Companies that use vehicles over a certain weight are required to hold a goods vehicle operator’s licence. If you operate a business that requires its goods vans to carry over 3,500 kilograms in weight (1,525 kilograms unladen weight) then you will need such a licence.
Dependant on what work you do, there are 3 types of licence that you may require:
1. Standard licence
This allows you to carry your own goods and other people’s goods around Great Britain. You will be allowed to transport loaded trailers to ports and back from ports if it is part of a larger international trip, but the vehicles will not be allowed to leave the country.
2. Standard licence – national/international
This licence allows to carry both your own and other peoples goods in Great Britainand internationally. With this licence you can request a community licence that enables you to travel between EU member countries.
3. Restricted licence
This licence allows you to carry your own goods only. Providing you pay your fee every 5yrs and adhere to the rules then this licence will just roll over and continue. You will need to let the licence agency know of any changes and make sure that they have the correct information.
If you need to transport goods outside the EU then you will need to contact the IRFO (International Road Freight Office).
You will also need to make sure that any drivers you employ or hire have the correct licences and training for a goods vehicle. Apart from a medical report, they will need to have passed theory and hazard perception tests and a practical driving test.
The theory test is made up of 2 parts and can be taken in either order. One is multiple choice and the other a hazard perception test. Once you have passed both of these parts you will receive a theory test number that you will need to provide before you can take the practical test. The theory test will be valid for 2yrs.
The practical part of the test will last around 90 minutes and an example of what it will include is as follows:
· How you deal with any hazards
· Giving appropriate signals
· Show that you are noticing and anticipating other road users’ movements
· Have control of your vehicles speed
· Choosing a safe place to stop the vehicle
· Show you can fully use the controls
· You can move away uphill and downhill- at an angle
· Correct use of the mirrors
· Reverse into a bay using the “S” shape manoeuvre
Lorry drivers will also need to pass the Driver CPC (Driver Certificate of Professional Competence) and will be called LGVs (Large Goods Vehicles) for licensing purposes. Any business needing a goods vehicle operator’s licence must also have appropriate insurance policies in place.
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