Applying for an Operator’s Licence
Applying for a new operator’s licence can be a frustrating process. Applicants often find they have to deal with many requests for further information from the Central Licensing Office. A badly handled application can even result in a Public Inquiry hearing with the Traffic Commissioner.
At Rothera Bray, our transport solicitors are experts in all operator licensing matters. We can manage the application process and respond to any requests for information on your behalf.
We understand that some applications are time sensitive. Our team can help you to apply for an urgent interim licence so you can start operating as soon as possible.
Common application problems
There are many reasons an application for a new licence can run into difficulties. These include:
Financial standing problems
You will have to show that you have enough money available to keep your vehicles in good repair. We can advise on the forms of financial evidence that will be accepted.
Failing to declare other licences or previous convictions
The Central Licensing Office will expect you to declare all operator licences you or anyone named in the application has been involved in, along with any relevant previous convictions. If you have failed to declare, they will want to know why.
“Fronting” concerns
The Traffic Commissioner may want assurances that any new application is not a “front” for a disqualified director. Concerns of this kind can often arise from a simple misunderstanding but, unless handled carefully, can lead to a Public Inquiry.
“Main occupation” concerns
If you are applying for a restricted PSV licence, you will have to show that you meet the “main occupation” requirement. We can advise you on this complex area of law and can help you to show that you meet this requirement.
Operating centre “environmental” objections
If you want to apply to use a site to operate goods vehicles you will need to advertise this in a local newspaper. We can help you to respond to any complaints from either the local authority or local residents.
What type of Operator’s Licence do I need?
It can sometimes be difficult to know what type of operator’s licence you need, or whether you in fact need one at all.
Our transport solicitors can advise on whether you fall within an exemption from operator licensing, and if not, what type of licence you should apply for.
There are three types of Operator’s Licence:
- Restricted Operator’s Licence
- Standard Operator’s Licence
- Standing International Operator’s Licence
The application requirements vary depending on whether you are applying for a goods vehicle or PSV licence, and the type of goods or passengers you are carrying.
Public Inquiry Hearings
If the Traffic Commissioner has concerns with your application, you may be called to a Public Inquiry hearing. A Public Inquiry is a type of public regulatory court hearing at which you will be questioned and your application scrutinized. Our advocates are extremely experienced in representing applicants at Public Inquiry hearings.
Public Inquiries – further information
For more information on applying for an Operator’s Licence contact our Road Transport Law Team on 03456 465 465.
Send us a message
“Our experienced and specialist team represent clients nationally on a day-to-day basis”
Anton Balkitis
Head of Transport Law
stars
Posted 9 October 2025
I recently used this firm to deal with my late aunts estate. They were very knowledgeable, efficient and approachable. The whole process was explained in detail and I was kept updated along the way. A special mention goes to Sarah Simpson as her customer service was excellent. She dealt with everything I asked or needed doing straight away and I trusted her completely to do what she said she would. A rarity in this day and age. I would highly recommend this firm of solicitors .
S.Hickey
stars
Posted 8 October 2025
A truly professional service, Carolyn, Kerry and Team, always returned my calls and emails and were able to help us have a smooth sale of our property, will definitely use again.
Nigel Simms
stars
Posted 7 October 2025
Friendly welcome and easily understood explanation of the work that would be carried out. I will use Rothera Bray again should further work be required.
Les Potter
stars
Posted 7 October 2025
I have received amazing support and service from Emily at Rother Bray. She has been brilliant throughout and has always answered any questions that I have and nothing has been too much trouble for her. Would highly recommend.
Hannah
stars
Posted 6 October 2025
Christopher and Priscilla were excellent from start to finish with regular updates and explaining more complicated items with ease. Would recommend.
Angus
stars
Posted 6 October 2025
If you want things doing correctly and efficiently there’s only one place to go - Rothera Bray!
Ian Winning
stars
Posted 3 October 2025
Laura was our brilliant solicitor, who helped us with buying our first house together. Laura was so attentive and compassionate and nothing was ever too much trouble for her to help us with our buying process. Our experience was brilliant from start to finish and we were really happy with the communication too. I would recommend Laura and Rothera Bray to others too. A huge thank you!
Victoria T
stars
Posted 3 October 2025
I am dealing with Rothera Bray for the sale of my house and, hopefully, soon to use my next purchase of a bungalow. All communication with them have been professional. I recommend anybody else to use there services.
Glyn Brookes
stars
Posted 2 October 2025
Tim Brooke was so friendly, efficient and professional helping me sell my house...highly recommended.
Andy N
stars
Posted 1 October 2025
I can only praise Rothera Bray as being a highly professional organisation, and the service I received from Anton Balkitis and Rebeca Large-Rodriguez was exceptional. Their advice was clear, they gave excellent support, and ultimately helped to secure a very favourable result for me, for all of which I’m extraordinarily grateful. I would thoroughly recommend Rothera Bray as offering great value for money.
Paul
stars
Posted 1 October 2025
We have been engaging the services of Rothera Bray Solicitors on a regular basis since 2020, with Lauren overseeing several matters on our behalf. On every occasion, the service has been of the highest standard – consistently professional, thorough, and supported by exceptional expertise. We are sincerely grateful for the assistance we have received from both Lauren and George. We greatly value their integrity and the professional diligence with which they approach every case, and above all, their commitment to providing realistic, reliable advice and acting at all times in strict accordance with the law on our behalf.
Aga, The Best Solutions
stars
Posted 1 October 2025
Will Trotter was excellent, answering all my questions with a recent employment contract. Highly recommended.
A.N.
Natalie Abbott
Partner & Head of Employment
Natalie works in our Nottingham office. She is a Partner and Employment Law specialist with over 10 years’ experience representing both businesses and individuals across a range of employment services including settlement agreements, discrimination, dismissals and redundancy.
Anton Balkitis
Partner & Head of Transport
Anton Balkitis leads the Transport Law team and is a nationally recognised Transport and Motoring Law specialist at Nottingham-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors.
Olivia Maginn
Barrister & Senior Associate
Olivia Maginn is a transport and motoring law specialist at our Lace Market, Nottingham office.
Georgina Power
Associate Solicitor
Georgina Power is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Transport team and is based at our Lace Market office in Nottingham city centre.
Chelsey Sewell
Managing Paralegal
Chelsey Sewell is a paralegal in Rothera Bray’s transport and motorist offence department and is based at our Nottingham Lace Market office in the city centre.
Rebeca Large-Rodriguez
Paralegal
Rebeca Large-Rodriguez is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Transport and Motorist Offence department and is based at our Lace Market office.
Transport Manager Keeps Good Repute at Traffic Commissioner’s Public Inquiry
Traffic Commissioner’s Public Inquiry Eastbourne January 2021 We were instructed by a Transport Manager called to a Public Inquiry by the Traffic Commissioner. The Transport Manager had been an external Transport Manager on an operators’ licence held by a single vehicle bus company. Despite being granted a licence, the business had not in fact started […]Posted on 17th February 2021