HGV Operator Licence Support & Compliance
Helping Yorkshire based businesses obtain, maintain and protect their Operator’s Licence, both Restricted or National Licences.
Every company that operates HGV’s and lorries over 3500kg GVW needs to have an Operators Licence, unless they are exempt (see this link for exemptions – https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/exemptions). This is a permit issued by the Traffic Commissioner (see this link – https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/traffic-commissioners).
Operating HGVs comes with strict legal responsibilities. We support operators in obtaining, managing and maintaining their HGV Operator Licence, helping you stay compliant, inspection-ready and protected at all times. Acting as an external transport manager, we take care of the systems, records and oversight required to keep your licence secure — so you can focus on running your business.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Common questions we are asked about Shunter Training.
We provide both. Some operators need help with a specific issue, while others choose ongoing support where we act as their external transport manager and continuously monitor compliance.
Yes. We help ensure your systems, documentation and records are inspection-ready at all times, so visits are straightforward and stress-free rather than reactive and disruptive.
Non-compliance can result in enforcement action, including licence curtailment, suspension or revocation. In serious cases, operators may be called to a public inquiry. Ongoing compliance support significantly reduces this risk.
Operator licences are typically reviewed every five years and may be inspected at any time by the DVSA. Inspections assess compliance with maintenance, driver management and record-keeping requirements.
Yes. Having drivers does not remove the requirement for effective transport management. A qualified transport manager — internal or external — is essential to maintain compliance and protect your licence.
Yes. We support new operators with licence applications, ensuring all required information, systems and undertakings are in place before submission — reducing delays and the risk of refusal.
Yes. Whether you operate one vehicle or a full fleet, an operator licence is required unless a specific exemption applies. The same compliance standards apply regardless of fleet size.
The required time commitment depends on the size, complexity and risk profile of each operation. Expectations are set by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner and focus on whether the transport manager can demonstrate genuine, ongoing control of the operation.
Time must be sufficient to allow for regular involvement in vehicle maintenance systems, driver compliance, training oversight, record keeping and site visits. Larger or more complex fleets require a greater level of input than smaller operations.
We assess this carefully before providing support and allocate appropriate time to each client to ensure compliance standards are met and inspections are handled confidently.
Yes. When acting as an external transport manager, support must be provided in line with expectations set by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner to ensure effective oversight and road safety.
Rather than a fixed vehicle limit, the key consideration is whether sufficient time, control and involvement can be dedicated to each operator. This includes active oversight of vehicle maintenance, driver compliance, record keeping and safety systems.
For this reason, we carefully assess each operation before taking it on and only support a manageable number of operators and vehicles. This ensures every client receives the level of attention required to remain compliant and inspection-ready at all times.
