This page highlights some of the policies and regulations that underpin the safe and sustainable operation of HGVs and provides links to further sources of information. Please note that this is not intended to be a comprehensive guide.
You need a goods vehicle operator’s licence if your business uses goods vehicles above a certain weight. Vehicle operator licensing is regulated by the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain. For further information see here.
You must also make sure that any drivers you use or employ have the correct licence and training. All vehicles that you use should be correctly taxed and kept safe and in good condition at all times. For further information, see here.
Goods vehicles with a gross weight of more than 3,500kg must take the annual test. The first test should be 12 months after the vehicle was first registered with DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). Further information is available here.
Professional lorry drivers need to hold a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC). Further information is available here.
If you employ or give work to foreign drivers, you should make sure they understand the rules for driving in the UK. The Highways Agency has produced guides for foreign HGV drivers in six languages.
If you drive a goods vehicle or a passenger-carrying vehicle you must follow the rules on how many hours you can drive and the breaks that you need to take. For further information, please see here.
As an employer, you must monitor your mobile workers’ working time (which includes driving) and make sure they don’t go over the limit. You must record working time and keep the records for at least two years. For further information, please see here.
Tachographs record information about driving time, speed and distance. They are used to make sure drivers and employers follow the rules on drivers’ hours. Further advice is available here.
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is being developed by Transport for London and will apply to HGVs operating in London. The standard assesses and rates how much a HGV driver can see directly from their cab in relation to other road users. For further information, please see here.
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