FAQ's OPERATOR LICENCE APPLICATION SERVICES

1. What is an O‑licence and do I need one?

An O‑licence (Operator’s Licence) is mandatory for businesses using vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (or 2.5 t for EU use) to transport goods commercially . It’s required if you’re hiring vehicles or hauling goods for a fee. Certain exemptions apply but are limited—always double-check whether your operations qualify .

2. What types of O‑licence are available?

Restricted Licence: For carrying your own goods, within the UK or EU .
Standard National Licence: For moving your own goods or others’ within the UK.
Standard International Licence: For UK+EU (and beyond) commercial transport .

Choosing the right type depends on whether you haul goods for others and whether you operate internationally.

3. What documentation and evidence do I need?

You’re required to demonstrate:

Fitness & repute – no serious convictions for the owner, transport manager(s), or drivers .
Professional competence – CPC qualification for transport manager or operator .
Financial standing – funds to maintain vehicles. For example:
- Standard licence (HGV): £8 000 for 1st vehicle + £4 500 per extra .
- Restricted licence: £3 100 + £1 700 per additional .
Operating centre details – location, size, planning permission, and environmental suitability .
Vehicle maintenance arrangements – you must show you can keep vehicles roadworthy .

4. How long does the application process take?

Ideally, apply at least nine weeks before start of operations .
GOV.UK estimates a decision within 7 weeks for complete applications .
In Northern Ireland, decisions may be faster—around 40 days .
Complex applications, public objections, or missing documents can extend the process.

5. What is an interim licence and can I use one?

If you need to start operations before the full licence is granted, you can request an interim licence. It lasts up to 6 months or until the full licence decision, whichever is sooner . It’s only granted if your full application is complete and meets licensing standards.

6. How much does it cost?

On GOV.UK:

Application fee: £254
Grant fee: £449 (covers 5 years)
Interim licence: £68

In Northern Ireland, the separate NI model charges:

Application £254
Grant £449 for five years
Interim £68

JS Transport Solutions can advise you on all fee types and payment timing.

7. Do I need to advertise or notify anyone?

Yes—if applying for a HGV licence with an operating centre, you must place a statutory notice:

In a local newspaper circulating around the centre
Published once within ±21 days of application date

Local authorities, the police, or residents can raise objections during the 21-day statutory period.

8. Can I transfer an O‑licence?

No, O-licences are not transferable. Any change in legal entity, business structure, or licence holder requires a brand new application .

9. How do I make changes after I’ve received a licence?

For updates like adding vehicles, centres or changing licence type, submit a variation application:

Generally require nine weeks’ notice
Vehicle/trailer additions can be done online if margins exist
Some changes (e.g., removing a centre) may be non‑chargeable, while others incur fees .

10. What about ongoing compliance?

Maintaining your licence requires:

Keeping maintenance records and systems for vehicle fitness
Ensuring adherence to drivers’ hours, licensing, CPC, weight limits
Notifying changes (transport manager, address, convictions) within 28 days
Undergoing periodic audits or inspections by regulators .

JS Transport Solutions can implement compliance systems and help monitor changes efficiently.

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✅ Summary: How JS Transport Solutions can support you

Assess licence type (Restricted / Standard National / International)
Prepare and collate all required evidence
Advise on statutory notices and timing
Handle interim licence requests
Guide you through variation, renewal, and compliance processes