​Update to goods vehicle operating licences

19th Jul 2022

The UK’s Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain have published an updated guide relating to their goods vehicle operator licensing (July 2022).

This is intended as a summary for operator licencing with directions to further information and advice. The update gives clarification on present time rules and regulations whilst complying with current accessibility criteria.

What the update includes:

  • What’s needed to hold an operator’s licence
  • How to apply for an operator’s licence
  • Managing a operator’s licence
  • The role & responsibilities of transport managers
  • & more…

The guidance isn’t just limited to heavy goods vehicle operators. There is also guidance for UK fleets operating LGV’s internationally, including Northern Ireland who have been under the licencing rules from May 2022.

What has changed?

Operators and users of vans and other light good vehicles more than 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes that transport goods for hire and reward from the UK into, or through the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, will need to obtain an International Operators’ Licence.

This was introduced as part of the post-Brexit Eu trade deal whereby the new rules apply to vans/ other light good vehicles, vans towing trailers and cars towing trailers.

Of the many conditions of this operators licence is the appointment of a dedicated transport manager who will need to have attained and hold a valid Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (TM CPC) qualification.

For all your compliance needs take a look at our solutions from Descartes -highly rated tachograph analysis software; SmartAnalysis, to our licence check and management solution SmartLicence.

The full guide can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide