UK Goods Vehicle Operator Licence Services
We help goods vehicle operators across Great Britain with every stage of the Operator Licence lifecycle — from new O-licence application preparation through 5-year continuation renewals, variations, and ongoing monitoring. No card surcharge. Government fees passed through at cost.
Operator Licence services & pricing
Transparent, fixed-fee pricing. All government fees are passed through at cost with no markup. We never surcharge card payments.
O-Licence Application Preparation
New or upgrade application for a Restricted, Standard National, or Standard International goods vehicle Operator Licence. We prepare the GV79, financial standing evidence, maintenance arrangements, and transport manager details.
- ✓ GV79 application prepared & reviewed
- ✓ Financial standing evidence guidance
- ✓ Maintenance arrangements documentation
- ✓ Transport Manager CPC details handled
5-Year Continuation Renewal
Required every 5 years to keep your licence active. We verify your details, confirm financial standing and maintenance provision, and file the continuation before the deadline.
- ✓ Continuation filing prepared & submitted
- ✓ Details verified against VOL register
- ✓ Financial standing & maintenance confirmed
- ✓ Deadline tracking & reminders
Variation / Change Filing
Add or remove vehicles, change an operating centre, update directors or partners, or vary licence conditions. We prepare and submit the GV81 on your behalf.
- ✓ GV81 variation form prepared
- ✓ Vehicle add / remove, centre changes
- ✓ Director / partner updates
- ✓ Submitted to the Traffic Commissioner
O-Licence Monitoring
Ongoing compliance monitoring: driver hours, maintenance records, Transport Manager performance, and renewal reminders. Keeps you audit-ready for DVSA and Public Inquiries.
- ✓ Driver hours & tachograph review
- ✓ Maintenance record checks
- ✓ Transport Manager performance tracking
- ✓ Renewal & continuation reminders
All prices in GBP. No card surcharge applied (prohibited under UK PSD2). Government fees are passed through at cost.
Why you need an Operator Licence
If you operate goods vehicles above 3.5 tonnes for business purposes in Great Britain, an Operator Licence (O-licence) is a legal requirement.
The O-licence obligation
You must hold a goods vehicle Operator Licence if you use vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (3,500 kg) gross plated weight for the carriage of goods in connection with a trade or business. This applies to hire-and-reward operators (Standard National or Standard International licences) and own-account operators carrying their own goods (Restricted licence). Operating without a valid licence is a serious offence.
The 5-year continuation cycle
Every Operator Licence must be continued every 5 years. The Traffic Commissioner issues a continuation invitation roughly 9 months before your licence expires. If you miss the continuation deadline, your licence may be revoked — meaning your vehicles cannot legally operate. We track your renewal date and file the continuation well in advance.
Transport Manager CPC requirement
Standard National and Standard International licences require a professionally competent Transport Manager holding a valid CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) in Road Haulage. The Transport Manager must be named on the licence and have a genuine, continuing link to the operation. We help you meet this requirement, whether you appoint an internal or external Transport Manager.
Financial standing
To obtain or continue a Standard licence, you must demonstrate financial standing — proof that you have sufficient funds to run your operation properly. The required amount depends on the number and type of vehicles authorised. For Standard International, the rate is currently £8,100 for the first vehicle and £4,500 for each additional vehicle. We guide you through assembling the correct evidence.
DVSA & Traffic Commissioner fees (pass-through)
These government fees are charged at cost — we add no markup. They are separate from our service fees shown above.
| Government fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £257 |
| Grant of licence | £401 |
| 5-year continuation | £401 |
| Interim licence | £68 |
Fees are set by the Traffic Commissioners and are subject to change. We always bill the prevailing government rate at cost.
Ready to get your O-licence sorted?
Order online in minutes, or check your current licence status free first.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about Operator Licences in the UK.
Do I need an operator licence? ▾
You need a goods vehicle Operator Licence if you use a vehicle — or a combination of vehicle and trailer — with a gross plated weight over 3.5 tonnes to carry goods in connection with a trade or business. There are three types: Restricted (carrying your own goods), Standard National (hire-and-reward within Great Britain), and Standard International (hire-and-reward including international journeys). Not sure which you need? Use our free checker.
How much does an operator licence cost? ▾
The government (Traffic Commissioner) fees are £257 for the application and £401 for the grant of the licence. An interim licence (to start operating sooner) is an additional £68. Every 5 years, a continuation costs £401. Our service fees start at £269 for application preparation and £199 for continuation renewals. We pass all government fees through at cost with no markup.
How often do I need to renew? ▾
An Operator Licence must be continued every 5 years. The Traffic Commissioner will send you a continuation invitation approximately 9 months before your current licence is due to expire. You must complete the continuation process before the deadline or risk having your licence revoked. We track renewal dates and file continuations on your behalf.
What is a Transport Manager? ▾
A Transport Manager is the person named on a Standard National or Standard International Operator Licence who holds a valid CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) in Road Haulage. They are responsible for the operation's compliance with driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and licensing rules. The Transport Manager must have a genuine, continuous link to the operation and may be internal (an employee) or external (a contracted professional).
What is financial standing? ▾
Financial standing is proof that you have sufficient funds to maintain your vehicles and run your operation lawfully. It is required for Standard National and Standard International licences. The amount depends on the type of licence and the number of vehicles authorised. Current rates are £8,100 for the first vehicle and £4,500 for each additional vehicle on a Standard International licence (lower for Standard National). Evidence can include bank statements, overdraft facilities, or financial guarantees.
Disclaimer: Performance West Ltd is not the Traffic Commissioner or DVSA. We are an independent transport compliance consultancy. Government fees are passed through at cost with no markup. Card surcharges are not applied (prohibited under UK PSD2). This page does not constitute legal advice.