Transport Operator License
A good place to start, look at the several categories of vehicle that do not need an operator’s licence
Currently
Goods vehicles with operating centres in Northern Ireland that are being temporarily operated in Great Britain – provided that certain conditions are met.
Emergency services vehicles, such as those used by the police, fire and for ambulance purposes, vehicles for emergency use by water, electricity, gas and telephone companies, fire-fighting and rescue vehicles used in mines, and RNLI and Coastguard vehicles when they’re transporting lifeboats, appliances or crew.
Military and civil defence vehicles. This includes visiting forces vehicles, vehicles that local authorities use for Civil Defence purposes, and Crown vehicles.
Snow ploughs, road gritters and similar vehicles. This includes any vehicle that is being used for snow clearing or for spreading grit, salt or other materials on frosted, icebound or snow-covered roads, or is travelling to or from the place where it is to be used for that purpose.
Hearses.
Electrically-powered vehicles – where the vehicle’s electrical ‘drive’ power comes from outside the vehicle or from an electrical storage battery which is not connected to any source of power when the vehicle is in motion. Some ‘diesel-electric’ vehicles are unlikely to fit the exemption and may require an operator’s licence.
Recovery vehicles. This means any vehicle that is built or permanently adapted to lift, tow and transport a disabled vehicle. If your vehicle is not going to be used for recovering disabled vehicles from the roadside, you will need an operator’s licence.
For a full list of exempt vehicles, download the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency’s (VOSA’s) guide to operator licensing for goods vehicles (PDF, 295K) – Opens in a new window.
For independent advice visit www.gemdrive.co.uk/legal/