures that need to be followed including any forms used to
allow the application to be processed.

Answer 4

1.Complete the GV80A and submit to the Central Licensing Unit at least 9 weeks before the Standard International
Licence is required
2. Employ a professionally competent person qualified to an international level
3. Provide evidence of financial standing for a standard international licence (€9,000 for first vehicle and €5,000 for each subsequent vehicle

Question 5

When applying to the Traffic Commissioner for an international operator’s licence, an applicant
must prove they have adequate financial resources for the number of vehicles authorised. State the
figures (in Euros) required:

Answer 5

First vehicle £9000 Every additional vehicle £5000

Question 6

6. What level of financial resources must an international road haulier have available to run a fleet of6 vehicles on a standard international operator’s licence? (State the figures required in euros)

Answer 6

34000

Question 7

Which authority issues Community Licences?

Answer 7

The Traffic Area Office in which the Standard International Licence is held

Question 8

If an operator operates 10 vehicles and has a margin of 15 vehicles how many Community Licences
are required including certified copies?

Answer 8

certified copies issued for the authorised vehicles plus the original for the transport office

Question 9

A Community Licence is normally valid for what period?

Answer 9

Valid for a period of 5 years

Question 10

An own account operator carrying his own goods from the UK to France is asked to bring back a
load for another company on a hire and reward basis. What type of operator’s licence must be held
in order to carry out this work?

Answer 10

A Standard International Licence is required

Question 11

An operator’s licence is required when goods vehicles exceed a weight threshold of how many
tonnes?

Answer 11

3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight

Question 12

The maximum time for transferring an authorised vehicle from an operating centre in one traffic
area to an operating centre in another traffic area without relicensing it is?

Answer 12

A vehicle transferred between traffic areas for up to 3 months

Question 13

Where must a certified copy of the Community Licence be kept during an international journey?

Answer 13

The certified copy will be carried on board the vehicle that is undertaking the international journey

Question 14

State 3 possible actions a Traffic Commissioner can take against an operator’s licence if the
operator fails to fulfil the criteria laid down at the time the licence was issued?

Answer 14

Licence can be suspended, curtailed or revoked by the Traffic Commissioner

Question 15

What type of operator’s licence is required for an own account operator when transporting goods to countries within the EU?

Answer 15

A restricted operator’s licence would be the minimum requirement

Question 16

If an operator wishes to change from a restricted to a standard international operator’s licence
what actions must he/she take?

Answer 16

1 Complete form GV80A and submit for the attention of the Traffic Commissioner
2 Employ a professionally competent person who holds an International CPC or equivalent
3 Provide evidence of sufficient funds to meet the criteria for the granting of a Standard International Licence
4 Applicant also proves that applicant, directors and nominated transport manager(s) are of good repute

Question 17

Briefly explain the purpose of a Community Licence

Answer 17

The Community Licence removes the need for permits to operate goods vehicles for hire and reward in EU member
Countries

Question 18

State 3 requirements that apply to the use of Community Licences

Answer 18

The Community Licence is valid for 5 years
2 Certified copy must be carried on vehicles engaged on international journeys
3 Used for hire and reward operations
4 Original community licence document is kept in the transport office of the operator

Question 19

What is the role of the traffic commissioner

Answer 19

The Secretary of State for Transport appoints one
Senior Traffic Commissioner
. This individual has a duty
to provide information to the other Traffic Commissioners, on the interpretation of the law. This
General
Direction
and
Guidance
is brought together in 14 ‘Statutory Documents’ many of which provide a rich source
of information relevant to goods vehicle Operator Licence compliance. The statutory documents relevant to
the carriage of goods are:
1
Good repute and fitness.
2
Finance.
3
Transport managers.
4
Operating centres, stable establishments and addresses for service.
5
Legal entities (including Insolvency and Regulation 31 and Section 57 applications).
6
Vocational driver conduct.
7
Impounding.
8
Delegation of authority (in terms of staff and multiple licence holders).
9
Case management.
10
Principles of decision making and the concept of proportionality.
11
Format of decisions (including publication, written reasons and decisions).
12
Appeals.

Question 20

When would operator licencing come into effect ?

Answer 20

Vehicle and trailer operations where the combined gross weight of the towing vehicle and the trailer (Gross
Train Weight – GTW, or Gross Combination Weight – GCW) exceeds 3.5 tonnes, will also come into scope of
the regulations.

Question 21

What criteria do applicants have to meet for a restricted operators licence ?

Answer 21

Applicants for Restricted Operator Licences are required to meet the following criteria:
•
Fitness to hold a licence.
•
Appropriate financial standing.
•
Adequate maintenance facilities or arrangements.
•
Suitable operating centre or centres.
•
Capability to ensure compliance with the relevant rules.

Question 22

What is the appropriate financial standing for a restricted licence ?

Answer 22

The financial standing requirement is intended to ensure that an operator has adequate working capital. For 
Restricted Operator Licences
, this is specified under domestic legislation as 
£3,100
 for the first vehicle 
and 
£1,700
 for each subsequent vehicle. 
Unlike
 the financial standing requirement for Standard Operator 
Licences, these amounts are 
not
 subject to annual review.

Question 23

What is the criteria for a standard national licence ?

Answer 23

Applicants for Standard licences are required to meet the following criteria:
• 
Effective and stable establishment.
• 
Access to vehicles.
• 
Good repute.
• 
Appropriate financial standing.
• 
Professional competence.
• 
Adequate maintenance facilities or arrangements.
• 
Suitable operating centre or centres.
• 
Capability to ensure compliance with the relevant rules.

Question 24

What is classed as a road transport offence ?

Answer 24

A road transport offence is defined as an offence relating to:
•
Drivers’ hours of work or rest periods.
•
The weights or dimensions of commercial vehicles.
•
Road or vehicle safety.
•
The protection of the environment.
•
Any other offence concerning professional liability.
•
Any offence outside the UK corresponding to the above.

Question 25

What are the most serious infringements ?

Answer 25

‘Most Serious Infringements’ are:
•
Exceeding the maximum 6-day or fortnightly driving time limits by margins of 25% or more.
•
Exceeding, during a daily working period, the maximum daily driving time limit by a margin of 50% or
more without taking a break or without an uninterrupted rest period of at least 4.5 hours.
•
Not having a tachograph and/or speed limiter, or using a fraudulent device able to modify the records
of the recording equipment and/or the speed limiter or falsifying record sheets or data downloaded
from the tachograph and/or the driver card.
•
Driving without a valid roadworthiness certificate (where required by law).
•
Driving with a severe defect in the braking system, steering linkages, wheels, tyres, suspension
or chassis.
•
Transporting dangerous goods other than in accordance with regulations.
•
Carrying goods without holding a valid driving licence or carrying by an undertaking not holding a
valid Community licence.
•
Driving with a forged or otherwise falsified driver card, or someone else’s card.
•
Overloading by 20% or more for vehicles with a MAM over 12 tonnes, and by 25% or more for vehicles
with a MAM not exceeding 12 tonnes.

Question 26

What is the current financial standing levels for a standard licence ?

Answer 26

8000 - first vehicle
4450 every other vehicle
EU 9000 FIRST VEHICLE
every other vehicle 5000

Question 27

What is evidence of financial standing

Answer 27

Evidence of Financial Standing
For operators,
EU law
specifies the following methods of demonstrating compliance:

•
A statement of assets and liabilities certified by a suitably qualified individual (eg, an accountant).
•
A financial guarantee (eg bank or building society guarantee).
The United Kingdom has chosen to take advantage of a derogation allowing Traffic Commissioners to look at
other evidence such as overdraft facilities, credit facilities and ‘invoice finance’ agreements (factoring).

Question 28

What will the traffic commissioner consider when looking at the operating centre

Answer 28

•
The effect that its use would have on the local environment.
•
Information relating to planning permission for the land, or any other land in the vicinity.
•
The number, type and size of operator licensed vehicles and trailers.
•
Parking arrangements for operator licences vehicles.
•
The nature and the times of proposed use.
•
The nature and the times of the use of any relevant equipment at the site.
•
The means and frequency of vehicular access and exit.

Question 29

How do you take over an established operating centre ?

Answer 29

Under Schedule 4 of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, where an operator wishes to take
over an operating centre currently authorised on another operator’s licence, they may not need to place a
newspaper advertisement, if:
•
The other operator is giving up their use of that operating centre.
•
The operating centre is not shared with any other operator.
•
The incoming operator is prepared to use the operating centre under the terms and conditions
currently imposed on the outgoing operator. (eg number of vehicles to be kept there, or times of use).
Approval of Schedule 4 will be at the discretion of a Traffic Commissioner. For example, where an address
has a history of objections and representations, a Traffic Commissioner may not agree to a Schedule
4 transfer.

Question 30

What systems must be demonstrated to ensure operator licencing are obeyed

Answer 30

• 
Driver licensing/Driver CPC.
• 
VED (road tax) and Vehicle Insurance.
• 
Drivers’ hours and Working Time rules.
• 
Speed limits.
• 
Authorised weights.
• 
Maintenance.
• 
Operating Centres.
• 
Notifiable changes.
They declare that they are aware of their responsibility in maintaining systems that can demonstrate 
compliance. Further information on compliance systems is provided later in this section

Question 31

How many weeks before should you apply for an INTERIM licence

Answer 31

Applicants who wish to start operating within nine weeks should request an interim licence to be considered
as part of their application. For those applying on the paper based system, a separate form (INT1) needs to be
completed and enclosed with the licence application.

Question 32

What is the main information you need to provide to the traffic commissioner when applying for an operators licence ?

Answer 32

Applicants must provide contact details including correspondence address, telephone number and
email address.
•
Businesses must identify their main trade or business and state whether they are sole traders,
partnerships, limited liability partnerships or limited companies.
•
Whether the application is for a Restricted, Standard National or Standard International
Operator Licence.
•
For Standard Licences, details of the ‘professionally competent’ person (nominated Transport
Manager). The individual will also need to complete an application form to be added to the operating
licence (TM1).
•
The number of vehicles and trailers that the operator wishes to have authorised on the operator
licence. This is the maximum number that the operator wishes to use including any margin for
expansion. Also, if known at the time of application, the Gross Plated Weights and VRN.
•
Details of the operating centres that the operator wishes to use, including the maximum number
of vehicles and trailers that the operator wishes to keep there, including any margin for expansion.
If the operator does not own the property, then written permission from the landowner must also
be provided.
•
The frequency at which safety inspections will be carried out, together with a copy of the contract if
the work is carried out by a third party.
•
Sufficient financial evidence to show that you meet the current levels for the type of licence and
number of vehicles you are applying to operate. See the ‘Evidence of financial standing’ above, for
further information.

Question 33

What is the process for objections when conveyed to the traffic commissioner

Answer 33

Objections or representations must be conveyed to the Traffic Commissioner in writing and be signed either
by the individual or body making the objection or representation, or by a solicitor acting on their behalf. A
copy of the objection or representation must be sent to the applicant at the same time.

Objections
against an operator licence application must be received by the Traffic Commissioner no
later than 21 days of it appearing in
Applications and Decisions
.
•
Representations
relating to the environmental suitability of operating centres must be received by
the Traffic Commissioner within 21 days of the public notice appearing in a
local newspaper
.

Question 34

What decisions can the traffic commissioner make when looking through an O licence application ?

Answer 34

Application granted unconditionally.
• 
Grant the application in part (ie a reduced number of vehicles) or impose safety or 
environmental conditions.
• 
Refuse the application.

Question 35

What happens if the vehicle disk is lost or damaged or stolen ?

Answer 35

If a vehicle disc is lost or stolen, the operator must inform the Traffic Commissioner immediately. This can be
accomplished through the VOL system or by giving notice in writing. A replacement disc will be issued free of
charge.
If a disc becomes damaged or unreadable, it should be returned to the CLO, (with registration number details
if unreadable). Again, a replacement disc will be issued free of charge.

Question 36

What is a community licence

Answer 36

he EU Community Licence is a single permit that covers trips between all EU countries. It also allows transit traffic through EU countries to and from non-EU countries

Question 37

How long does the operator licence last.

Answer 37

Once granted an operator licence will continue in force until surrendered by the operator, or revoked by the
Traffic Commissioner.
Every five years DVSA aim to contact operators prior to continuation of their licence to confirm a summary of
information held on their record and to request the continuation fee.
The onus is on the operator to ensure their licence is continued before the expiry date as indicated on their
licence document and vehicle discs. If an operator fails to pay the fees on time their operator licence will
automatically terminate. Should this occur, operators must stop operating and apply for a new licence.

Question 38

When is there an operating centre review ?

Answer 38

The Traffic Commissioner may conduct a review of an operating centre every five years (this would
normally be at the time the licence requires continuation). The review is not automatic and is at the Traffic
Commissioner’s discretion.
As part of the review process, The CLO will contact any person who has made a complaint against an
operating centre during the preceding five years. Complainants are then asked if they wish to pursue their
concerns.
Operators will be given two months’ notice if a review is to be held. At the hearing, the Traffic Commissioner
will consider:
•
Whether the operating centre continues to be suitable for its purpose.
•
Whether it could be made suitable by attaching conditions to its use (either environmental or
road safety).
•
Whether it should be removed.

Question 39

How much period of grace does the traffic commissioner allow for financial standing ?

Answer 39

If an operator can’t meet the rates for ‘appropriate financial standing’, they can ask the Traffic Commissioner
to give them some time to address the situation. TCs may grant an operator up to 6 months to show that
they can meet the financial standing levels on a permanent basis.
if a period of grace is required, the operator should write to the Traffic Commissioner for their area. They will
need to provide evidence that the business is financially stable enough for the grace period to be worthwhile
and that access to sufficient funds will be achieved by the time it ends.

Question 40

When must you notify the traffic commissioner of changes in circumstances ?

Answer 40

Operators must notify the Traffic Commissioner in writing, within 28 days of any of the following changes:
•
Any change in the legal entity of the business (eg sole trader to partnership or limited company), or
change of partners within a partnership firm.
•
If the registered company number of a limited company changes.
•
If any of the people named on the licence (including the transport manager) leaves the business, dies
or becomes mentally incapable of discharging their responsibilities. Any relevant convictions or any accepted fixed penalties of the operator, a transport manager named
on the operator licence, officers, employees or agents.
•
Any change in the address for correspondence that you gave on your original application. Any change
in the address of your operating centre(s).
•
Any other changes that a traffic commissioner may have required the operator to report as a
condition of granting their licence.

Question 41

What are the rules when transferring operator licences

Answer 41

Operator licences are not transferable. Therefore, it is against the law to operate as a new or different entity
without informing a traffic commissioner.
For example, if an operator obtained a licence as a sole trader and at a subsequent date the operation
became a partnership, the operator licence for the sole trader would need to be surrendered and application
for a new licence in the name of the partnership would need to be made.

Question 42

How do you make changes to an operators licence ?

Answer 42

As with applications, most variations to an operator licence can be made using the VOL system.

Question 43

What are the non chargable changes (Minor changes to an operators licence

Answer 43

Specifying vehicles on an operating licence
•
Removing specified vehicles from an operator licence.

Question 44

How do you specify or remove vehicles from the operators licence ?

Answer 44

It is important to note that an operator may operate a new vehicle under their licence for up to one month
before needing to specify its registration number on their licence. Where the operator’s margin (the
difference between the number of vehicles specified on the licence and the number of vehicles authorised
on the licence) allows, operators could hire in vehicles to cover unexpected peaks in business or temporarily
replace vehicles that were out of service.
It is also worth noting that an un-specified vehicle used by an operator with a satisfactory
Operator
Compliance Risk Score
(OCRS) may be more likely to be stopped at a DVSA roadside check, as the
registration number would not appear against the operator licence details.

Question 45

How do you add vehicles via VOL or GV80 ?

Answer 45

Operators registered with the VOL system may add vehicles simply and quickly online.
Operators who still use the paper based system will need to send a completed GV80 form, listing the
registration numbers of the vehicles to be added.
Discs for vehicles added in either way will then be forwarded to the operator.

Question 46

How do you Remove a vehicle (VOL system or via form GV80)

Answer 46

Operators who wish to remove a vehicle specified on their licence may use the online VOL system or
complete form GV80. In both cases, DVSA specify that action must be taken immediately the operation of
the vehicle ceases.
Discs for vehicles removed from the operator licence should either be returned to the CLO or destroyed

Question 47

How do you change your operator licence type ?

Answer 47

Operators can change the licence they hold from:
•
Restricted to standard (national or international) or vice versa.
•
Standard national to standard international, or vice versa.
Applications may be made through the VOL system or by completing form GV80A. Regardless of method
used, the application should be made at least 9 weeks before the changes are planned to take place.
Where appropriate, relevant proof of professional competence, good repute and financial standing will need
to be provided.
The Traffic Commissioner will publish applications to vary licences in Applications and Decisions. This will
enable the statutory objectors to contact the Traffic Commissioner and give their reservations.
If the changes are granted, operator licence documents and vehicle discs will need to be returned
for amendment.
The change in licence type does not take effect until the application has been granted and the varied licence
issued,
unless an interim direction has been granted.

Question 48

If a variation to your licence is rejected what do you do ?

Answer 48

If an operator’s application to vary their licence is refused, they have the same right of appeal to the
Administrative Appeals Chamber of the Upper Tribunal as an applicant for a new operator licence.

Question 49

What major changes to a licence are chargeable ?

Answer 49

If an operator wishes to:
•
Increase their vehicle authorisation.

Add a completely new operating centre to their operator licence.
•
Remove an existing operating centre from an operator licence.
•
Make changes to the way they use an operating centre that is specified on their licence.
They will need to apply for a ‘chargeable’ variation to their operator licence, either through the VOL system
or by completing form GV81 and sending it with the relevant application fee to the CLO. Again, this activity
should take place at least 9 weeks before the changes need to take effect.
Neither additional vehicles nor additional operating centres can be used until the application has been
granted and the varied licence issued, unless an interim direction has been granted.
The Traffic Commissioner will publish details of the operator’s variation application in Applications and
Decisions.
Because this variation may affect people living near an operating centre, the operator must also advertise
their application in a newspaper circulating near any operating centre affected by the application. If a new operating centre is in a different traffic area, the operator will need to apply for a new
licence in that area.

Question 50

How do you apply for interim authority for operations ?

Answer 50

Regardless of whether the application is a non-chargeable variation to the type of licence, or a chargeable
variation, there is still a requirement to make the application at least 9-weeks before the changes are
planned to come into force.
If an operator wishes to use their new licence type, new authority for vehicles, use or make changes to the
use of an operating centre within the nine weeks, they should request an interim authority (known as a
direction) as part of their application. This can also be accomplished via the VOL system or by completing
form INT1.
The Traffic Commissioner may grant an interim direction the operator to operate in accordance with their
new application whilst the variation is being considered. All interim directions are chargeable and interim
documents will be only be issued on payment of the interim direction fee.
There is no statutory time limit or expiry date for an interim direction. It will expire either when the variation
is granted or if the application is withdrawn or refused. As with an interim licence, being issued with an
interim direction does not guarantee that the operator will be granted the new licence type.

Question 51

What is the role of a transport manager ?

Answer 51

Although Traffic Commissioners understand that many transport management duties may be delivered by a
team of people, they will judge the effectiveness of the transport manager – who is ultimately responsible for
the continuous and effective management of the transport undertaking, by their effectiveness in managing
the discharge of those duties. The Senior Traffic Commissioner has therefore identified the following non-
exhaustive list of the types of activity which might be expected of a transport manager:
•
To manage, audit and review compliance systems to ensure that they are effective.
•
To review any shortcomings such as prohibitions and/or annual test failures.
•
To ensure that relevant changes are notified in accordance with operator licence requirements.
•
To keep up to date on relevant changes in standards and legislation.
Drivers – administration
•
To ensure that drivers hold the appropriate licence for the vehicle they are driving (including non-GB
vocational drivers from EU member states who are required to register their driving licences with
DVLA within 12 months of being resident).
•
To ensure that regular checks are carried out on the drivers’ licences.
•
To ensure that vocational drivers hold a valid driver CPC qualification (DQC).
•
To ensure that all drivers hours’ records are kept for a period of no less than 12 months and are made
available upon request.
•
To ensure that all working time records are kept for a period of no less than 24 months and are made
available upon request.
Drivers – management
•
To ensure compliance with the driving hours rules (EU or Domestic Hours rules).
•
To ensure that drivers are recording their duty, driving time and rest breaks on the appropriate
equipment or in driver’s hours books and their records are being handed back for inspection
as required.
•
Where appropriate, to download and store data from the vehicle digital tachograph unit (at least every
90 days) and from the drivers’ tachograph smart cards (at least every 28 days).
•
To ensure that drivers’ hours records are retained and are available to be produced during the
relevant period.
•
To ensure that records are retained for the purposes of the Working Time Directive (WTD) and that
they are available to be produced during the relevant period.
•
To ensure that drivers are adequately trained and competent to operate all relevant vehicles
and equipment.
•
To contribute to relevant training and subsequent disciplinary processes as required.
Drivers – operations
•
To ensure that drivers are completing and returning their driver defect reporting sheets and that
defects are recorded correctly.
•
To ensure that all drivers and mobile workers take adequate breaks and periods of daily and weekly
rest (as per the relevant regulations which apply).
Vehicles – administration
•
To ensure that vehicle maintenance records are retained for a period of no less than 15 months and
are made available upon request.
•
To ensure that vehicles are specified as required and that operator licence discs are current and
displayed correctly.
•
To ensure that vehicle payloads notifications are correct, height indicators are fitted and correct, and
tachograph calibrations are up to date and displayed.
•
To ensure that there are up to date certificates of insurance indemnifying company cars, commercial
vehicles and plant.
•
To ensure a suitable maintenance planner is completed and displayed appropriately, setting
preventative maintenance inspection dates at least 6 months in advance and to include the Annual
Test and other testing or calibration dates.
Vehicles – management
•
To ensure that vehicles and trailers are kept in a fit and roadworthy condition.
•
To ensure that reported defects are either recorded in writing or in a format which is readily accessible
and repaired promptly.

To ensure that vehicles and trailers that are not roadworthy are taken out of service.
•
To ensure that vehicles and towed equipment are made available for safety inspections, service, repair
and statutory testing.
•
To ensure that safety inspections and other statutory testing are carried out within the notified
O-licence maintenance intervals (ISO weeks).
•
To liaise with maintenance contractors, manufacturers, hire companies and dealers, as might
be appropriate and to make certain vehicles and trailers are serviced in accordance with
manufacturer recommendations

Question 52

What is the GV79 form ?

Answer 52

Agreement between the operator and a garage or agent for safety inspections and / or repair
of vehicles and trailers subject to operator licensing

Question 53

What vehicles are exempt from operator licencing ?

Answer 53

Vehicles being used lawfully under a ‘trade licence’ (trade plates).• Recovery vehicles used to transport vehicles that are disabled.

Question 54

What colour are restricted operator disks ?

Answer 54

Orange

Question 55

What is the financial standing for a restricted licence ?

Answer 55

First Vehicle 3100

Further Vehicles 1700

Question 56

What is a serious offence ?

Answer 56

A serious offence is defined as any conviction where one of the following punishments has been imposed:• Imprisonment exceeding three months.• A fine exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.• A community service order requiring unpaid work for more than 60 hours.• Any punishment outside the uk corresponding to the above.

Question 57

What is a road transport offence ?

Answer 57

Drivers’ hours of work or rest periods.• The weights or dimensions of commercial vehicles.• Road or vehicle safety.• The protection of the environment.• Any other offence concerning professional liability.• Any offence outside the UK corresponding to the above.

Question 58

What is evidence of financial standing ?

Answer 58

A statement of assets and liabilities certified by a suitably qualified individual (eg, an accountant).• A financial guarantee (eg bank or building society guarantee).The United Kingdom has chosen to take advantage of a derogation allowing Traffic Commissioners to look at other evidence such as overdraft facilities, credit facilities and ‘invoice finance’ agreements (factoring).

Question 59

What is evidence of financial standing for new applicants ?

Answer 59

New applicants who choose to submit bank statements as evidence of financial standing are normally required to provide original statements covering a period of at least 4 weeks. The date of the last transaction on the statement, should not be more than 2 months before the date the application is received by the CLO.Should the Traffic Commissioner see fit, the applicant may be required to provide further evidence.

Question 60

When must an advertisement go in the newspaper ?

Answer 60

Operators must advertise their intent to set up an Operating Centre, by placing a public notice in a local newspaper. This will allow residents and landowners in the area to make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner, if they feel that the Operating Centre would have an adverse environmental impact on them.• Notice wording:Annex 2, contains a template. Operators should not add or remove any of the wording in the template except where stated in the instructions. It is important that the details in the public notice accurately reflect those provided in the application.• Suitability of newspaper:Operators should select a local newspaper ‘circulating in the locality of the operating centre’, in which other public notices regularly appear. “Free sheet” newspapers that only carry advertisements are not acceptable.If more than one operating centre is required and all locations are covered by the same local newspaper, one advertisement will be sufficient. Where this is the case, operators must be sure to include each operating centre’s address and the total number of vehicles and trailers to be kept at each site.• Period for placing the public notice:The notice must appear during the period beginning 21 days before the TC receives the application and ending 21 days afterwards. Operators must provide evidence by sending the whole page containing the public notice to the TC, showing the name of the newspaper and date of publication.If the application was made before the public notice appeared in the newspaper, the operator should send an explanatory letter to the TC, quoting the application reference number (given by the CLO when the application was made) and enclosing the whole page of the application.

Question 61

When must residents appeal against enviromental impact ?

Answer 61

Residents and landowners who feel that the Operating Centre would have an adverse environmental impact on them must make representations to the TC within 21 days of the public notice being published. Representors must also send a copy of their representation to the applicant.

Question 62

When would a schedule 4 form not need to take place in the newspaper ?

Answer 62

The other operator is giving up their use of that operating centre.• The operating centre is not shared with any other operator.• The incoming operator is prepared to use the operating centre under the terms and conditions currently imposed on the outgoing operator. (eg number of vehicles to be kept there, or times of use).

Question 63

Who approves the schedule 4

Answer 63

Approval of Schedule 4 will be at the discretion of a Traffic Commissioner. For example, where an address has a history of objections and representations, a Traffic Commissioner may not agree to a Schedule 4 transfer.

Question 64

Where can the interim licence (int1 form) be downloaded from ?

Answer 64

This form can be downloaded from:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-an-interim-licence-or-interim-direction-int1

Question 65

Who are allowed to make objections to an operators licence ?

Answer 65

Statutory objectors The following are entitled by ‘statute’ (written law) to make objections against the issue of an operators’ licence:Regulatory bodies• Chief officer of police.• A local authority or planning authority (but not a parish council).Trade associations• The British Association of Removers.• Logistics UK.• The Road Haulage Association.
UKUnions• Unite.• The United Road Transport Union.• The General and Municipal Workers Union.• The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers.• The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers.

Question 66

When will the central licencing office send the operators licence ?

Answer 66

Once the application has been granted, the CLO will inform the operator and request the licence issue fee. When the fee has been received, the operator licence will be sent to the operator’s contact address.

Question 67

What details are on the operators licence ?

Answer 67

he operator’s name.• The type of licence.• The maximum number of vehicles (and where relevant the maximum number of trailers) authorised for use under the licence.• The undertakings relevant to the licence.• Any conditions attached to the licence.

Question 68

What will be shown on the identity disk on the operators licence ?

Answer 68

Licence type (eg, standard national).• Licence holder’s name.• Operator licence number.• Vehicle registration mark.• Disc expiry date.• Using your disc correctly.