Top 5 Compliance Myths Busted for Restricted Licence Holders

If you hold a Restricted Operator Licence, it’s easy to assume your compliance responsibilities are “lighter” than those of larger hauliers. After all, you’re not running a national fleet or operating for hire or reward — just moving goods for your own business.

But these assumptions can land you in hot water.

In this post, we’ll bust the top five myths that cause Restricted Licence holders to fall foul of the DVSA or end up at a Public Inquiry — and show you what the law really expects.

⚠️ Myth 1: “I Don’t Need to Do All That — It’s Just a Restricted Licence”

The myth:Restricted Licence holders don’t need to worry as much about compliance because they’re not haulage firms.

The truth:You are still subject to the same laws as Standard Licence holders in terms of:

• Vehicle roadworthiness

• Safety inspections

• Tachograph use (if in-scope)

• Record-keeping

• Driver licensing

• Operating centre permissions

• Financial standing

The only difference is why you operate vehicles — not how well you must manage them.

The risk:Thinking compliance doesn’t apply to you is the fastest way to end up at a Public Inquiry. The Traffic Commissioner treats all licence holders equally under the law.

The fix:

✅ Educate yourself on your obligations

✅ Put systems in place for maintenance, records, and training

✅ Keep documents ready for DVSA inspection

🧭 Myth 2: “I Don’t Need a Transport Manager, So I Don’t Need to Worry About the Rules”

The myth:Because there’s no requirement for a qualified Transport Manager, Restricted Licence holders are allowed to operate informally.

The truth:While you are not legally required to appoint a Transport Manager, you must still demonstrate:

• Control of operations

• Knowledge of legal obligations

• Clear processes for ensuring compliance

You are effectively your own Transport Manager — and will be judged as such if something goes wrong.

The risk:DVSA inspectors often find no evidence of oversight or systems — because no one’s been tasked with the job.

The fix:

✅ Assign someone (usually yourself) to take responsibility

✅ Keep a compliance calendar for regular checks and downloads

✅ Attend a compliance training session or workshop if needed

📄 Myth 3: “I Don’t Need to Keep Records — It’s Only a Few Vehicles”

The myth: Small fleets don’t need formal paperwork or structured filing systems.

The truth: Every operator — even those with just one vehicle — must keep:

• Maintenance records (15+ months)

• Daily defect reports

• Safety inspection schedules

• Tachograph data (if in-scope)

• Driver licence check logs

• Financial standing evidence

• Correspondence with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioner

The risk: You can’t prove compliance without records. “We do it” isn’t enough — you must show you do it.

The fix:

✅ Set up a basic digital or paper compliance file

✅ Use a simple structure: by vehicle, driver, and policy

✅ Review monthly to keep it up to date

🚛 Myth 4: “I Don’t Need a Tachograph — I’ve Got a Restricted Licence”

The myth:Restricted Licence holders are automatically exempt from EU tachograph regulations.

The truth:Tachograph rules are based on vehicle weight and journey type, not licence type.

You need a tachograph if:

• Your vehicle or vehicle/trailer combination exceeds 3.5 tonnes, AND

• You travel more than 100km from your base, OR

• You carry goods as part of a business activity (even your own goods)

Common exemptions (under GB Domestic rules) don’t apply if:

• You go beyond the radius

• Your journey type doesn’t qualify

• You don’t meet ALL exemption criteria

The risk:Tachograph misuse or ignorance is one of the top reasons for enforcement action.

The fix:

✅ Assess each vehicle and journey to determine scope

✅ Install and use tachographs when required

✅ Keep a tacho policy and download schedule

✅ Train drivers on correct usage

🏗️ Myth 5: “I Can Park at Home or On the Street — No One Will Notice”

The myth:If you only run one or two vehicles, you don’t need to worry about where they’re parked.

The truth:Your Operating Centre must:

• Be declared on your licence

• Have landowner permission

• Be suitable (secure, not a nuisance to others)

• Have planning permission if required

Even one complaint from a neighbour can result in:

• A DVSA visit

• An Operating Centre review

• A call to Public Inquiry

The risk:Parking at home, on the road, or at an undeclared site can lead to enforcement and even revocation of your licence.

The fix:

✅ Only use authorised centres on your licence

✅ Keep permission letters or lease agreements

✅ Notify the TC of changes immediately

✅ Avoid street parking unless clearly lawful and safe

✅ Bonus Myth: “DVSA Won’t Bother With Me — I’m Too Small”

The myth: The DVSA only focuses on big hauliers and large fleets.

The truth: DVSA uses the OCRS risk score system, and small operators with poor scores are just as likely — if not more — to be targeted.

• One serious vehicle defect can trigger a visit

• One roadside prohibition can send your OCRS into the red

• One ignored DVSA letter can result in a Public Inquiry

The fix:

✅ Operate as though the DVSA might call tomorrow

✅ Take defects, paperwork, and inspections seriously

✅ Stay proactive — not reactive

🔍 Summary: The Myths — and the Reality

Myth	Reality
“Restricted Licence = fewer rules”	Same laws apply — just for your own goods
“No TM = no system needed”	You’re still responsible for compliance
“Small fleet = no paperwork”	Records are legally required for all operators
“No tacho needed”	Tachograph rules apply by weight + journey, not licence
“I can park anywhere”	Operating Centres must be approved and suitable
“DVSA won’t target me”	They use risk scores — and small fleets often stand out

🧠 Final Thoughts

Being a Restricted Licence holder doesn’t mean you’re off the hook — it means you’re fully responsible for making sure your operation is safe, legal, and well-managed.

Understanding the truth behind these myths is your first step toward long-term, low-risk compliance.

So don’t rely on guesswork, outdated advice, or wishful thinking.

Know the facts. Build your systems. Protect your licence.

Next in the series:👉 How to Deal with a DVSA Prohibition Notice