Get GV79 - Application For A Goods Vehicle Operator's Licence

You need a road haulage operator's licence if you are carrying goods for hire or reward in a vehicle or combination of vehicles where the maximum authorised weight is in excess of 3.5 (metric) tonnes. 'Hire or reward' haulage arises when you are paid for carrying someone else's goods.

One key difference is that in Northern Ireland there are no Traffic Commissioners. The person in Northern Ireland who discharges similar functions to the Traffic Commissioners in Great Britain is the head of the Transport Regulation Unit (TRU), part of the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment.

A transport manager is necessary if you hold a Standard National or Standard International Operator's Licence. This is because there is a requirement to show professional competence for both types of licence.

Chris Boardman MBE – Greater Manchester's Transport Commissioner.

If your licence application is successful, you will then have to pay a licensing fee of £449.00 which covers a period of five years. A fee of £449.00 is also payable at the end of the five year period if you wish to continue your existing licence. If you need an interim licence or direction, this will cost £68.00.

Restricted licence This licence allows you to carry your own goods, but not other people's goods. Your licence will continue to be valid as long as you pay your continuation fee every 5 years and operate within the terms of your licence.

Online application fee (see .rtol.ie): A standing fee of €70, plus a fee of €100 for each vehicle to be authorised on the Licence • Example – for a National licence application with 3 vehicles, the fee is €70 plus (€100 X 3) = €370 in total.

Purpose of Operator Licensing The main purpose of goods vehicle operator licensing is to ensure the safe and proper use of goods vehicles, ensure fair competition through a consistent application of the rules, and to protect the environment around operating centres.