We often get asked, “Do I need an operator’s licence for my van?” and the answer very much depends on two things:
- the maximum authorised mass (MAM) or gross train weight (GTW) of the vehicle or vehicle and trailer combination
- what the vehicle is used for
How do I find my vehicle’s MAM and GTW?
Both the MAM or GTW can be found in the vehicle’s owner’s manual and is normally shown on a plate or sticker fitted to the vehicle.
When is an operator’s licence not needed?
Firstly, let’s rule out the circumstances when you will not need an operator’s licence:
- Your van has a MAM of up to and including 3.5t and is operated solely in the UK
- You are transporting goods outside of the UK but not for hire and reward
A quick recap on the general meaning of hire and reward: you are carrying goods for, or on behalf of someone else – you’re moving someone else’s goods around. If you are moving only your own goods around, this would generally not count as hire and reward.
Which vehicles need an operator’s licence?
So, types of vehicle configuration which would need an operator’s licence, if being used to transport goods in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland for the purpose of hire & reward:
- Vans with a MAM of over 2.5t up to 3.5t
- Vans or cars towing a trailer with a gross train weight (GTW) of over 2.5t up to 3.5t
What should I do if I need an operator’s licence?
If your operation falls within the scope and you require an operator’s licence for your van, what next?
Again, that will depend on your current situation…
- You do not currently have an operator’s licence – you’ll need to apply for one
- You have a standard international operator’s licence – you’ll need to add your van(s) on to your licence
- You have a standard national operator’s licence – you’ll need to upgrade your licence to a standard international
- You have a restricted operator’s licence – you’ll need to upgrade your licence to a standard international
If you need to apply for a standard international operator’s licence you will need:
- A transport manager – this is a person who holds a Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). You can either employ a transport manager or hire in an external transport manager.
- Financial standing – you’ll need to submit bank statements with your application to show that your business has the appropriate level of financial standing. This currently stands at £1,600 for the first vehicle and then £800 for any additional vehicles.
- Application fee – this is currently £257 and an additional £68 if you wish to apply for an interim licence
An interim licence is a temporary licence that can be issued more quickly than the full licence which can take up to 7 weeks to be granted.
Once the application has been granted there will be a fee of £401 payable to issue your full licence.
An operator’s licence application can take longer if the application is incomplete or completed incorrectly.
How can Rothera Bray help?
At Rothera Bray, our Road Transport Lawyers have extensive experience in navigating the operator’s licensing system. We can ensure that your application is in full and complete, preventing potential delays in your licence being granted.
We can also help if your licence is in jeopardy due to a Traffic Commissioner Public Inquiry.
We can offer you a free initial consultation as well as fixed fee consultations, should you require more specific advice about your licensing requirements.
Contact our Road Transport Solicitors on 0345 465 465 0r by email at enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk
Disclaimer: This blog is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact us on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk to get tailored advice specific to your circumstances from our qualified lawyers.
