Anyone who wishes to carry goods connected with any trade or business and who uses a motor vehicle on a road with either a gross plated weight of more than 3.5 tonnes or, if there is no gross plated weight, an unladen weight of more than 1525 kg will need an operator’s licence.

You are deemed to be using a vehicle if:

• you are the driver and are the owner,
• the vehicle is in your lawful possession under an agreement for hire, hire purchase, or loan or
• the driver is your servant or agent.

You must note in particular that you will need an operator’s licence even if you are only using the vehicle for a short period – even if it is just for the day.

There are a number of exceptions to this requirement, including:

• vehicles first used before 1977 which have an unladen weight not exceeding 1525kg and for which the maximum gross plated weight is between 3500 kg and 3556.21 kg
• motor vehicles & their trailers using public roads for less than 9.654 km (6 miles) a week, whilst moving between private premises,
• vehicles constructed, or adapted, primarily for carrying passengers & their effects while being used for that purpose, and any trailer drawn, and
• tractors, including agricultural tractors, used in certain circumstances.

keepmedriving can offer advice in relation to the various goods vehicle operator licensing regulations and legislation, including applications for licences, variations and disciplinary action. We can also advise you as to the requirements for Applying for a licence and whether you come within any of the exceptions.

In the event that have been charged with not having an operator’s licence or, for example, of using a restricted licence to carry goods for hire or reward, we will be happy to represent you or to make representations to the Traffic Commissioners as to why an existing licence should not be revoked or not renewed. We can also help you by assisting in taking a matter on appeal to the Transport Tribunal

To contact keepmedriving either complete the appropriate online information form which you will find in the Getting Help section, request a free, no obligation call-back using the call-back form to the right or phone us during office hours on 084 4804 4804