Goods Vehicle Licensing: Legislation & Policy

Topics:

If you drive a goods vehicle which is more than 3.5 tonnes in weight and it is used to carry goods as part of a trade or business, you are required by law to have a Goods Vehicle Operator's Licence.

Legislation

The most commonly referred to legislation for the licensing of operators of goods vehicles is listed below.

  • The Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010
  • The Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012
  • The Goods Vehicles (Enforcement Powers) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012
  • The Goods Vehicles (Qualification of Operators) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012
  • The Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) (Exemption) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012
  • The Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) (Fees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012
  • Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 (Access to the occupation of road transport operator)
  • Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009 (Common rules for access to the international road haulage market)

You may wish to obtain a copy of the Act or Regulations from the Stationery Office Limited (Tel: 0333 200 2425 / TSO shop).

Alternatively, electronic versions of the Act and Regulations can be viewed at: www.legislation.gov.uk

Policy

The statutory responsibilities of the Department for Infrastructure, in regard to the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act (Northern Ireland) are undertaken by Transport Regulation Unit. Those responsibilities along with associated guidance, are outlined within the Department’s Practice Guidance Documents.

Driving Abroad

Find out more about what commercial drivers may need to do to drive in the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA).

 

Related articles

Back to top