The different types of Operator Licence
Heavy Goods Vehicle Operator Licences
HGV Operator Licence
An HGV operator licence is required in the UK to legally operate and manage large commercial vehicles used for transporting goods. This licence ensures that operators meet specific safety, maintenance, and operational standards to ensure road safety and compliance with legal regulations.
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 PSV 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.
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.
Restricted Operator Licences
Restricted Operator Licence
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.
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. Find out more here.
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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