Road Legal

What do I do if I want to remove a particular vehicle from my licence?

You must notify the Traffic Commissioner within 21 days and return the disc relating to that vehicle, together with your licence documents and vehicle list, so they can be changed.

What if I want to change the vehicles listed on the licence?

There are two  methods available to you. If you are registered for operator self-service log on to operator self-service at www.vosa.gov.uk. Click on the 'vehicles' option on the left-hand menu and then select 'change vehicles'. If you are not registered for self-service then send your licence documents, together with the vehicle list and a completed form GV80 (again downloadable from the Vosa website under Lorry operator licensing forms). Discs for removed vehicles must be returned with the GV80.

What if I want to use more vehicles?

Your licence lists specified vehicles but also a figure for a maximum total of vehicles, which is normally slightly higher. The gap between these two figures is what is known as 'the margin'. You are allowed  to begin using extra vehicles straight away if you do not exceed your maximum vehicle allowance, but you must let the TC have details on form G80 within one month of the new vehicles coming into your possession. If, on the other hand, you want to exceed the maximum number of vehicles permitted on your licence, you must complete form GV81 (again downloadable from Lorry operator licensing forms) and send it with an application fee to your Traffic Area Office at least nine weeks before you need the extra vehicles. This will constitute a major variation to your licence.

What about changing or adding an operating centre?

Again, this is considered a major variation in your operator licence and you will have to complete form GV81. As with your original O-licence application, the TC will publish details of your application and you will have to advertise it in a newspaper circulating in the area of your proposed new operating centre. That application will then be subject to objections and representations in the same way that your original application was.

May I change the type of licence I have?

Yes, but such a move is also a major variation. For this you need to download form GV80A and apply at least nine weeks before you want the change to come into effect. You don’t have to advertise a change in licence in the local paper, but you will have to provide proof of competence, good repute and financial standing if you are moving from a restricted to a standard licence.

Is there a right of appeal if my application is refused?

Yes. As with other decisions of the TC, you have the right of appeal to the Transport Tribunal. Full details of how to do this are found in part nine of Vosa's Goods Vehicle Operator Licensing Guide for Operators.

Is there any way of speeding up the process of adding extra vehicles?

Yes. You will need to write to your Traffic Area Office telling them why you need extra vehicles quickly or why you need a new operating centre. The TC may then give permission for you to go ahead on an interim licence, but you must have a full application in the system for any interim licence to be granted.

Do I need to tell the TC if there are any changes in my business?

Yes. You need to inform the TC in writing of any major change: for example if someone is taken on as a partner or director, if the business changes to a limited company or if there is any change in the correspondence address of the business. Similarly the TC needs to know if there is a change in the business name, if you are declared bankrupt or of any other major financial changes. You must also let the TC know if the nominated transport manager changes by filling in form GV80A, enclosing the professional competence certificates of the new manager.

More details

Full details of how you can change the vehicles on your licence, either individually or simply to add more vehicles, are available in part seven of the VOSA Guide for Goods Vehicles Operators (GV79).