Licence

Goods vehicle operator licences

You need a goods vehicle operator’s licence if your business uses a goods vehicle with either a gross plated weight (the maximum weight that the vehicle can have at any one time) of over 3,500 kilograms (kg) or an unladen weight of more than 1,525 kg (where there is no plated weight). There are 3 different types of licence - what you need depends on where you transport goods to and from, and who you do it for.

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Types of goods licence

There are 3 types of goods operator’s licence.

Standard national licence

This licence means you can carry:

• your own goods in the UK and internationally

• other people’s goods in the UK

Standard international licence

This licence means you can carry your own goods, and other people’s goods, both in the UK and on international journeys.

After you get a standard international licence, you can also request the issue of a UK Licence for the Community.

Restricted licence

This licence allows you to carry your own goods, but not other people’s goods.

Further information and apply for a licence

An overview of the goods vehicle operator licensing system is available here

You can apply for a goods vehicle operator’s licence online.