Do you know your Operator Licence Undertakings?

The Operator Licence undertakings help to ensure that your vehicles are safe and used appropriately, that there is a consistent application of the rules and that the local environment around your operating centre(s) is preserved.

The undertakings listed below are recorded on the company’s operator licence pursuant of the Goods Vehicle Licensing of Operators Act 1995.

Failure to comply with these undertakings recorded on the licence may result in the licence being revoked, suspended, or curtailed; and failure to comply with these conditions is also a criminal offence.

1. The laws relating to the driving and operation of vehicles used under this licence are observed;

2. The rules on drivers’ hours and tachographs are observed, proper records are kept and that these are made available on request;

3. Vehicles and trailers are not overloaded;

4. Vehicles operate within speed limits;

5. Vehicles and trailers, including hired vehicles and trailers, are kept in a fit and serviceable condition;

6. Drivers report promptly any defects or symptoms of defects that could prevent the safe operation of vehicles and/or trailers, and that any defects are recorded in writing;

7. Records are kept (for 15 months) of all driver reports which record defects, all safety inspections, routine maintenance and repairs to vehicles, and that these are made available on request;

8. In respect of each operating centre specified, that the number of vehicles and the number of trailers kept there will not exceed the maximum numbers authorised at each operating centre (which will be noted on the licence);

9. An unauthorised operating centre is not used in any traffic area;

10. Furthermore, I will notify the traffic commissioner of any convictions against myself, or the company, business partner(s), the company directors, nominated transport manager(s) named in this application, or employees or agents of the applicant for this licence and, if the licence is issued, convictions against the licence holder or employees or agents of the licence holder;

11. I will ensure that the traffic commissioner is notified within 28 days of any other changes, for example a change to the proposed maintenance arrangements; a change in the financial status of the licence holder (e.g. if placed in liquidation or receivership), or a change to Limited Company status or partnership, that might affect the licence, if issued.

Standard Licence holders only-

12. I must be able to prove that I have a formal arrangement for access at all times to at least one vehicle registered or in circulation in GB. This could be by specifying a vehicle for use under an O-licence or by demonstrating on request that I (the licence holder) have a vehicle available – so vehicles may be either wholly owned or held under a hire-purchase, hire/leasing arrangement or other type of formal arrangement.

13. I have an establishment in Great Britain (GB) with premises in which I keep core business documents. These include (as a minimum) accounting and personnel management documents and data on driving time and rest. I understand that the use of a PO Box or third-party address is not permitted.

Our Operator Licence Awareness Course can help answer any questions you may have about your Operator Licence Undertakings. Or our consultant David Cooper FCILT, MIRTE, MSOE can offer expert advice. Get in touch now!