If you hold a Standard National or International Operator's Licence, you must employ a qualified Transport Manager. For smaller operators, an external Transport Manager on a part-time basis is a cost-effective way to satisfy this requirement.

We recommend a comprehensive audit at least once a year. If you've had recent maintenance failures or prohibitions, an immediate audit is vital to identify and correct issues.

The Office of the Traffic Commissioner typically takes 7 to 12 weeks. Errors or incomplete submissions can delay this significantly, which is why expert review is critical.

Failing a DVSA investigation can lead to prohibitions, penalties, or referral to the Traffic Commissioner. The key is to act quickly — we help you implement corrective action plans and demonstrate that you take the issues seriously.

A Restricted licence allows you to carry your own goods only. A Standard National licence allows you to carry goods for hire or reward within Great Britain, and requires a professionally competent Transport Manager and demonstrated financial standing.

Your OCRS is based on DVSA records over time. Focus on robust maintenance systems, regular driver training, prompt defect rectification, and meticulous record-keeping. We can audit your systems and implement targeted improvements.

You must retain tachograph records for at least 12 months, including digital data from vehicle units and driver cards. You need a systematic download schedule — typically every 28 days for vehicles and 21 days for driver cards.

If you hold a Restricted licence, you don't need a named Transport Manager. For Standard licence holders with a small fleet, an external Transport Manager can provide the required professional competence on a part-time basis.