We do not want or expect a no deal scenario. But in the unlikely event of a ‘no deal’, you may need an ECMT permit to continue operating in the EU after 29 March 2019. Applying for permits  The application period ends in one week and you can apply any time before 11:59pm on Friday 21 December 2018. Permits [...]

Defenders UK profiles work of safety agencies Have you seen the new BBC 1 daytime series Defenders UK? It focuses on enforcement officers who work across the country to protect the public, including examiners conducting roadside checks for DVSA. The programme also features an interview with the Traffic Commissioner for Wales, Nick Jones. He talks [...]

A robust tyre management system is essential for any professional vehicle operator to ensure and compliance DVSA's revised guide to maintaining roadworthiness highlights taking a risk-based approach to tyre management. Whether you're ensuring tyre pressures are maintained or that on-site tyres are properly stored, the importance of adequate tyre management should never be underestimated. There's [...]

DVSA will be closed at times during Christmas 2018 and New Year 2019, but our online services and information will still be available. Find out about our Christmas and New Year opening hours, including opening times for: driving test centres DVSA vehicle test stations customer service centres the MOT testing service desk for testers You can [...]

The deal recently negotiated by the UK Government provides a framework for continued open transport access between the UK and EU for both businesses and consumers. We do not want or expect a no deal scenario. It is however the duty of a responsible Government to continue to prepare for a range of potential outcomes [...]

Joan Aitken criticises applicant who produced false documents to suggest he had a valid licence Traffic commissioners take their role as gatekeepers to the haulage, bus and coach industries very seriously. They know that compliant operators like you expect unscrupulous practices to be dealt with – because they can affect your business. Tackling the disreputable operators [...]

2019 financial levels confirmed for operators Revised criteria applies to existing haulage, bus and coach operators and new applicants The 2019 financial standing levels for standard operator licence holders and applicants have been confirmed. The rates will come into effect on 01 January 2019. 1st vehicle: £8000 (previously £7950) Each additional vehicle: £4450 (previously £4400) There will be no [...]

Today (30 November 2018) Highway Code rules 149, 150, 160 and 239 have been updated to provide more detailed advice on safely using remote control parking and motorway assist functions. This follows a consultation by the Department for Transport held in 2016 about using advanced driver assistance systems and automated vehicle technologies while driving. See the full [...]

Traffic Commissioner says regulatory action inevitable for non-compliant operator A recent public inquiry saw an operator have its licence taken away for not putting enough importance on the undertakings it agreed to when applying for the operator’s licence. The operator had vehicles stopped on three separate occasions – each time they were overloaded. Vehicles were being [...]

From the Office of the Traffic Commissioner: It’s rare in road haulage for someone to be genuinely self-employed unless they’re an owner-driver The way that some drivers are employed in the haulage industry continues to cause problems for operators. Take this example. A business recently advertised for a new driver and received 31 applications. 29 [...]