A Simple Guide
If you can answer "yes" to any of these questions you may need an "O License" (Operators License).
- Do you use a vehicle of more that 3.5 tonnes gross plated weight?
- Do you use a vehicle that has no gross plated weight, but an unladen weight of more than 1525kg?
That probably includes most of us!
There are three formats for operators license:
- Restricted
- Standard National
- Standard International
The "Standard National" license will also require that the holder of the license or a member of the company hold a CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence).
Again with the "Standard International" license the holder or a member of the company must hold an International CPC.
To carry your own goods in the course of your normal business in Great Britain you need a "restricted license". This does not allow you to carry goods for other people for hire or reward. IF YOU DO YOU COULD LOSE YOU LICENSE AND FACE A FINE.
A "standard national license" allows you to carry goods in Great Britain, and the goods of other people for hire and reward in Great Britain, you will still need the "standard national license" even if it's only the odd day that you carry other peoples goods for reward. This license does not allow you to use your vehicles for international hire or reward work.
A "standard international license" allows you to carry your own goods and goods for hire and reward both in Great Britain and on international journeys.
You can obtain the full information on all the above licenses and how to obtain the licenses from the Department of the Environment and the Regions as well as from your local traffic office.
The laws on hiring 7.5 tonne trucks have changed, it is now an offence for a hire company to hire a 7.5 tonne to a company that does not have an operators license.
If it is an individual wanting to hire the vehicle then he has to sign a form stating that the vehicle is not being used for reward, should the individual be found using the vehicle for reward they would face a fine of about £2500.
Once you have your "O License" it's worth remembering you will have to stick to the rules laid down by current tachograph legislation, and if you own the vehicle maintenance schedules.
Useful contact:
Road Haulage Association Tel: 01932 841515
