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  • Goods Vehicle Licensing: Legislation & Policy

    Topics:
    • Road users, 
    • Transport regulation

    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.

    • Practice Guidance and Instruction 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).

    • Taking a lorry abroad
    • International road haulage: operator licences and permits
    • Check if you need to register a trailer before towing it abroad

    Related content

    • Goods Vehicle Licensing: Practice Guidance Documents
    • Goods Vehicle Licensing: Regulation
    • New rules for international road haulage in 2022
    • Taxi Policy and Legislation
    • Transport Regulation Unit
    • Vehicle Special Orders issued under Article 60 of the Road Traffic (NI) Order 1995
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