You must notify the Traffic Commissioner within 21 days and return the disc relating to that vehicle, together with your licence documents and vehicle list, so they can be changed.
If you are not adding a vehicle at that stage, a 'paid-for' credit space will be left on your licence for when you wish to add another vehicle later on.
You can do this by post using form GV80 or online.
What if I want to change the vehicles listed?
There are two methods available to you. If you are not registered for self-service then you can send your licence documents, together with the vehicle list and a completed form GV80. Discs for removed vehicles must be returned with the GV80.
If you prefer, the other quicker method is to register for online self-service.
What if I want to use more vehicles?
Your licence lists specified vehicles but also a figure for a maximum total of vehicles, which is normally slightly higher depending on what you applied for. The gap between these two figures is what is known as 'the margin'.
You are allowed to begin using extra vehicles straight away if you do not exceed your maximum vehicle allowance, but you must let the TC have details, either on form G80 or using the online self-service within 28 days of the new vehicles coming into your possession.
If, on the other hand, you want to exceed the maximum number of vehicles permitted on your licence, you must complete form GV81 and send it with an application fee to your Traffic Area Office at least nine weeks before you need the extra vehicles. This will constitute a major variation to your licence and will need advertising.
You will also need to provide details of your finances to the TC to demonstrate that you have the necessary financial standing for the number of vehicles you are applying for.
How do I change or add an operating centre?
Again, this is considered a major variation in your operator licence and you will have to complete form GV81. As with your original O-licence application, the TC will publish details of your application and you will have to advertise it in a newspaper circulating in the area of your proposed new operating centre. That application will then be subject to objections and representations in the same way that your original application was.
May I change the type of licence I have?
Yes, but such a move is also a major variation. For this you need to download form GV80A and apply at least nine weeks before you want the change to come into effect. You don’t have to advertise a change in licence in the local paper, but you will have to provide proof of competence, good repute and financial standing if you are moving from a restricted to a standard licence.
If granted you will not be charged a fee but all your licence documents and vehicle discs have to be returned so your documents can be amended. The change in licence type does not take effect until the application has been granted and the varied licence issued, unless interim authority has been given.
Can I appeal if my application is refused?
Yes. As with other decisions of the TC, you have the right of appeal to the Administrative Appeals Chamber of the Upper Tribunal (formerly the Transport Tribunal). Full details of how to do this are found on the government website.
Can I speed up the process of adding vehicles?
Yes. You will need to enclose a covering letter with your application telling the TC why you need extra vehicles quickly or why you need a new operating centre. The TC may then give permission for you to go ahead on an interim licence, but you must have a full application in the system for any interim licence to be granted.
Do I need to tell the TC of any business changes?
Yes. You need to inform the TC in writing of any major change: for example if someone is taken on as a partner or director, if the business changes to a limited company or if there is any change in the correspondence address of the business. Similarly the TC needs to know if there is a change in the business name, if you are declared bankrupt or of any other major financial changes.
You must also let the TC know if the nominated transport manager changes by filling in form GV80A, enclosing the professional competence certificates of the new manager.
It is also important to let the TC know if you have changed your maintenance provider or arrangements. These changes should be notified within 28 days of their occurrence.
More details
Full details of how you can change the vehicles on your licence, either individually or simply to add more vehicles, are available in part seven of the DVSA Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GV74).
Updated by Lucy Wood & Anton Balkitis
www.keepmeontheroad.co.uk
Freephone: 0800 046 3066
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