Apply for a vehicle operator licence
Financial evidence
As part of your application, the Office of the Traffic Commissioner will calculate a sum of money based on how many vehicles you’ll use and what type of licence you need.
You must provide evidence that shows you have enough funds to cover this amount.
If you plan to expand your organisation, you must prove you have enough money for all the vehicles you’re planning to operate, not just the ones you’ll operate straight away.
How much money you need
Restricted licence
| Vehicle type | First vehicle | Each additional vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy goods | £3,100 | £1,700 |
| Passenger service | £3,100 | £1,700 |
Standard National licence
| Vehicle type | First vehicle | Each additional vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy goods | £8,000 | £4,500 |
| Passenger service | £8,000 | £4,500 |
Standard International licence
| Vehicle type | First vehicle | Each additional vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy goods | £8,000 | £4,500 |
| Light goods | £1,600 | £800 |
| Passenger service | £8,000 | £4,500 |
Types of evidence you can use
All financial documents should be in the same name as the person applying or the person holding the licence.
If your organisation is a partnership, the financial documents need to be in the names of one or more of the people in the partnership applying, or the licence holders.
If your organisation is a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), the funds must be held within the company.
If you’re a limited company, the organisation name and details you provide must match the details on Companies House or your application may be rejected.
You need to submit at least one of the following types of evidence:
- bank or building society account statements covering the last 28 days
- credit card accounts
- an opening balance
- formal written agreement from your bank of an agreed overdraft or credit facility
- invoice finance agreements
- audited accounts certified by someone who’s properly qualified
You’ll be contacted by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner if they need more information about the evidence you provide.