Supporting Operator Licence Applications
Platinum Ratio Transport Manager Services provides end-to-end support for new operator applications. Our experienced team will ensure everything is proper before your application is submitted to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. In addition to new operator applications our team can also support variations to your operators licence including changes in operating centre.
Although our team promotes the use of the new on-line operator application process due to the expedited process, we are also facilitate applications via the paper system. Regardless, our team will stay on top of your application throughout the whole process, leasing with the central licensing office and responding to any correspondence you may receive.
Goods vehicle operator licensing: Do you need an Operators Licence?
If you operate goods vehicle which weigh more than 3,500 kg gross vehicle weight (GVW) to carry goods on public roads as part of your business, you are required by law to have a Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence. This includes the use of temporary hire vehicles.
Types of Operator Licence
There are three different types of operator’s licence for goods vehicles. The licence you need depends on where you transport goods to and from, and who you do it for.
Restricted Licence
A Restricted Licence is designed for those who wish to carry their own goods or materials for their own trade or business, but not to conduct ‘for hire/reward’ work. This licence covers all transport operations in the UK.
Standard (National) Licence
A Standard National Licence is designed for those wish to carry their own goods or materials for their own trade or business and/or carry goods for hire or reward. This licence covers all transport operations in the UK. The operator can transport loaded trailers to and from ports within the UK as part of an overall international journey, as long as your vehicles does not leave the country.
Standard Licences also require someone to be nominated as a Transport Manager, holding a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification.
Standard (International) Licence
A Standard International Licence is the same as Standard National Licence except it covers transport operations nationally (within the UK) and Internationally (throughout Europe).
When you get a Standard International Licence, you can also request the issue of Community Licences. These allow:
- Trips between all EU member countries
- Transit traffic through EU member countries
- Cabotage (journeys entirely within another EU member country)
Your licence will continue to be valid as long as you pay your continuation fee every 5 years and operate within the terms of your licence. You’ll be contacted every 5 years to make sure that your licence shows the correct information.
How long will it take to get my Operator Licence?
The goods vehicle operator licensing scheme is administered by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) on behalf of the traffic commissioners and the time it takes to get a decision on an application will depend on a number of factors.
The Office of the Traffic Commissioner says that you’ll usually get a decision on your application within:
- 7 weeks if you apply online
- 9 weeks if you apply by post
Note: Recent events (Covid-19) mean that teams are working from home and so it could take much longer. If you need a licence urgently, you can apply for an interim licence until you get your full licence. An interim license is a temporary licence that will allow you to operate until you receive a decision on your application.
The Current Rates for Financial Standing?
Operators must satisfy the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) by law, demonstrating that operators of goods vehicles have enough financial resources to run their businesses and maintain their vehicles properly and cover any unforeseen costs that may arise whilst running your fleet of vehicles.
The financial levels for Standard National and Standard International Operator Licences apply from 1 January until 31 December.
The levels are calculated annually based on the rate of exchange against the Euro on the first working day of October in the previous year.
The rates have not changed for 2020.
The following sterling rates apply to new licence applications and applications to vary existing licences until 31 December 2020.
Standard Operator’s Licence Rates/strong>
- First vehicle – £8,000
- Each additional vehicle – £4,450
Restricted Operator’s Licence Rates/strong>
The rates of finance needed to support a restricted licence set by DfI vary to those needed for a Standard Operator’s Licence.
- First vehicle – £3,100
- Each additional vehicle – £1,700
More information can be found here.
Why use Platinum Ratio Transport Manager Services?
Our service is designed to maximise the probability of a successful Operators Licence application. Our team will diligently fill out all your paperwork and will rigorously check of all supporting documentation to increase the chances of a seamless application. Our team will continue to provide continuous guidance throughout the whole process.
We’ll help you accurately prepare and contract your maintenance agreement, operating centre consent letter (parking letter) and GVOL notice (Public Notice advertisement), which must be published in a qualifying newspaper, failure of which will result in re-advertising costs and delays.
Our team has established working relationships with the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, this means we are continuously liaising with the licencing team and will ensure continuously communication throughout the whole application process. Our service ensure that you are registered online so you can access the self-service option both during the application process and after your licence has been granted.