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Compliance Coaching for Restricted Licence Holders – How We Can Help

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Legal Responsibilities of Licence Holders – Part 5


Introduction


Holding a Restricted Operator Licence gives you the legal right to use your vehicles in connection with your own business — but it does not reduce your compliance obligations.


Despite not requiring a professional Transport Manager, restricted licence holders are still subject to the same rules on:

  • Vehicle roadworthiness

  • Maintenance and inspections

  • Driver licence and hours compliance

  • Record keeping

  • Operating centre conditions

  • Traffic Commissioner undertakings


Yet many small business owners (builders, landscapers, delivery firms, retailers, etc.) holding a Restricted Licence struggle to understand and manage their compliance obligations — often until it’s too late.


That’s where Compliance Coaching comes in.


At JS Transport Solutions, we offer tailored, flexible, and supportive compliance coaching specifically for Restricted Licence holders who want peace of mind, reduced risk, and practical help — without the cost of a full-time Transport Manager.


In this guide, we’ll cover:

  • Why compliance matters (even with a Restricted Licence)

  • The risks of getting it wrong

  • What a Compliance Coach does

  • What’s included in our service

  • Real-world examples of how we help

  • How to get started



Table of Contents


  1. The Myth: “It’s Just a Restricted Licence – I’ll Be Fine”

  2. What the Traffic Commissioner Expects

  3. What Is Compliance Coaching?

  4. Who Is It For?

  5. What Our Compliance Coaching Service Includes

  6. Key Benefits for Your Business

  7. Examples of Coaching in Action

  8. Our Coaching Process – Step by Step

  9. What It Costs

  10. Get Started Today



**1. The Myth: “It’s Just a Restricted Licence – I’ll Be Fine”


Many business owners apply for a Restricted Licence thinking it’s a formality. They might say:

  • “I don’t have a fleet – just a couple of vans”

  • “I’m not running for hire or reward, so why worry?”

  • “I didn’t know I had to do all that…”


The problem is: the rules don’t change just because you’re not hauling for others.


The Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995 applies equally to Restricted, Standard National and International Licence holders. Your obligations around safety, vehicle condition, and compliance systems are identical.


In the eyes of the DVSA or the Traffic Commissioner, ignorance is not an excuse.



2. What the Traffic Commissioner Expects from You


Restricted Licence holders must still comply with all licence undertakings, including:

✅ Maintaining vehicles in a fit and serviceable condition

✅ Carrying out and recording daily walkaround checks

✅ Arranging and recording safety inspections at correct intervals

✅ Monitoring drivers’ hours (if tachographs apply)

✅ Ensuring vehicles operate from authorised operating centres

✅ Keeping records for 15+ months

✅ Notifying the TC of any material changes

✅ Staying financially solvent and audit-ready


And unlike Standard Licence holders, you do not have a Transport Manager to manage this for you — which is why a structured Compliance Coaching solution is critical.



3. What Is Compliance Coaching?


Compliance Coaching is a service designed to support Restricted Licence holders in meeting their obligations under the Operator Licence regime without needing a full-time transport professional.


It combines:

  • One-to-one guidance

  • Tailored checklists and templates

  • Monthly compliance reviews

  • Record audits

  • Practical training and support

  • Proactive risk management


Think of it like a Transport Manager in your corner — available when you need help, but without the full-time cost or obligation.



4. Who Is It For?


Our Compliance Coaching service is ideal for:

  • Sole traders and limited companies operating under a Restricted Licence

  • Businesses with 1–10 vehicles, e.g., tradespeople, courier firms, shopfitters, removals, builders

  • Operators without any internal transport staff

  • Operators who want to avoid enforcement or Public Inquiry

  • New licence holders needing help setting up compliant systems

  • Restricted operators under warning or investigation by DVSA



5. What Our Compliance Coaching Service Includes


We offer a flexible coaching package built around your business. Our standard service includes:


✅ Monthly Remote Compliance Review

We check your:

  • Maintenance records

  • Inspection frequency and quality

  • Defect report process

  • Driver licence checks

  • Tachograph data (if applicable)

  • Document retention and audit readiness


✅ Templates and Compliance Tools

You’ll receive:

  • Maintenance planner

  • Daily defect sheet template

  • Walkaround check guide

  • Driver induction pack

  • Inspection checklist

  • Record retention schedule

  • Compliance calendar


✅ Advice and Support on Demand

Phone/email advice when you:

  • Add or remove vehicles

  • Move operating centres

  • Need to notify the Traffic Commissioner

  • Receive a DVSA inspection notice


✅ Audit and Pre-Public Inquiry Support

If enforcement action is looming, we’ll help:

  • Identify failings

  • Correct documentation

  • Respond to notices

  • Prepare for a hearing


✅ Tailored Coaching Plan

We build a plan specific to your fleet size, operation type, and licence status.



6. Key Benefits for Your Business


🔐 Protect Your LicenceAvoid the risk of curtailment, suspension, or revocation by staying compliant.

📄 Better Record KeepingWe’ll help you create systems that are simple and effective.

📈 Grow Your Fleet ConfidentlyKnow what’s required as your operation expands.

🧠 Peace of MindSleep easy knowing you’re doing things right — with expert backup.

💷 Avoid the Cost of MistakesOne fine or PI can cost thousands — our coaching pays for itself many times over.



7. Examples of Coaching in Action


🧰 Case Study: Builder with 3.5t Tippers (Hereford)

Problem: Operator received a DVSA warning for no PMI records and poor maintenance.Solution: We provided a compliant inspection planner, daily check forms, and helped him set up a contract with a local garage. Monthly remote coaching ensured ongoing compliance.Outcome: Passed follow-up inspection with no issues.


🚚 Case Study: Retailer with Sprinter Vans (Worcestershire)

Problem: Operator had no idea that driver hours rules applied and was called to PI for tachograph infringements.Solution: Our team reviewed the driving schedules, advised on exemptions, and implemented weekly tacho downloads.Outcome: Retained their licence after attending PI fully prepared.



8. Our Coaching Process – Step by Step


1️⃣ Free Compliance Consultation

We assess your current licence, vehicles, and compliance risks.

2️⃣ Setup and Document Pack

We send you your custom compliance toolkit — templates, checklists, and schedules.

3️⃣ Monthly Reviews

We go over your records together and offer guidance on fixes or improvements.

4️⃣ Ongoing Support

Got a question? We're available to answer calls or emails promptly.

5️⃣ Optional Add-Ons


Need a new operating centre? A variation application? Tachograph analysis? We’ve got you covered.



9. What It Costs


We believe in transparent, affordable pricing for small businesses.


Standard Coaching Package: From £75/month

Includes:

  • Monthly review (remote)

  • Templates and documentation

  • Phone/email support

  • Basic file audit


Add-ons (Optional):

  • On-site visit: from £195

  • Variation support: from £125

  • Public Inquiry prep: from £350

  • Full compliance file setup: from £250


Need a custom quote for your business? Contact us and we’ll build a plan that suits you.



10. Get Started Today


Don’t wait for the DVSA to knock on your door.

If you hold a Restricted Operator Licence, you are 100% responsible for your legal undertakings — and we’re here to help you meet them with confidence.


Let JS Transport Solutions be your trusted compliance partner.


📞 Request a free consultation today at👉 www.jstransport.uk📧

📍 Based in Worcestershire – serving operators nationwide



Conclusion


Compliance doesn’t have to be confusing, time-consuming or stressful. With structured support and the right tools, even a small operator can stay 100% legal, safe and efficient.


Compliance coaching is a smart, affordable way to:

  • Protect your Operator Licence

  • Avoid costly mistakes

  • Grow your business with confidence


Next in the series: [Are You Audit-Ready? – A Practical Guide for Licence Holders]

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