The different types of Operator Licence
Heavy Goods Vehicle Operator Licences
Restricted Operator Licence
Standard National Operator Licence
A Standard National Licence allows you to carry your own goods on your own account, or other people’s goods for hire or reward, in Great Britain and to carry your own goods on your own account abroad. This will allow you to haul loaded trailers to or from ports within Great Britain as long as your vehicle does not actually leave Great Britain.
Standard International Operator Licence
A Standard International Licence allows you to carry your own goods, and goods for other people for hire or reward, both in Great Britain and on international journeys.
Passenger Carrying Vehicle Operator Licences
Standard Licence
National operations only
You can only operate in Great Britain if you apply for a standard licence. Most full-time commercial operators use standard licences.
Standard Licence
National and international operations
This kind of licence lets you take passengers abroad as well as within Great Britain.
Restricted Operators Licence
For small-scale operations
You can only apply for a restricted operator licence for small-scale operations. They allow you to use one or two vehicles, and neither can carry more than eight passengers.
You can carry up to 16 passengers in either vehicle if you do not use it as part of a passenger transport business, or you’re operating your vehicles as a sideline and not as your main job.
Restricted Operators Licence: what is it?
In summary, a Restricted Operators Licence (ROL) provides you with the right to carry your own goods not just in the UK but also across the European Union. What it does not provide, however, is the ability to carry goods that are not your own – that is where the “restricted” part comes into play. The Restricted Operators Licence was designed for those that only want to carry their own manufactured goods or hired equipment. Relatively speaking, it is easy to apply for compared to other licences. The downside is that you are prohibited from carrying the goods of others or anything you intend to hire or reward. If the latter point is an issue, it is recommended you instead apply for a Standard National Licence. A Standard International Licence is necessary for transporting goods – whether yours or others – abroad.
How do you qualify for a Restricted Operators Licence?
Before you apply for a Restricted Operators Licence, it is important you meet the following requirements:
- Be fit to hold a Restricted Operators Licence
- The ability to maintain your vehicles with suitable arrangements and facilities
- Demonstrate you can run your business, including the maintenance of your vehicles, with sufficient resources and finances
- The use of at least a single operating centre to safely store vehicles when not in use
- The capability to ensure you obey all licensing laws and rules
Special Restricted Licence
For local taxi services
Special restricted licences are used to operate a licensed taxi on a local service. You can only apply for this licence if you’re a licensed taxi operator. A local service is one where:
The service must be registered with the local Traffic Commissioner.
Light Goods Vehicle Operator Licences
Standard International Operator Licence
A Standard International Licence allows you to carry your own goods, and goods for other people for hire or reward, both in Great Britain and on international journeys.
From 21 May 2022, operators or users of vans or other light goods vehicles over 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes in weight for hire and reward will need to obtain an International Operator's Licence.
Operator Licences in Northern Ireland
The Department for Infrastructure’s Transport Regulation Unit (TRU) is responsible for issuing Goods Vehicle Operator licences in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland applications follow the same process as the UK with only slight variations in the legislation of the Act. As the UK DVSA processes all the applications for Northern Ireland, Leafe’s Logistics can provide our complete licence application service for you.
FAQ For Operator Licences
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