7 Things to Think About Before Applying for an HGV Operator’s Licence
Applying for a UK operator’s licence is a big step if you’re looking to run a haulage or passenger transport business. It’s not just about filling out forms; you’ve got to tick a lot of boxes to prove you’re legit, capable, and financially sound. The Senior Traffic Commissioner’s statutory guidance lays out the rules clearly, and you’ll need to follow them to the letter to avoid getting knocked back. Here’s a rundown of what you need to think about, covering the type of licence, good repute, financial standing, competence, transport managers, and operating centres, plus any training like OLAT that can set you up for success.
ONE: Work out what type of licence you need. There are three main ones: restricted, standard national, and standard international. A restricted licence is for businesses carrying their own goods—like a scaffolder hauling their own materials. It’s the simplest but limited to your own stuff. Standard national is for hire-or-reward operators (think typical haulage firms) within the UK, while standard international lets you operate abroad too. Each has different rules, so pick the one that fits your gig. The Senior Traffic Commissioner’s guidance on this is crystal clear: know your business model before you apply, or you’re wasting everyone’s time.
TWO: Good Repute. This is about proving that you’re not a rogue. The Traffic Commissioner will dig into your background—think criminal records, past compliance issues, or insolvency history. If you’ve got convictions for serious stuff like fraud or violence, or if you’ve been banned from running a business, you’re in difficulties but it is not necessarily fatal. The guidance says they’ll look at the whole picture, so be upfront about any skeletons in your closet. Clean up your act before applying, and if you’re unsure, get legal advice. Honesty is the only safe policy – if you conceal something shameful and are found out you application will often be worse affected by the attempt to conceal than the original conduct. Licences have been granted to people who have been convicted of murder and serious drug offences after the passage of time and proven rehabilitation.
THREE: Financial standing is another biggie. You need to show you’ve got enough cash to keep your vehicles roadworthy and your business afloat. The amount depends on the licence type and how many vehicles you’re running. For example, in 2025, a standard licence for one goods vehicle needs about £8,000 for the first vehicle, plus £4,500 for each extra one. Restricted licences are cheaper—around £3,100 for the first and £1,700 per extra. You’ll need bank statements, overdraft agreements, or other proof of funds for at least 28 days before applying. The statutory guidance is strict: no money, no licence. Check the exact figures before you apply.
FOUR: Then there’s professional competence. If you’re going for a standard licence, someone in your business needs to be a qualified Transport Manager with a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). This proves you know the ropes of running a transport operation, from driver hours to vehicle maintenance. You can’t wing this; it’s a must. If you don’t have a CPC, you’ll need to hire a transport manager who does, which brings us to the next point.
FIVE: Transport managers are the backbone of a standard licence operation. They’re responsible for keeping everything compliant—scheduling maintenance, managing drivers, and ensuring records are spot-on. They need a CPC and must genuinely work for you, not just be a name on paper. The guidance warns against hiring someone in name only to tick the box. That’s a fast track to losing your licence. Your transport manager needs enough time to do the job properly, especially if they’re juggling multiple operators. A good transport manager means a compliant business – do not pay good money on someone who does not do the job properly!
SIX: Operating centres are where you park and maintain your vehicles. You will need to prove the site is suitable think enough space, safe access, and no complaints from neighbours about noise or traffic. You must advertise your application in a local paper to give people a chance to object. The Traffic Commissioner will check if your centre meets environmental and safety standards. The guidance stresses that a dodgy operating centre can sink your application, so get this sorted early.
SEVEN: Before you apply, consider training like the Operator Licence Awareness Training (OLAT). It’s not mandatory, but it’s a smart move. OLAT courses cover the ins and outs of operator licensing, from maintenance systems to driver compliance. They’re usually a one-day session and can help you avoid rookie mistakes. Some providers even tailor it to your business. The guidance recommends ongoing training to stay compliant, and OLAT is a good start. You can find approved courses through trade bodies or training providers.
A few final tips: start early, as the process can take months. Get your paperwork in order – bank statements, CPC certificates, and operating centre details. Be ready for a Public Inquiry if the Traffic Commissioner has concerns; it’s not the end of the world, but you’ll need to make your case. And don’t cut corners. The Senior Traffic Commissioner’s guidance is your bible – read it, follow it, and you’ll stand a better chance of getting your licence.
In short, applying for a UK operator’s licence means proving you’re trustworthy, financially stable, and competent, with a solid transport manager and a proper operating centre. Training like OLAT can give you a leg up. It’s a lot, but if you’re serious about running a transport business, it’s worth the graft. For the full rulebook, dive into the Senior Traffic Commissioner’s Statutory Guidance. Good luck – you’ve got this!
