A UK Goods Vehicle Operators Licence is a special licence to ensure that operators of both HGV, LGV, PSV and PCV vehicles is done in a way that keeps the general public safe.
Typical examples of where a Goods Vehicle Operators Licence helps local authorities is aiding with environment protection and the prevention of crime were these types of vehicles maybe used.
The licence was first introduced back in 1995 as part of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995 however it has since been updated to be included in the recent Road Transport Operator Regulations 2011.
The passenger licence version was first introduced back in 1981 as part of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 however, like its Goods Vehicle sister licence, was updated to be included in the recent Road Transport Operator Regulations 2011.
Who enforces this licence? This type of licence is enforced by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, also known as VOSA.
VOSA was formed on 1st April 2003 following the merger of the Vehicle Inspectorate and the Traffic Area Network division of the Department for Transport.
VOSA was setup by the British Government to provide a range of services such as licensing, testing and criminal enforcement with the main objective of improving the standards of HGV vehicles and Passenger vehicles on British roads.
VOSA also has the task of being the 'middle man' between various road agencies, helping to liaise and co-ordinate legal proceedings with The Traffic Commissioners Department, Local Councils and the Police.
What are the different types of Goods Vehicle Operators Licence? There are 3 different versions of this licence, each with different restrictions for the holder.
These various types of licence are: Restricted Operators Licence: A Restricted Licence allows the holder to carry goods in the course of their business in Great Britain with a restricted licence.
This means the holder is not allowed to carry goods for other people, whether for hire or reward, even if no payment is made.
Standard National Operators Licence: A Standard Licence allows the holder to carry goods in Great Britain AND carry goods for other people for hire or reward in Great Britain.
However, a Standard National Operators Licence only allows the holder to carry goods to or from ports within Great Britain.
Standard International Operators Licence: A Standard International Licence allows the holder to carry goods and goods for other people for hire or reward, both in Great Britain and International.
Operators who are issued with international licences will also receive Community Authorisations, which are required for all hire or reward operations in, or through, European Community countries.
Typical examples of where a Goods Vehicle Operators Licence helps local authorities is aiding with environment protection and the prevention of crime were these types of vehicles maybe used.
The licence was first introduced back in 1995 as part of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995 however it has since been updated to be included in the recent Road Transport Operator Regulations 2011.
The passenger licence version was first introduced back in 1981 as part of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 however, like its Goods Vehicle sister licence, was updated to be included in the recent Road Transport Operator Regulations 2011.
Who enforces this licence? This type of licence is enforced by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, also known as VOSA.
VOSA was formed on 1st April 2003 following the merger of the Vehicle Inspectorate and the Traffic Area Network division of the Department for Transport.
VOSA was setup by the British Government to provide a range of services such as licensing, testing and criminal enforcement with the main objective of improving the standards of HGV vehicles and Passenger vehicles on British roads.
VOSA also has the task of being the 'middle man' between various road agencies, helping to liaise and co-ordinate legal proceedings with The Traffic Commissioners Department, Local Councils and the Police.
What are the different types of Goods Vehicle Operators Licence? There are 3 different versions of this licence, each with different restrictions for the holder.
These various types of licence are: Restricted Operators Licence: A Restricted Licence allows the holder to carry goods in the course of their business in Great Britain with a restricted licence.
This means the holder is not allowed to carry goods for other people, whether for hire or reward, even if no payment is made.
Standard National Operators Licence: A Standard Licence allows the holder to carry goods in Great Britain AND carry goods for other people for hire or reward in Great Britain.
However, a Standard National Operators Licence only allows the holder to carry goods to or from ports within Great Britain.
Standard International Operators Licence: A Standard International Licence allows the holder to carry goods and goods for other people for hire or reward, both in Great Britain and International.
Operators who are issued with international licences will also receive Community Authorisations, which are required for all hire or reward operations in, or through, European Community countries.
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