Whether you are applying for a new operator’s licence or making further applications to vary an existing operator’s licence (e.g. to increase the number of vehicles authorised under your operator’s licence, to add a new transport manager or to change your operating centre), you will need to complete the relevant application form and submit it to the relevant Office of the Traffic Commissioner at Leeds (“OTC”).
Delays in the processing and determination of these applications cause operators huge frustration; however, by far the biggest reason for delayed, or even rejected, applications is that operators do not complete the application form correctly or fail to include a required document.
Once you have completed the relevant application form and submitted it to the OTC, your application will join the queue of applications already waiting processing and determination.
If, when your application reaches the front of the queue, there is an incorrect or inadequate answer, or a required document is missing, the OTC will write to you requesting that you provide the omitted information/documentation; however, your application will go to the back of the queue and will have to wait its turn again.
It is therefore vital that the application form is completed correctly and that all required documentation is attached upon first submission of your application to the OTC; however, there are some common pitfalls for operators when making applications.
The Road Transport Law Team at Aaron & Partners LLP has a wealth of experience in dealing with the various applications for a new operator’s licence and to vary an existing operator’s licence and the common pitfalls for operators when making these applications. We can offer advice and assistance, and provide the relevant documentation, to operators throughout the application process from the preparation of the application itself through to resolving any issues that might be raised by the OTC during the processing of your application.
New Operator’s Licence Applications
To apply for a new HGV operator’s licence, it will be necessary for you to complete a GV79 application form and submit this to the relevant OTC at Leeds.
Applications for variations to existing operator’s licences
To apply to vary an existing HGV operator’s license, it will be necessary for you to complete a GV81 application form and submit this to the relevant Office of the Traffic Commissioner (“OTC”) at Leeds.
- Add/remove/change operating centre
- Add/remove/change nominated transport manager
- Increase/reduce the number of vehicles and/or trailers authorised by the Operator’s Licence
- Upgrade/downgrade licence
