Apply for a vehicle operator licence
After you apply
The Office of the Traffic Commissioner will review your application. They might ask you to provide more information to support your application.
If the Office of the Traffic Commissioner has concerns about your application, they could invite you to a public inquiry to help them make a decision.
Your application will also be made public and there may be an objection to your licence. If there’s an objection, you might have to attend a public inquiry.
After you apply online, you’ll usually get a decision within 7 weeks. It can take longer if you do not provide all the right supporting documents when you apply.
If your application is not approved
You can appeal if your application for an operator licence is refused. You have 1 month to apply for permission to appeal.
Find out how to appeal.
If your application is approved
You’ll receive your operator licence and you can legally operate your vehicles.
As a vehicle operator, you’ll need to:
- maintain your vehicles
- check your drivers have the correct licence and training
- tax your vehicles
- tell the Office of the Traffic Commissioner if you need to make changes to your operator licence, for example the number of vehicles on your licence
If you have a goods vehicle operator licence, you’ll have to pay a continuation fee every 5 years to keep your licence active.
If you have a public service vehicle operator licence, it will not have an expiry date. You’ll need to confirm your details every 5 years. You’ll need to pay a continuation fee if you’ve got a special restricted (taxi) licence.