Private (personalised) number plates

Overview

You can buy a private (personalised) registration for your vehicle’s number plates from DVLA or from a private dealer.

If you have the right to a private number that is not currently being used, you can apply to assign it (put it on) to a vehicle.

Take a private number off (‘retention’)

If you do not want to use your private number (a private number) anymore you can apply to take it (a private number) off your vehicle. You can keep the number (a private number) (put it (a private number) ‘on retention’) to use later.

You’ll get a V778 retention document proving you still have the right to use the number (a private number).

Selling a private number

You can also sell your private number (a private number) if you do not want to use it (a private number) anymore.

If you’re selling your private number (a private number) online, do not share a scan or photograph of the V750 or V778 document. Someone other than the buyer might use it (a private number) to put the private number (a private number) on another vehicle.

Transfer a private number

To transfer a private number from one vehicle to another, you need to:

Take it (a private number) off the vehicle you’re transferring it (a private number) from.

Assign it (a private number) to the vehicle you’re transferring it (a private number) to (one vehicle).

You can also do this (Transfer) by post using form V317.

Buy a private number

Buy from DVLA

You can buy new numbers from DVLA Personalised Registrations.

Buying at DVLA auctions

There are auctions across the country about 5 times a year. You can see a list of the numbers coming up for auction.

You can bid in person, by phone, in writing or online.

You’ll get a V750 certificate of entitlement once you’ve paid for the private (personalised) number. This is to prove that you have the right to put the number on a vehicle (‘assign’ it).

Buying from a private dealer or person

You can buy a private number from a dealer or from another person.

Most dealers will transfer the number (a private number) to your vehicle for you. If you want to keep or assign the number (a private number) yourself, ask the dealer if you can have the V750 or V778 (the V750 or V778 document).

Assign a private number to a vehicle

To assign a private (personalised) number to a vehicle, you need one of the following:

a V778 retention document

a V750 certificate of entitlement

an online reference number

You get one of these when you either buy a number or take a number from another vehicle you own.

Eligibility

You cannot:

assign a number starting with ‘Q’ or ‘NIQ’

put a private number on a ‘Q’ registered vehicle

use a private number that makes a vehicle look newer than it is - for example, an ‘07’ registration number on a 2003 registered vehicle

The vehicle (a vehicle) must:

be registered with DVLA in the UK

be able to move under its (a vehicle) own power

be of a type that needs an MOT or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) test certificate

have been taxed or had a SORN in place continuously for the past 5 years

be taxed currently (or have a SORN in place - if it (a vehicle)’s had a SORN for more than 5 years, it (a vehicle) must be taxed)

be available for inspection

DVLA will check your application and contact you if your vehicle needs an inspection.

Apply to assign a number

If the vehicle (a vehicle) is:

registered to you - apply online or by post

a used vehicle you just bought - wait for DVLA to send you a new V5C in your name before you apply online or by post

brand new - give the dealer your V750 or V778 document and ask them to apply

registered to someone else and you want the private number to be transferred to them - apply online or by post

It’s free to apply online or by post. You need the vehicle’s log book (V5C).

If you already have a private number on your vehicle, apply to take it off first. You could lose the right to use the number if you do not.

Apply online

The number will be assigned immediately if your vehicle does not need an inspection. Be ready to put new number plates on the vehicle (your vehicle) as soon as you’ve applied.

Assign a number online

This service is open from 7am to 7pm. It’s also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Apply by post

It is taking longer than usual to process paper applications because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Send all of the following documents to DVLA:

the completed V750 or V778 - the address is on the form

the vehicle’s (your vehicle) log book (V5C) or green ‘new keeper’ slip with a completed V62 ‘application for a vehicle registration certificate V5C’

If you’re assigning the number to someone else’s vehicle, add them as a ‘nominee’ - complete section 2 of the V750 or V778.

To tax your vehicle at the same time, include all of the following:

a V10 ‘application for vehicle tax’ form

the right amount of vehicle tax

an MOT certificate

After you assign a private number

You’ll be sent:

a new log book (V5C) - it can take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive

your original MOT back (if you sent it to tax the vehicle)

You must put new number plates on the vehicle before you drive it.

You can keep the original registration number and plates - they’ll be reassigned to the vehicle when you take off the private number (a private number).

You must not sell or get rid of a vehicle until you get the new log book (V5C) (a new log book (V5C)).

Who to tell about your new registration number

You must tell your insurance company.

Update your registration number for any automatic payment accounts you have, for example to pay:

the Congestion Charge

the Low Emission Zone Charge

the Ultra Low Emission Zone Charge

the Dart Charge

charges for driving in Clean Air Zones

You may get a penalty charge if you do not update your registration details and enter one of these zones (Clean Air Zones).

If your vehicle has Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation scheme certification, you also need to tell them your new registration number.

Take a private number off a vehicle

You can apply to take a private (personalised) number off a vehicle if you want to either:

keep the number (a private (personalised) number) to use later

assign it (a private (personalised) number) to another vehicle

You cannot keep a number starting with ‘Q’ or ‘NIQ’.

The vehicle’s (a vehicle) original registration number is usually reassigned to it (a vehicle) automatically when you take off a private number.

If your application is successful you’ll be sent a V778 retention document and a new log book (V5C).

You must have your V778 and new log book (the original registration number and plates) before you scrap or sell your vehicle - otherwise you’ll lose the right to use the private number (a private number).

Eligibility

The vehicle must:

be registered with DVLA in the UK

be able to move under its (The vehicle) own power

be of a type that needs an MOT or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) test certificate

have been taxed or had a SORN in place continuously for the past 5 years

be available for inspection

DVLA will check your application and contact you if your vehicle needs an inspection.

Apply to take off a number

You can apply online or by post. It costs £80. You must have the vehicle’s log book (V5C).

If the vehicle (a vehicle)’s not in your name, you have to apply by post.

Apply online

The number (a number) will be removed immediately if your vehicle (a vehicle) does not need an inspection.

You can assign the number (a number) to another vehicle as soon as you’ve applied to take it (a number) off - use the reference number you get after you apply.

Take off a number online

This service is open from 7am to 7pm. It’s also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Apply by post

It is taking longer than usual to process paper applications because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Send all of the following to DVLA:

a V317 ‘transfer or retain a vehicle registration number’ form - the address is on the form

the vehicle’s log book (V5C) or green ‘new keeper’ slip with a completed V62 ‘application for a vehicle registration certificate V5C’

the £80 transfer fee

To tax your vehicle at the same time, send all of the following:

a V10 ‘application for vehicle tax’ form

the right amount of vehicle tax

an MOT certificate

After you apply

Your original number plate will usually be reassigned to your vehicle automatically, if your application is successful. This will happen straight away.

You’ll be sent:

a new log book (V5C) showing the vehicle’s (a vehicle) replacement registration number - it can take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive

your original MOT back (if you sent it to tax the vehicle (a vehicle))

a V778 retention document if the private number is in your name

If the private number is in someone else’s name, the V778 document (a V778 retention document) will be sent to them.

Before you can drive your vehicle, you must:

put the original or new number plates on the vehicle (your vehicle) before you drive it (your vehicle)

tell your insurance company your new registration number

Who to tell about your new registration number

You must tell your insurance company.

Update your registration number for any automatic payment accounts you have, for example to pay:

the Congestion Charge

the Low Emission Zone Charge

the Ultra Low Emission Zone Charge

the Dart Charge

charges for driving in Clean Air Zones

What happens to the private number

Your V778 retention document (a V778 retention document) proves that you still have the right to assign the private number for the next 10 years.

You must renew your right to use a private number before the V778 expires.

You can give up your right to use the private number (a private number) if you decide not to assign it.

Renew or replace your private number (the private number)

You must renew your right to use your private (personalised) number every 10 years if it’s not being used on a vehicle. If you got your private number (the private number) before 2015, you must renew it (the private number) more often - check your V750 or V778 document.

You’ll permanently lose the right to use the number (the private number) if you do not renew it (the private number) before the expiry date. DVLA will not accept applications made after that date.

Renew your V750 certificate of entitlement or V778 retention document

You can apply to renew your V750 or V778 (your V750 certificate of entitlement or V778 retention document) up to 28 days before it (your V750 certificate of entitlement or V778 retention document) expires. Do not apply earlier than this or your application may be refused.

You’ll get a reminder letter or email if you’re not using a private number and your right to use it is about to run out.

You can renew it (the private number) for up to 10 years, and it does not cost anything to do.

Renew your V750 (V750) online

You can renew your V750 (V750) by creating a DVLA personalised registration account or by using your existing account.

Renew by post

Fill in the form on the V750 or V778 (your V750 certificate of entitlement or V778 retention document).

Send the V750 or V778 (your V750 certificate of entitlement or V778 retention document) to the address on the form (the form on the V750 or V778 (your V750 certificate of entitlement or V778 retention document)).

Replace a lost or stolen V750 or V778

You can send a letter to DVLA Personalised Registrations to ask for a replacement V750 or V778 if:

it (the private number) has not expired

you’re the person with the right to use the number (the private number) (your name will have been on the V778 or V750 (your V750 or V778 document) as the ‘grantee’)

It’ll take around 3 to 4 weeks for the new V750 or V778 (a replacement V750 or V778) to arrive.

If your address or name has changed

You’ll need to include an extra document with your letter.

If your address has changed, include proof of your identity. This (an extra document) can be a copy of:

a household bill sent to you in the last 3 months

your Council Tax bill for this year

a bank or building society statement sent to you in the last 3 months

a medical card

your current British driving licence

your passport

your birth certificate

If your name has changed, include proof of your name change. This (an extra document) can be a copy of:

your marriage certificate

the decree nisi or decree absolute from your divorce

a deed poll to show you’ve changed your name legally

Sell or give a private number to someone else

You can sell or give a private (personalised) number to someone. The number must be assigned to their vehicle before they can use it.

If you’re giving a number to someone, follow the steps for assigning your private number to someone else.

Selling your private number

You can use a private number dealer or sell your number (your private number) yourself.

Do not share a photograph or scan of the V750 or V778 document (an extra document). Someone other than the buyer might use it (an extra document) to put the private number (your private number) on another vehicle.

Use a private number dealer

Most dealers will find a buyer, arrange the payment and transfer the number (your private number) to the buyer’s vehicle for you.

Sell your private number yourself

After you find a buyer, you’ll need to assign your number (a private (personalised) number) to their vehicle. Follow the steps for assigning your private number to someone else.

Assign your private number to someone else

You can put your private number on someone else’s vehicle online or by post.

After that (put), DVLA will send a replacement log book for the vehicle (someone else’s vehicle) but with the new private number assigned to it (someone else’s vehicle).

Online

You’ll need details from:

the log book (V5C) of the vehicle you’re assigning the number (your private number) to

your V778 or V750

The number (your private number) will usually be assigned immediately.

Assign a number online

This service is open from 7am to 7pm. It’s also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

By post

Send DVLA:

your V778 or V750 form - fill in sections 1 and 2 and sign it first

the log book (V5C) for the vehicle you want to put the private number (your private number) on

The address is on the form (your V778 or V750 form).

If the nominee dies

The person who has the right to use the private number (your private number) can change the ‘nominee’ (the person you’re giving the number (your private number) to). Fill in section 2 of the V750 or V778 with the new nominee’s details, sign the form (your V778 or V750 form) and send it (your V778 or V750 form) to:

Change your name or address

You can change your address or name on your V750 or V778 certificate.

Change your address online - V750 only

Use your DVLA personalised registration account.

Change your address by post - V750 or V778

Fill in the ‘change of address’ section on your V750 or V778 (your V750 or V778 certificate). Sign it (your V778 or V750 form) and send it (your V778 or V750 form) to DVLA Personalised Registrations.

If you do not have your V750 or V778 (your V750 or V778 certificate)

Write a letter saying what your new address is. Sign it and send it to DVLA Personalised Registrations with proof of your identity. This can be a copy of:

a household bill sent to you in the last 3 months

your Council Tax bill for this year

a bank or building society statement sent to you in the last 3 months

a medical card

your current British driving licence

your passport

your birth certificate

Change your name - V750 or V778

You can only change your name by post. You’ll need proof of your name change - this can be a copy of:

your marriage certificate

the decree nisi or decree absolute from your divorce

a deed poll to show you’ve changed your name legally

Fill in the ‘nominee details’ section on your V750 or V778 (your V750 or V778 certificate). Sign it and send it to DVLA Personalised Registrations with proof of your name change.

Write a letter saying what your new name is. Sign it and send it to DVLA Personalised Registrations with proof of your name change.

Fix mistakes

Write a letter saying what the mistakes are. Send it with the V750 or V778 (your V750 or V778 certificate) to DVLA Personalised Registrations.

Give up your right to use a private number

You might get a refund of £80 if you have the right to use a private number but you decide not to assign it to a vehicle.

This (a refund of £80) refunds the £80 fee you paid when you either:

bought the number (a private number) (the fee (a refund of £80) was included in the cost)

took the number (a private number) off a vehicle

You can apply for a refund if:

the number (a private number) was not assigned to any vehicle after you paid the fee (a refund of £80)

you have the latest V778 or V750 document - if you’ve lost it and it’s still valid you can get a replacement from DVLA (DVLA Personalised Registrations)

If the document (the latest V778 or V750 document) was issued before 9 March 2015, you can only get a refund once it (the latest V778 or V750 document) expires. You cannot get a replacement document if it’s expired.

Tick the ‘Give up the right to this registered number (surrender)’ section of the V778 or V750 document (the latest V778 or V750 document), sign it (the latest V778 or V750 document) and send it (a private number) to:

You cannot use the private number (a private number) after you give up your right to it (a private number).

There’s a different process if the person with the right to use the private number (a private number) has died.

If the person with the right to use the private number (a private number) dies

If someone has died and left you a personalised number in their will, or you’re in charge of the will (an ‘executor’), you can:

keep the private number (a private number)

transfer it (a private number) to another vehicle

put it (a private number) in someone else’s name

give up the right to use the number (a private number) (you can apply for a refund)

To do this, you’ll need to send a form to DVLA (DVLA Personalised Registrations), along with documents that prove you have the right to use the number (a private number).

Prove you’ve got the right to use the number (a private number)

You must send DVLA (DVLA Personalised Registrations) the death certificate when you send in your form (a form). The death certificate can be an original or a certified copy.

You must also send at least one of the following:

a certified copy of probate

a copy of the will (their will)

a letter from the solicitor confirming who the executors are or next of kin is

Keep or transfer the number (a private number), or give it (a private number) to someone else

Which form you send depends on whether the number (a private number) is already on (‘assigned to’) a vehicle.

If the number (a private number) is already assigned to a vehicle

Fill in:

the V317 form (if you have an old blue form, fill in section 2)

section 2 if you have a new style log book (with multi-coloured numbered blocks on the front cover) or section 6 if you have the older style log book

Make sure you include the details of the person you want to transfer the number (a private number) to, for example an executor or next of kin.

It costs £80.

If the number (a private number) has not been assigned to a vehicle

Send the documents that prove you’ve got the right to use the number (a private number) and either the:

V778 retention document

V750 certificate of entitlement form

The executors must sign the V778 or V750 before you send it (a private number).

You must also send a covering letter from the executors saying if you want to:

keep the number (a private number)

give the number (a private number) to someone else

If you do not have the V778 or V750

Send DVLA (DVLA Personalised Registrations):

the documents that prove you have the right to use the number (a private number)

a covering letter signed by all the executors (the executors) confirming that you do not have the forms, and explaining what you want to do with the number (a private number)

Give up your right to use the private number (a private number)

You might be able to get a refund of the £80 assignment fee if:

a private number was not assigned to a vehicle after the fee (the £80 assignment fee) was paid

Check the V778 or V750 document (the latest V778 or V750 document) to find out if a fee was paid.

If the document (the latest V778 or V750 document) was issued before 9 March 2015, you can only get a refund once it (the latest V778 or V750 document) expires. You cannot get a replacement document if it (the latest V778 or V750 document)’s expired.

Send DVLA:

the V778 or V750 document (the latest V778 or V750 document) - tick the ‘Refund of the assignment fee (the £80 assignment fee)’ section and get all the executors (the executors) to sign it

If you do not have the V778 or V750 (the latest V778 or V750 document)

Send DVLA:

the documents that prove you have the right to use the number

a covering letter signed by the all the executors (the executors) confirming that you do not have the forms, and explaining what you want to do with the number (a private number)


Boatmasters' licence

Check if you need a licence

You must have a boatmasters’ licence if you’re the master of certain vessels on:

inland waters in categories A to D, such as canals, rivers, lakes and some estuaries

‘limited’ coastal area operations - no more than 5 miles from the land and 15 miles from where your vessel sets off or arrives

You may be prosecuted and fined for not having the right boatmasters’ licence.

Find out what types and class of vessels can operate on UK inland waters.

When you do not need a licence

You do not need a boatmasters’ licence if you’re in charge of:

a pleasure vessel, including hire boats used as pleasure vessels

fishing vessels

Using alternative certificates

Some certificates can be used instead of a boatmasters’ licence, including STCW certificates of competency and certificates awarded by the Royal Yachting Association.

If you have an alternative certificate, you must:

check if you need a paper endorsement or a boat handling test - read sections 3 and 4 of the boatmasters’ qualifications and hours of work notice

download and fill in the application form and send it to your nearest marine office

pay the right fees

Before you apply

Read the boatmasters’ qualifications and hours of work notice to find out:

which vessels you need a boatmasters’ licence for

what kinds of boatmasters’ licence you can apply for

what you need to apply for a boatmasters’ licence

what you need to revalidate a boatmasters’ licence

alternative qualifications you can have instead of a boatmasters’ licence

information on local knowledge requirements

You should also:

keep records of relevant work and training for your licence application

check for local regulations, such as byelaws that you may need to know

check that you have safety training from an approved training provider

How to apply

You’ll need to:

read the boatmasters’ qualifications and hours of work notice

download the application form for a boatmasters’ licence (the application form)

pay the right fees

Replacing your licence

Download the application form for a replacement boatmasters’ licence.

Replacing your licence costs £23.

Renewing your licence

Your boatmasters’ licence (your licence) usually lasts 5 years.

Renewing your licence costs £31.

Download the boatmasters’ licence renewal application form. Send it to the address on the form.

Upgrading your licence

Download the form to upgrade your licence, or add another area to your licence.

The fee for upgrading your licence can vary.

Exemptions under the 2006 Boatmasters' Regulations

You need to apply for a ‘Tier 2 Level 2’ licence before your exemption expires if you want to keep working. This will cover all the areas described on your exemption certificate.

You may be prosecuted and fined for not having the right boatmasters’ licence when your exemption (your exemption certificate) expires.

How to apply

If you have an exemption certificate (your exemption certificate) and want to continue working, you must:

check if you can apply for a Tier 2 boatmasters’ licence by reading section 22 of the boatmasters’ qualifications and hours of work notice

download and fill in the application form (the boatmasters’ licence renewal application form) and send it (the boatmasters’ licence renewal application form) to your nearest marine office

pay the right fees


Taking a vehicle out of the UK

For 12 months or more

You must tell DVLA if you’re taking your vehicle out of the UK, including to the Channel Islands (Jersey and Guernsey), Isle of Man or Ireland, for 12 months or more.

This (taking) is known as permanent export. You’ll need to:

Fill in the ‘permanent export’ section of your vehicle log book (V5C) and detach it from the log book.

Send the completed ‘permanent export’ section to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD (DVLA). Include a letter if you’ve moved abroad and want your vehicle tax refund (if you’re entitled to one) sent to your new address.

Keep the rest of your log book (V5C) - you need it to register your vehicle in the country you’re taking it to.

Update the address on your driving licence if you’re moving home.

If you’re due a refund, it will take longer than usual because of coronavirus (COVID-19). The refund is worked out from the date DVLA gets your ‘permanent export’ section (your vehicle log book (V5C)).

If you’re buying a vehicle to take abroad make sure the seller follows the correct process for vehicles that will be registered in another country. They must give you the full log book (V5C) - not just the new keeper slip.

If you do not have a vehicle log book (V5C)

Before you leave the UK

You need to get a vehicle log book (V5C) before you leave the UK. DVLA cannot send a vehicle log book to an address outside the UK.

When you get your log book (your vehicle log book (V5C)), fill in and send the ‘permanent export’ section (your vehicle log book (V5C)) to DVLA.

It will take longer than usual to get your V5C log book because of coronavirus (coronavirus (COVID-19)). If you do not receive it before you leave the UK, contact the driving authority of the country you’re travelling to to find out what documents you need.

If you’ve already left the UK

Contact the driving authority of the country you’re taking the vehicle (your vehicle) to (the country you’re taking it to). They (the driving authority of the country you’re travelling to)’ll tell you what documents you’ll need to provide to register the vehicle (your vehicle) there.

You also need to send a letter to DVLA to tell them (DVLA) you’ve taken the vehicle (your vehicle) out of the country (the country you’re taking it to). Include:

your name and address

where DVLA can send the vehicle tax refund (if you’re entitled to one)

If you cannot get a vehicle log book (V5C)

Contact the driving authority of the country you’re taking the vehicle (your vehicle) to - they (the driving authority of the country you’re travelling to)’ll tell you how to register your vehicle.

Send a letter to DVLA to tell them (DVLA) you’ve taken the vehicle (your vehicle) out of the country (the country you’re taking it to). Include:

your name and address

If the ‘permanent export’ section is missing

If the ‘permanent export’ section is not in the log book (your vehicle log book (V5C)), send a letter to DVLA to tell them (DVLA) you’ve taken the vehicle (your vehicle) out of the country (the country you’re taking it to). Include:

your name and address

the date you took the vehicle (your vehicle) out of the country (the country you’re taking it to)

Moving your vehicle between Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Fill in the change of address section in your log book (your vehicle log book (V5C)) and send it to DVLA.

Personalised registrations

You’ll need to transfer or retain your personalised registration before exporting your vehicle. Otherwise you’ll lose your right to the registration number.

For less than 12 months

You must take your vehicle log book (V5C) with you if you’re taking your vehicle abroad for less than 12 months. You may have to show it if you’re stopped at a port or while driving abroad.

Your V5C (your vehicle log book (V5C)) must show your most recent address in the UK.

Apply in advance if you need to get a V5C or update your V5C (your vehicle log book (V5C)) before you travel. It will take longer than usual to get your new V5C because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

UK law still applies to a UK-registered vehicle if you take it abroad for less than 12 months. That means you need to make sure:

your vehicle is taxed in the UK while it’s abroad

you have a current MOT

you have insurance

You’ll also need to make sure you meet any international or national conditions for licensing and taxation.

Check if you need to pay import duty

You may need to pay import duty on your vehicle if you take it outside the UK.  Check with the authorities in the country you’re taking your vehicle to.

You do not need to pay import duty to take your vehicle from Northern Ireland to Great Britain or the EU.

If you’re going to a non-EU (the EU) country that charges duty, you can buy a CPD Carnet. This lets you take your vehicle into the country (the country you’re taking your vehicle to) temporarily without paying duty. It can also make crossing the border simpler.

You’ll have to pay a fee and a deposit. You usually get the carnet (a CPD Carnet) within 4 weeks of applying.

Taking a vehicle to Liechtenstein, Mexico or Somalia

You must take an International Certificate for Motor Vehicles (ICMV) with you as well as your V5C.

Apply for an ICMV.

Bringing your vehicle back untaxed

If you bring your vehicle back to the UK untaxed you cannot drive it back into the UK - it’ll have to be transported and a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) must be made straight away.

Taking hired or leased vehicles abroad temporarily

You’ll need a VE103 vehicle on hire certificate to show you’re allowed to use a hired or leased vehicle if you’re driving it abroad.

You can get a VE103 (a VE103 vehicle on hire certificate) for a fee from the:

British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA)

Logistics UK

RAC Motoring Services

Road Haulage Association (RHA)

Taxes if you buy a new vehicle to take abroad

If you buy a new or used vehicle to take out of the UK, you might not have to pay UK VAT or vehicle taxes such as the registration fee.

What you pay and how you pay it depends on where you’re exporting to and from.

Export your vehicle with the Personal Export Scheme

You may be able to use the Personal Export Scheme to take a new or used vehicle:

from Great Britain to anywhere outside the UK

from Northern Ireland to a non-EU (the EU) country

When you buy a new vehicle and export under the scheme (the Personal Export Scheme), you do not pay UK VAT. But you still have to pay vehicle taxes and the registration fee.

You must be planning to leave the UK for at least 6 months with the vehicle (a new vehicle). You usually have to be personally driving your vehicle (a new vehicle).

What you need to do

Fill in form VAT 410 (your supplier will give you a copy) and give it to your supplier.

You can drive the vehicle (a new vehicle) in the UK for up to 6 months after the delivery date (or 12 months for non-UK and non-EU (the EU) residents) - it (a new vehicle) must then be exported.

The date for export of the vehicle (a new vehicle) is shown on the VX302 (for new cars) or the VAT 410 (for used cars).

After export send the DVLA the:

VX302 - new vehicles

V5C - second-hand vehicles

If you do not export the vehicle (a new vehicle) on time you’ll have to pay the UK VAT.

Export your vehicle from Northern Ireland to the EU

If you buy a new vehicle in Northern Ireland to take to an EU (the EU) country, you do not have to pay UK VAT if you:

take the vehicle (a new vehicle) out of the UK within 2 months

do not drive the vehicle (a new vehicle) in the UK unless you register and tax it (a new vehicle)

Your supplier will get you to fill in form VAT 411.

You’ll have to declare your vehicle and pay VAT (UK VAT) in the other country when you get there.


Drivers' hours

Overview

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.

There are 3 sets of rules that could apply to your journey:

EU rules

AETR rules

GB domestic rules

The rules that apply depend on:

the type of vehicle you’re driving

which country you’re driving in

If you drive under the EU or GB domestic drivers’ hours rules, you also need to follow the working time rules.

If you’re an employer of drivers or mobile workers there are more rules you must follow.

There are different drivers’ hours rules in Northern Ireland.

If you do not follow the rules (the EU or GB domestic drivers’ hours rules)

If you break the drivers’ hours rules, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) can give you:

a verbal warning, for minor offences made by accident or because of inexperience

an offence rectification notice, for offences which are not a risk to road safety - you’ll have 21 days to fix the issue

a prohibition notice, for serious or dangerous offences - you must stop a dangerous activity or start following the regulations

a fine or points on your licence (a ‘fixed penalty’) – the amount depends on how serious the offence is

You can be prosecuted for very serious or multiple offences.

DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) can give you further penalties (such as an improvement or prohibition notice) if you also break the working time rules.

You can ask for an emergency exemption from the rules (the EU or GB domestic drivers’ hours rules). Read the guidance on emergency exemption and temporary relaxation of drivers’ hours and working time rules.

Drivers’ hours checklists

You can also print out the ‘Staying legal’ checklists, which cover the basic rules:

Staying legal - the basics (HGV drivers)

Staying legal - the basics (PSV drivers)

Rules for employers

If you employ drivers or other mobile workers, you must:

keep drivers’ hours records for at least one year

make sure they (drivers’) are properly trained and understand the rules (the EU or GB domestic drivers’ hours rules)

organise their (drivers’) time so that they (drivers’) can follow the rules (the EU or GB domestic drivers’ hours rules)

check your drivers’ hours records and data

monitor your workers’ working time

Mobile workers are:

drivers - including employed drivers, own-account drivers and agency drivers

members of the vehicle crew, for example a second driver on a coach

anyone else who is part of the travelling staff, for example a bus conductor, a drayman or a security guard aboard a vehicle carrying high-value goods

Goods vehicles

The rules that apply to goods vehicles depend on the weight of your vehicle, the country you’re driving in and what you’re using the vehicle for.

EU rules

EU rules apply if the maximum permissible weight of your vehicle or vehicle combination is more than 3.5 tonnes and you’re driving in any of the following:

the EU (including the UK)

an European Economic Area (EEA) country

Switzerland

Some vehicles are exempt from EU rules when driven in the UK.

AETR rules

AETR (European Agreement Concerning the Work of Crews Engaged in International Road Transport) rules apply if your vehicle will pass through an AETR country.

GB domestic rules

GB domestic rules apply if both the following are true:

the maximum permissible weight of your vehicle or vehicle combination is under 3.5 tonnes

your vehicle is exempt from EU rules when driven in the UK

If you’ll be driving through a country outside of the UK, EU, EEA or Switzerland, you should contact the UK embassy of the country to check on local rules.

More information

Read Goods vehicles: rules on drivers’ hours and tachographs for the main rules.

Read the rules for drivers’ hours in the recovery vehicle industry.

You can also print out the ‘Staying legal’ leaflet, which includes checklists covering the basic rules.

There are specific rules for tachographs and horse boxes or trailers.

Passenger-carrying vehicles

If you’re driving a vehicle that carries passengers the rules that apply to you depend on:

the number of passenger seats

how far you’re driving (the distance of your route)

if you’re driving to or from another country

if you’re driving on a regular or a non-regular service

A regular service follows a specified route, with stopping points for passengers to get on or off.

Public service vehicles (PSV)

A public service vehicle is a vehicle that’s used to carry passengers for hire or payment.

Type of operation | 8 or fewer passenger seats | 9 to 12 passenger seats | 13 to 16 passenger seats | 17 or more passenger seats

Regular service on route not exceeding 50km | GB domestic rules | GB domestic rules | GB Domestic rules | GB Domestic rules

National or international regular service on route exceeding 50km | The local rules of the countries you drive in (GB domestic rules in the UK) | EU/AETR rules | EU/AETR rules | EU/AETR rules

National or international non-regular service for example commercial excursions, tours or private hire | The local rules of the countries you drive in (GB domestic rules in the UK) | EU/AETR rules | EU/AETR rules | EU/AETR rules

Other passenger-carrying vehicles

You do not need to follow any drivers’ hours rules if you drive a police, fire service or armed forces vehicle.

If you drive for a different public authority or for a business, and your vehicle is a non-PSV with:

up to 8 passenger seats - you do not need to follow any drivers’ hours rules

9 or more passenger seats - you must follow the EU rules (unless your vehicle is exempt from EU law)

If you drive a ‘non-commercial’ vehicle

You drive a non-commercial vehicle if:

passengers are not charged to use the vehicle (a non-commercial vehicle)

you and any other workers are not paid to operate or work in the vehicle (a non-commercial vehicle)

the vehicle (a non-commercial vehicle) is not used professionally or commercially

If your vehicle has up to 8 passenger seats, you do not need to follow any drivers’ hours rules.

If your vehicle has 9 or more passenger seats, you usually need to follow the EU rules. You need to follow GB rules instead if your vehicle has between 10 and 17 passenger seats and is only used for non-commercial journeys.

If you use your vehicle outside the UK

If you drive between the UK and another country and your vehicle has:

up to 8 passenger seats - you must follow the local rules for the country you’re driving in

9 or more passenger seats - you must follow the EU or the European Agreement Concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Road Transport (AETR) rules

More information

Read Passenger vehicles: rules on drivers’ hours and tachographs for the main rules.

Exemptions from EU law

Some types of vehicle are exempt from EU rules.  This means they come under GB domestic rules in the UK (GB).

The main types of exempt vehicle are:

vehicles that cannot go faster than 40 kilometres per hour, including vehicles that are restricted by a set speed limiter

emergency aid vehicles - vehicles used in the non-commercial transport of humanitarian aid for use in emergencies or rescue operations

breakdown vehicles - specialised breakdown vehicles working within a 100km of their base

vehicles undergoing road tests for technical development, repair or maintenance purposes, and new or rebuilt vehicles which have not yet been put into service

vehicles manufactured more than 25 years ago

vehicles used by agricultural, horticultural, forestry, farming or fishery businesses for carrying goods within 100km of where the business is based

vehicles that are used to carry live animals between a farm and a market, or from a market to a slaughterhouse where the distance is less than 100km

vehicles that are used to carry animal waste or carcasses that are not intended for human consumption

educational vehicles, for example play buses and mobile libraries

vehicles or combinations of vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of 7.5 tonnes or less that are used for carrying work equipment for the driver where the distance is less than 100km

vehicles driven only on islands whose area does not exceed 2,300 square kilometres

vehicles with a maximum weight of 7.5 tonnes which use natural or liquefied gas or electricity as fuel and carry goods within 50km from their base

driving instruction or exams - vehicles used for driving instruction and examination. Includes instruction for renewal of Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)

circus vehicles - specialised vehicles transporting circus and funfair equipment

milk collection - vehicles used for collecting milk from farms or returning milk containers or milk products for animal feed to farms

any vehicle that is propelled by steam

Read the full list of exempt vehicles.

EU rules

Driving hours

The main EU rules on driving hours are that you must not drive more than:

9 hours in a day - this (Driving hours) can be extended to 10 hours twice a week

56 hours in a week

90 hours in any 2 consecutive weeks

All driving you do under EU rules must be recorded on a tachograph.

Breaks and rest

The main points of EU rules on breaks and rest are that you must take:

at least 11 hours rest every day - you can reduce this to 9 hours rest 3 times between any 2 weekly rest periods

an unbroken rest period of 45 hours every week - you can reduce this to 24 hours every other week

a break or breaks totalling at least 45 minutes after no more than 4 hours 30 minutes driving

your weekly rest after 6 consecutive 24-hour periods of working, starting from the end of the last weekly rest period taken

Coach drivers on an international trip can take their weekly rest after 12 consecutive 24-hour periods, starting from the end of the last weekly rest period taken.

For more details on rests and breaks read:

Goods vehicles: rules on drivers’ hours and tachographs

Passenger vehicles: rules on drivers’ hours and tachographs

AETR rules

The European Agreement Concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Road Transport (AETR) rules are now the same as the EU rules on drivers’ hours.

The AETR rules (EU rules) cover all EU countries and:

Albania

Andorra

Armenia

Azerbaijan

Belarus

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Georgia

Kazakhstan

Liechtenstein

Monaco

Montenegro

Moldova

North Macedonia

Norway

Russia

San Marino

Serbia

Turkey

Turkmenistan

Ukraine

United Kingdom

Uzbekistan

GB domestic rules

The GB domestic drivers’ hours rules (GB domestic rules) apply to most passenger-carrying vehicles and goods vehicles that do not have to follow the EU rules (the EU rules on drivers’ hours).

GB domestic rules apply in Great Britain - there are separate rules in Northern Ireland.

Goods vehicles

Duty time

If you work as a driver for a company, duty time is any working time. If you’re self-employed, duty time is only time you spend driving the vehicle or doing other work related to the vehicle or its load.

Daily driving limit

You must not drive for more than 10 hours in a day:

on a public road

off-road if not during duty time

Off-road driving counts as duty time if it’s for:

agriculture

quarrying

forestry

building work

civil engineering

Daily duty limit

You must not be on duty for more than 11 hours in any working day. This limit (Daily duty limit) does not apply on any working day when you do not drive.

You must record your hours on a weekly record sheet or on a tachograph.

Exemptions

You do not need to follow the GB domestic rules (GB domestic rules) if you:

are dealing with an emergency - for example, a major disruption to public services or danger to life

are using the vehicle for private driving and not for work

drive off-road or on private roads during duty time

drive a vehicle used by the armed forces, police or fire brigade

Passenger-carrying vehicles

Duty time

Daily driving limit

You must not drive for more than 10 hours in any working day.

Breaks and continuous driving

After 5 hours 30 minutes of driving you must take a break of at least 30 minutes for rest and refreshment.

Or, within any period of 8 hours 30 minutes, you must take at least 45 minutes in breaks. You must also have a break of at least 30 minutes at the end of this period, unless it’s the end of the working day.

Length of working day (‘spreadover’)

You must not work more than 16 hours between the times of starting and finishing work - including non-driving work and any times when you’re off.

Daily rest periods

You must take a rest of 10 hours before the first duty and immediately after the last duty in a working week.

You must take a rest of at least 10 hours between 2 working days (or spreadovers) - this can be reduced to 8.5 hours up to 3 times a week.

Fortnightly rest periods

Every 2 weeks you must take at least one period of 24 hours off duty.

A fixed week is from 00:00 hours on Monday to 24:00 hours the next Sunday.

Exemptions

You do not need to follow the GB domestic rules if you:

drive for less than 4 hours a day in a week

If you drive for more than 4 hours for up to 2 days a week, you do not need to follow all of the rules. You need to:

follow the rules for daily driving limits and length of working day

start and finish all of your duties within a 24-hour period

take a rest of 10 hours before the first duty and immediately after the last duty

If you work overnight and the rules applied on the day your shift began, you must follow the rules for your entire shift - even if your shift finishes during a week in which you’re exempt from the rules.

Driving under both EU and GB domestic rules

If you work partly under EU/AETR rules and partly under GB domestic rules during a day or a week you need to know the following:

driving under EU rules counts towards the driving and duty limits under GB domestic rules

on any days you drive under EU rules you must take EU daily rest periods, as well as a weekly rest period

you cannot count the time you spend driving under EU rules as an off-duty period under GB domestic rules

driving and other duty under GB domestic rules count as ‘attendance at work’, not as a break or rest period under EU rules

Driving limits

You must follow the GB domestic limit of a maximum of 10 hours driving a day. But at any time when you’re actually driving under the EU rules (EU rules) you must follow all the rules on EU driving limits.

Other duty limits

You must follow the GB domestic limit of a maximum of:

11 hours on duty if you drive a goods vehicle

16 hours on duty if you drive a passenger-carrying vehicle

Rest periods and breaks

You must follow the EU rules on rest periods and breaks on days and weeks when you drive under EU rules.

A fixed week is from 00:00 hours on Monday to 24:00 hours the next Sunday.

Read Goods vehicles: rules on drivers’ hours and tachographs for the main rules.

Read the rules for drivers’ hours in the recovery vehicle industry.


Traffic commissioner public inquiries

Overview

Traffic commissioners are responsible for licensing and regulating operators of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), public service vehicles (PSVs) and local bus services. They can also take action against their drivers.

They can call a formal public inquiry in a court to get more evidence to help them decide if they should:

grant or refuse licences for HGV or PSV operators

take action against a vehicle operator, bus service operator or driver of a bus, minibus or lorry

This (call) might be if someone has objected to a licence being granted or the traffic commissioner thinks an operator may have broken the terms of their licence.

A vehicle or bus service operator can also request a public inquiry but the traffic commissioner doesn’t have to hold one.

Objecting to a licence

Licence applications are made public. Objections can be made by certain public bodies and in some cases individuals.

Objections by public bodies

Bodies that can object to a licence application include:

local and planning authorities

the police

some trade associations and trade unions

When a public body can object

A public body can object to a licence about the:

professional competence of the operator or its transport manager

operator’s finances

operator’s reputation or fitness to hold a licence

operator’s arrangements for vehicle maintenance and drivers’ hours

operating centre’s environmental standards and general conditions

Objections must be put in writing to the traffic commissioner within 21 days of a licence application being made public.

You can see the latest applications and traffic commissioner decisions in the regularly updated ‘Applications and Decisions’ guides for goods vehicles and the ‘Notices and Proceedings’ guides for public service vehicles (PSVs).

Read the guide on goods vehicle operator licensing for further information.

Objections by individuals (representations)

If a vehicle operator wants to add an operating centre to a licence or make changes to an existing centre, owners and residents of land nearby can object. This is called a ‘representation’.

However, representations must be about environmental issues, such as concern over noise, and only if they’re going to affect the owner or resident’s ‘use or enjoyment’ of the land.

Read the guide on making a representation or complaint for further information.

Being called to a public inquiry

You may have to attend a public inquiry if:

someone has objected to your application for a licence or change to a licence

you have not kept to the conditions of your licence, for example you’ve used more vehicles than permitted

there are environmental concerns about a goods vehicle operating centre on your licence

your conduct has come into question, for example you’ve been caught using a mobile phone while driving

You’ll get a letter with all the details.

Notice to attend

You’ll get a minimum of:

28 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a transport manager

21 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a new or existing goods operator licence

14 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a new or existing passenger operator’s licence

You cannot ask for the hearing to be changed to another date, unless you have a good reason that can be backed up. For example, if you’re going on holiday, you may need to send evidence to show it was pre-booked.

At the public inquiry

You can decide to represent yourself or ask someone to represent you, such as a lawyer. This could be someone else like a transport consultant if the traffic commissioner agrees.

Evidence is not given under oath but witnesses have to tell the truth.

If you do not tell the truth you could lose your licence or criminal charges may follow.

What happens at the hearing

Report to the inquiry clerk as soon as you arrive. The traffic commissioner will then:

decide whether oppositions should be heard

listen to the application outline and ask questions about it

listen to objectors or a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) traffic examiner outline their cases and ask questions

ask applicants and objectors to present their cases in detail - they (the traffic commissioner) or any of the parties may ask questions

question applicants on how conditions added to the licence may affect their business

ask applicants and objectors to sum up their cases

The traffic commissioner will announce their (the traffic commissioner) decision at the time, or give it in writing later, usually within 28 days.

Decision and penalties

The traffic commissioner can decide to:

refuse to grant a licence

refuse to vary an existing licence

attach conditions to a licence

grant a licence allowing fewer vehicles than the number applied for

impose financial penalties on registered bus service operators

end or suspend an existing licence

disqualify an individual or a company from having a licence

disqualify transport managers

You can appeal against the decision.

Appeals

You can appeal to the Upper Tribunal against a traffic commissioner (the traffic commissioner) decision (form UT12).

You must send the form (form UT12)) to the tribunal (the Upper Tribunal) within 1 month of the traffic commissioner’s (the traffic commissioner) written decision. The address is on the form (form UT12)).

Find out more about making an appeal to the Upper Tribunal.

Further information

The Office of the Traffic Commissioner has produced a detailed guide to traffic commissioner (the traffic commissioner) public inquiries. It includes further information on:

how you might be called to an inquiry

how you might find out if an inquiry is to be held

how they (transport managers) work on the day


Being a goods vehicle operator

Overview

You need a goods vehicle operator’s licence if your business uses goods vehicles above a certain weight.

The rules are different if you’re in Northern Ireland.

You need a licence to carry goods in a lorry, van or other vehicle with either:

a gross plated weight (the maximum weight that the vehicle can have at any one time) of over 3,500 kilograms (kg)

an unladen weight of more than 1,525 kg (where there is no plated weight)

There are 3 different types of licence - what you need depends on the work you do.

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.

Some goods vehicles do not need an operator’s licence - read more about the exemptions.

Motor vehicles and trailers

You’ll need a goods vehicle operator’s licence for a motor vehicle and trailer combination if:

the motor vehicle and the trailer(s) are plated and the total of their gross plated weights is more than 3,500 kg

the total unladen weight of the vehicle and trailer combination (a motor vehicle and trailer combination) is more than 1,525 kg

You do not need an operator’s licence if your trailer’s unladen weight is less than 1,020 kg and you only carry your own goods.

Carrying goods for hire or reward

You’ll need a standard licence if you’re carrying other people’s goods for hire or reward (such as working as a courier or freight transport business) and the vehicle and trailer combination (a motor vehicle and trailer combination) exceeds the weight limits above for a single vehicle.

Types of licence

There are 3 different types of operator’s licence for goods vehicles. The licence you need depends on where you transport goods to and from, and who you do it for.

Standard national licence

This licence (Standard national licence) means you can carry:

your own goods in the UK and internationally

other people’s goods in the UK

You can also take loaded trailers to or from ports within the UK as part of an international journey, as long as your vehicles do not leave the country (the UK).

Standard international licence

This licence (Standard international licence) means you can carry your own goods, and other people’s goods, both in the UK and on international journeys.

After you get a standard international licence, you can also request the issue of a UK Licence for the Community. A UK Licence for the Community allows:

trips between all EU member countries

transit traffic through EU member countries

cabotage (a journey entirely within one EU country)

Restricted licence

This licence (Restricted licence) allows you to carry your own goods, but not other people’s goods.

Your licence will continue to be valid as long as you pay your continuation fee every 5 years and operate within the terms of your licence. You’ll be contacted every 5 years to make sure that your licence shows the correct information.

Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you have any questions about vehicle licences.

Transport outside the EU (EU)

Contact the DVSA International Road Haulage Permits Office for help with applications for transport outside certain EU countries.

Apply for a licence

The goods vehicle operator licensing scheme is administered by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) on behalf of the traffic commissioners.

The rules and fees are different if you’re in Northern Ireland.

How to apply for a licence

You can apply for a goods vehicle operator’s licence online.

You’ll also need to:

advertise your application for a licence

advertise your proposed operating centre(s)

designate a transport manager if you’re applying for a standard licence

provide information about your financial situation

draw up a maintenance contract with a garage or agent to do safety inspections and repair vehicles if you do not do this yourself

You’ll have to pay a fee to apply for a licence.

You’ll usually get a decision on your application within:

7 weeks if you apply online

9 weeks if you apply by post

Apply for an interim licence

If you need a licence urgently, you can apply for an interim licence until you get your full licence.

The traffic commissioner will only consider issuing an interim licence on receipt of a complete application for an operator’s licence.

What the traffic commissioners do

There are 8 traffic areas in Great Britain with a traffic commissioner responsible for each area. You’ll need to hold a goods vehicle operator’s licence for each traffic area where you have an operating centre.

Traffic commissioners are responsible in their area for:

licensing operators of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs)

granting vocational licences

taking action against drivers of HGVs

When necessary, they (Traffic commissioners) also hold public inquiries to consider:

the environmental suitability of HGV operating centres

applications for new licences

disciplinary action against operators who have broken the conditions of their licences

Fees for goods vehicle licences

When applying for a goods vehicle operator’s licence, you’ll have to pay:

a one-off fee payable on application

a fee for the issue of a licence

a fee for the issue of an interim licence (if applicable)

You’ll then have to pay a continuation fee every 5 years to keep your licence active.

Action | Fee

Application for a licence | £257

Issue of a licence | £401

Continuation of a licence after 5 years | £401

Issue of an interim licence | £68

Major change to a licence | £257

How to pay

You can pay your fees:

online when you apply for a vehicle operator licence

by phone - call the DVSA Helpline on 0300 123 9000 to pay for the interim, issuing and continuation fees (find out about call charges)

by post - cheques should be made payable to ‘DVSA’ and sent to the following address

Operating centres

Your operating centre is where your vehicles are normally kept when not in use. When you apply for an operator’s licence, you’ll be asked to give the address of your proposed centre(s) and information about the numbers of trailers and vehicles you will keep there.

You’ll need to show that your operating centre (your proposed centre(s)):

is large enough

has safe access

is in an environmentally acceptable location

If you do not own the operating centre (your proposed centre(s)), you must show that you’re allowed to use it (your proposed centre(s)).

Advertising your application for a goods vehicle operator’s licence

You must advertise your application for a licence (your application for a goods vehicle operator’s licence) in a local newspaper and supply details of your proposed operating centre (your proposed centre(s)). This advertisement (your application for a goods vehicle operator’s licence) must appear at least once in the period from 21 days before to 21 days after you make your application (your application for a goods vehicle operator’s licence), to give people the chance to object.

Your application (your application for a goods vehicle operator’s licence) may be refused if you do not advertise the centre (your proposed centre(s)) properly.

Objecting to an application for a goods vehicle operator licence

Local councils, planning authorities, police, trade associations, trade unions and other bodies may object to your application for a licence.

Objections may be made on the grounds of:

your fitness to operate

your financial arrangements

your professional competence

the environmental impact of the operating centre (your proposed centre(s))

the general suitability of the centre (your proposed centre(s))

Your operating centre (your proposed centre(s)) will need to meet certain conditions and not interfere with any local amenities. Certain things will be taken into account, like:

its (your proposed centre(s)) effect on the surrounding environment

planning permissions or applications relating to the centre (your proposed centre(s)) or the land near it (your proposed centre(s))

the number, type and size of vehicles using the centre (your proposed centre(s))

where and how vehicles will park

how often and for what purpose the centre (your proposed centre(s)) will be used

Maintaining your vehicles

You must keep your vehicles safe and in good condition at all times. You’ll have to keep records of all safety inspections and maintenance that you or your maintenance contractor do for a minimum of 15 months.

Carrying out your own inspections and maintenance

If you carry out your own safety inspections and maintenance, you must keep records that include:

vehicle details

a list of all items to be inspected

when and by whom the inspection is carried out

the result of the inspection

details of any work carried out

a declaration that any defects have been properly fixed

Walkaround checks

You must make sure your drivers carry out a ‘walkaround check’ before driving a vehicle for the first time each day.

Using a maintenance provider

If you do not do this work yourself, you must provide the traffic commissioner with a copy of a contract with a maintenance provider. You’re still responsible for the condition of your vehicles and trailers, even if they are maintained for you by someone else.

Read the guidance to find out how to keep your vehicle in a roadworthy condition.

There are also specific roadworthiness checks for recovery vehicles and for horse boxes and trailers.

Employing or using drivers

If you employ or give work to drivers, you must check that they have the correct licence and training to drive goods vehicles.

Professional lorry drivers need to hold a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC).

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 6 languages.

Make changes to your licence

You can make changes to your goods vehicle operator’s licence once you have it, for example add more vehicles to it.

You can update your licence (your goods vehicle operator’s licence) online.

You must apply by post if you want to transfer your operating centre to another operator. Download and fill in form GV72 - the address is on the form.

Order a replacement licence

Write to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner if you need to replace your licence.

What happens if you break the terms of your licence

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency carries out regular roadside vehicle checks and checks on operating centres. They then submit information to the independent traffic commissioners.

Your vehicle may be prohibited or immobilised if a DVSA (The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) roadside check finds that:

it (Your vehicle)’s been overloaded

it (Your vehicle)’s unroadworthy

it (Your vehicle) breaks the rules on the transport of dangerous goods

a driver has broken drivers’ hours regulations

Your licence could be taken away, suspended or restricted by the traffic commissioner if you:

break any of the terms or conditions of your licence

do not meet health and safety conditions

are convicted of certain offences

are made bankrupt or (if the licence holder is a company) that company goes into liquidation, administration or receivership

use a place not listed on the licence (your licence) as an operating centre

are given a prohibition notice by DVSA (The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) following an inspection

The traffic commissioner may decide to call you to a public inquiry to consider if any action against your licence is necessary.

Exemptions

You do not need a goods vehicle operator’s licence if your vehicle:

was first used before 1977, has an unladen weight of 1,525 kilograms or less and a maximum gross plated weight over 3,500 kilograms

is using public roads for less than 6 miles a week whilst moving between private premises belonging to the same person as the vehicle (if the vehicle’s used for excavation or demolition it does not matter who it (Your vehicle) belongs to)

is being used on trade plates

is a passenger carrying vehicle

Categories of vehicles that are exempt

Several types of vehicle do not need an operator’s licence, including:

military vehicles

snow ploughs and gritters

emergency service vehicles (including those used by gas, electricity, water and telephone companies)

hearses

recovery vehicles (only if they’re used exclusively for that purpose)

tractors and agricultural vehicles used in certain circumstances

Read the guidance to find out more about the vehicle operator licensing system.

Categories of vehicles that are not exempt

These types of vehicles are never exempt:

mobile exhibition vehicles

catering vehicles

mobile shops

mobile medical screening vehicles

vehicles with fixed equipment carrying goods not strictly for use in connection with that equipment, or towing a trailer that’s carrying goods


Run a local bus service

Overview

A local bus service uses public service vehicles (PSVs) to carry passengers who pay separate fares over short distances.

The route can be any length, as long as passengers can get off within 15 miles (measured in a straight line) of where they got on.

You must usually register with the local authority and the local traffic commissioner if you’re operating a local service outside London - there are some exceptions.

You need a London Service Permit to run a service in London.

Who can register

You can register a local bus service if you:

hold a valid PSV operator’s licence

hold a community bus permit

are a local education authority and want to provide a local service using a school bus belonging to you

Taxi or private hire vehicle owners can also register by getting a special PSV operator’s licence.

Before you register

Before registering a local bus service you should consider if:

your route is suitable

you have the right sort of vehicles

you can keep to the timetable given the traffic conditions on route (your route)

you have enough drivers to cover absences though sicknesses, holidays, etc

you have replacement vehicles if other vehicles are off-road

there are any traffic regulation conditions – contact your local traffic area office

a Quality Partnership or Quality Contract Scheme exists - contact your local transport authority

You must run the service (a local bus service) just as you have registered it (a local bus service), even if staff members are ill or a vehicle is off the road. There are penalties if you do not.

How to register

You must tell the local authority in England or the local council in Scotland that you’re starting a bus service. You must do this 28 days before you apply to the traffic commissioner (the local traffic commissioner).

Apply to the traffic commissioner (the local traffic commissioner) at least 42 days before your service starts - or 56 days before if your service is in Wales.

This notice period begins on the day when the traffic commissioner (the local traffic commissioner) accepts your application.

Holders of a ‘Section 22’ community bus permit must give at least 28 days’ notice in England and Wales, and 56 days in Scotland.

If you want to start the service (a bus service) sooner you must complete a supplementary form. The traffic commissioner (the local traffic commissioner) decides whether or not to agree to this.

If you’re planning a service in Strathclyde, you must also give notice to the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport 28 days before you apply to the traffic commissioner (the local traffic commissioner).

Fees

It costs:

£60 to register a local bus service

£13 to register a community bus service

Apply online

You can register through the electronic bus service registration (EBSR) system. Telephone the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) helpline for information on how to do this.

Apply by post

Print off and fill in the application form for the type of service you want to run:

PSV350 - application to register a bus service (England, Wales and Scotland)

Application to register a local bus service with a flexible route

PSV350A - supplementary form: application to start, change or cancel a registered bus service with less than 56 days’ notice (England, Wales and Scotland)

Where to send the form

Send the form and fees to:

Central Licensing Office - for England and Wales (except London)

Office of the Traffic Commissioner (the local traffic commissioner) – for Scotland

Other people you must tell

You must also send copies to:

all councils your route passes through - for example the county council, shire council, unitary authority

the relevant Passenger Transport Executive if there is one

Getting help

Read the following guides for more information on:

local bus service registration: guide for operators (England, Scotland and Wales)

the registration of flexibly routed local bus services: guide for operators

Change or cancel a bus service

Apply to the local authority and the traffic commissioner (the local traffic commissioner) if you want to:

change a timetable, route or other detail of your service

cancel the service (a bus service)

You must tell the local authority in England or the local council in Scotland that you’re changing or cancelling a bus service. You must do this 28 days before you apply to the traffic commissioner (the local traffic commissioner).

Apply to the traffic commissioner (the local traffic commissioner) at least 42 days before your service changes or stops - or 56 days before if your service is in Wales.

Holders of a section 22 community bus permit must give at least 28 days’ notice in England and Wales, and 56 days in Scotland.

If you want to make the changes or cancel the service (a bus service) sooner, you must fill in a supplementary form (England, Scotland or Wales). The traffic commissioner (the local traffic commissioner) decides whether or not to agree to this.

Fees

It costs:

£60 to change a local bus service

£13 to change a community bus service

There’s no fee for a cancellation.

Application and supplementary forms

Print off and fill in the application and supplementary forms (Application and supplementary forms) to:

change or cancel a registered bus service (England, Scotland or Wales)

change or cancel a registered bus service with less than 56 days notice (England, Scotland or Wales)

Exemptions

You do not have to register a bus service if all of the following apply:

someone other than you or your agent is responsible for arranging the journey and bringing the passengers together

the journey is not advertised in advance to the general public

all passengers travel together to or from the same place - for example a school or factory

passengers pay the same fare no matter how far they (all passengers) travel

School or college bus services

If you operate a bus service provided by a local education authority in England or Wales, you may not have to register it.

You do not need to register a service if the only passengers who pay fares are either:

studying at a school or college

supervising pupils or students

teachers or assistants working at the school or college (a service)

If other people can also use the service (a service), it (a service) must be registered.

Other exemptions

You do not need to register:

a replacement bus service (for example when a train service is temporarily cancelled and a bus is used instead)  provided under an agreement with the Secretary of State, the Scottish Ministers or the National Assembly for Wales

excursions or tours - unless they operate once a week or more for at least 6 weeks in a row

An excursion or tour is where passengers travel together on a journey, with or without breaks, from one or more places to one or more places and back.

Traffic regulation conditions

The local council can ask the traffic commissioner to impose conditions on your licence. The traffic commissioner will decide if conditions are needed to:

prevent dangers to other road users

reduce traffic congestion

limit environmental pollution

The conditions (Traffic regulation conditions) could affect:

your bus routes

where you can stop

when you can stop and for how long

where you can turn or reverse

the number of vehicles, their type or their frequency

In some cases the conditions will start straight away.

You’ll be told if conditions have been imposed and they’ll be added to your licence.

You cannot meet the conditions (Traffic regulation conditions)

You must change the registration within 28 days if you cannot run your service under the conditions (Traffic regulation conditions). You will not have to pay a fee if you change the registration because of these conditions (Traffic regulation conditions). You must meet the conditions (Traffic regulation conditions) until the change of registration takes effect.

You disagree with the conditions (Traffic regulation conditions)

You can ask for a public inquiry within 28 days if you disagree with the traffic commissioner’s (the traffic commissioner) decision.

It’s against the law to disobey traffic regulation conditions.

Penalties for poor service

Once you have registered your service you must run it:

at the times you’ve said it (your service) would run

along the route you’ve registered

Penalties

If you do not run a reliable or punctual service the traffic commissioner can stop you from running the service - or even running any services at all.

The traffic commissioner can also fine you. The size of the fine is based on the number of vehicles you’re licensed to use.

If you provide the local bus service in England and Wales, you may also have to:

spend money on providing or improving local services or facilities

compensate passengers

You can appeal to the Upper Tribunal if you disagree with the traffic commissioner’s (the traffic commissioner) decision.

Read more about the standards for local bus services and how traffic commissioners expect you to operate.

Register a bus service in London

To run a bus service in London you must have a London Service Permit. Permits last for 5 years and you must normally apply at least 3 months before starting the service.

You can apply for a shorter period of notice if Transport for London (TfL) agrees.

Concessionary fares

You may be eligible to take part in a concessionary fare scheme. This reimburses you for carrying passengers who get discounted travel, such as:

older people

disabled people

children

Contact your local council for more information on taking part.

Some councils offer a voluntary membership scheme for operators. Others have a compulsory scheme.

Find out more

Find out more about concessionary fare schemes for:

England

Scotland

Wales

Grants for local bus services

You might qualify for the Bus Service Operator’s Grant (in England or Scotland) or the Regional Transport Services Grant (in Wales) if you provide a service where:

at least half the seats are available to and regularly used by the general public

stops on the route are in places that people are likely to use reasonably often - fixed bus stops or otherwise

single journey fares are reasonably priced

fares can be paid conveniently

the bus does not have signs or any other indication that it’s not available to the general public

information about the service, its (the bus) route and timetable is accessible to the general public

advance bookings of flexible services do not deter people who want to make a single journey

There are slightly different conditions if your bus service is intended for transporting pupils, people with disabilities or elderly people.

Read more about the Bus Service Operator’s Grant (England and Scotland (England or Scotland)).

How to apply

Contact the helpline for your area.

England

Scotland

Wales

The grant is administered through the Regional Transport Consortia:


Provide driving tests for your employees

Who can provide driving tests

Driving tests are usually provided by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

You can apply to DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) for permission for your own staff to provide driving tests for your employees if you’re a:

bus or haulage operating licence holder

police service

fire and rescue service

Your staff providing driving tests will be known as ‘delegated driving examiners’.

Tests that can be provided

Delegated driving examiners are allowed to provide theory and practical driving tests for drivers of:

lorries

buses and coaches

cars and trailers

emergency service vehicles

Lorry, bus and coach companies

Delegated driving examiners working for lorry, bus and coach companies can test:

an employee

an employee of a sister company

As a delegated driving examiner, you cannot test someone you’ve trained.

Emergency services

Delegated driving examiners working for police services and fire and rescue services can test:

an employee

an employee from the same type of service in a different area

The same delegated driving examiner can provide tests for both a police service and a fire and rescue service, but both must appoint them with DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)).

Rules for your driving examiners

When deciding whether to give permission for someone to provide driving tests, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) looks at if they:

have a full driving licence for the type of vehicle they (someone)’re testing in

have had any convictions in the last 3 years

have been disqualified from driving

have any court proceedings pending against them (someone)

have any penalty points on their (someone) licence

Qualifying as a delegated driving examiner

Your employees must then:

complete an initial training course

reach an appropriate standard in the delegated driving examiner theory and practical tests

DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) will send you more information about the qualifying process when you apply to provide driving tests.

Apply to provide driving tests

You must email the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to get permission to provide driving tests.

You cannot currently contact DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) by telephone or post because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

You must include information about your organisation, the tests you want to provide, and the people you want to appoint as delegated driving examiners.

Your organisation

You’ll need to include:

the full name of the organisation (your organisation)

the registered address or headquarters address (if you’re not a registered company)

a copy of your certificate of incorporation if you’re a registered company

a copy of your operator licence (if you have one)

the name, position and contact details of the main contact in your organisation for driving tests

confirmation that you, as the person submitting the application, is an approved signatory for the purposes of the application

The tests you want to provide

You’ll need to include:

details of the locations at which testing would take place

the categories of tests you want to provide, for example, ‘category D - bus’

the type of tests you want to provide, for example, licence acquisition theory test, licence acquisition practical test and so on

details of where the records about the tests (The tests you want to provide) would be stored

an estimate of the minimum number of tests you’ll provide in the 12 months following your approval

You’ll need to include the full names and driving licence numbers of the people you want to appoint as delegated driving examiners (The people you want to appoint as examiners).

When DVSA gets your application (the application)

DVSA will tell you its (DVSA) decision about your application (the application) within 10 working days.

You’ll also get information about:

the qualifying process

the detailed rules about providing theory and practical driving tests

the detailed rules about recording tests that you provide

You can email DVSA if you need more information.


Becoming a speed limiter centre

Overview

A speed limiter centre installs or adjusts devices that limit how fast a vehicle can go.

Usually, only existing vehicle dealerships will become a speed limiter centre.

If you want to become a speed limiter centre, you’ll need to get either:

approval from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to become an independent centre

sponsored by a DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) approved vehicle or speed limiter maker

Independent centres

Fill in the application form and send it to DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)).

Inspections

DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) will inspect your premises, facilities and staff before approving your speed limiter centre.

Approval

You’ll receive an authorisation letter from DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) if your independent speed limiter centre is approved.

Sponsored centres

You’ll need to be a sponsored vehicle dealership to become a sponsored speed limiter centre.

Sponsors

Sponsors are DVSA-approved (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) makers or suppliers of either:

vehicles

speed limiters

Once approved, sponsors are able to approve vehicle dealerships they already work with that want to become speed limiter centres.

Get sponsored

Contact the sponsors of your vehicle dealership to ask them (sponsors) if you can become a sponsored speed limiter centre.

You can have more than 1 sponsor.

Inspections

Sponsors carry out regular checks on their approved agents equipment and also provide them with:

training

technical support

new equipment and software

Approval

You’ll receive an authorisation letter from your sponsor if they approve you as a sponsored speed limiter centre.


Approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test

Booking your test

You can book your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test when you’ve passed your ADI part 2 test.

It (your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test)’s the last of 3 tests you have to pass to qualify as an ADI. It (your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test)’s a test of your ability to teach pupils.

Your driving examiner will call you a few days before your test to agree:

the start time with you

where you want the test (your test) to start from (either the driving test centre or somewhere within 5 minutes of the driving test centre)

The ADI part 3 test (your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test) works differently in Northern Ireland.

The national standard for driver and rider training tells you everything you must be able to do to pass the test (your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test).

You can find driving instructor training if you need help to prepare for the test (your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test).

What to take to your test (your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test)

You must bring:

your UK driving licence

a face covering, unless it’s not safe for you to wear one

a suitable car

a pupil

You should also bring a log of the training you’ve been doing to qualify as an approved driving instructor (ADI).

Your test will be cancelled and you will not get your money back if you do not take the right things with you.

Reasons why you must not go to your test (your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test)

Do not go to your driving test if you or your pupil:

have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, or someone you live with has symptoms

have been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with a person who has COVID-19

are self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

Change your test appointment or cancel your test for free if you’re not able to go.

Wearing a face covering

You and your pupil must each bring and wear a face covering for your test, unless it’s not safe for you to do so. For example, because:

you have a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability

wearing it would cause you severe distress

You need to say if you cannot wear a face covering when you book your test. Otherwise, your test will be cancelled if you arrive without one.

You can take it (a face covering) off during your test if you need to avoid harm or injury.

Your driving licence

You need to apply for a replacement driving licence if you lose yours (Your driving licence) before your (Your driving licence) test. This could take up to 15 days to arrive.

If you do not have a photocard licence

Bring a valid passport and your paper licence, or your trainee driving instructor licence (if you have one).

If you have a licence from Northern Ireland

Bring the Northern Ireland photocard and paper counterpart.

Rules for the car you use

When you take your test, your car must:

be taxed

be insured for a driving test (check with your insurance company)

be roadworthy and have a current MOT (if it (your car)’s over 3 years old)

be a saloon, hatchback or estate car in good working condition - you cannot use a convertible

have full-size rear seats

have no warning lights showing, for example, the airbag warning light

have no tyre damage and the legal tread depth on each tyre - you cannot have a space-saver spare tyre fitted

be smoke-free - this means you cannot smoke in it (your car) just before or during the test

be able to reach at least 62mph and have an mph speedometer

have 4 wheels and a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of no more than 3,500 kg

The MAM is the limit on how much the car (your car) can weigh when it (your car)’s loaded. It’ll be in the car’s (your car) handbook.

Your test will be cancelled and you’ll have to pay again if your car does not meet the rules.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) safety

Because of COVID-19 you must clean the inside of your car before your test.

This (clean) means:

tidying any unnecessary items away from the dashboard, footwells, door pockets, cup holders and seats

wiping down the dashboard and car controls

The examiner will do an additional clean of some surfaces.

The car you use for your test (your car) must have at least one window open on each side throughout the test. Any combination of windows can be opened - for example, one from the front and one from the back. Wear clothing suitable for the weather.

Vehicle fittings and features

The car (your car) must have:

L-plates (‘L’ or ‘D’ plates in Wales) on the front and rear if your pupil is a learner

working rear seat belts

Dashcams and other cameras

You can use a camera fitted for insurance purposes, as long as it:

faces outside of the car (your car) and does not film the inside

does not record audio from inside the car (your car)

Vehicle features

You can use a car with:

an electronic parking brake

hill-start assist

Hire cars

You can take your test in a hire car if it’s fitted with dual controls and meets all the other rules.

Manual and automatic cars

If you have a manual licence, you can take the test (your test) in either a manual or automatic car. You’ll be able to train people in both types of car when you’ve qualified.

If you have an automatic licence, you must take the test (your test) in an automatic car. You’ll only be able to train people in an automatic car when you’ve qualified.

Cars with known safety faults

You cannot use one of the cars shown in the table unless you have proof that it’s safe. This is because these cars have been recalled for a safety reason.

You must bring the proof that it’s safe with you when you take your test.

Model | Reason for recall | Vehicles affected | Recall issue date

Citroen C1 | Steering failure | Vehicles built between 9 Sep 2014 and 15 Oct 2014, with vehicle identification numbers (VINs) between wF7xxxxxxER516105 and VF7xxxxxxER523367 | 28 Jun 2016

Peugeot 108 | Steering failure | Vehicles built between 9 Jun 2014 and 15 Oct 2014, with VINs between VF3xxxxxxER256527 and F3xxxxxxER017078 | 28 Jun 2016

Toyota Aygo | Steering failure | Vehicles built between 9 Jun 2014 and 15 Oct 2014, with VINs between JTDJGNEC#0N022080 and 0N026438, JTDJPNEC#0N002099 and 0N002100, JTDKGNEC#0N022186 and 0N031372, and JTDKPNEC#0N002083 and 0N002102 | 28 Jun 2016

Toyota Yaris | Potentially defective seat rail track and/or steering column mounting | Some models built between Jun 2005 and May 2010 (‘05’ to ‘10’ registration plates) | 9 Apr 2014

Vauxhall ADAM | Potential steering problem | VINs with last 8 digits between E6077301 to E6113446, and F6000001 to F6006544 | 29 Sep 2014

Vauxhall Corsa D | Potential steering problem | VINs with last 8 digits between E6071016 and E6118738, and E4181031 and E4308122 | 29 Sep 2014

Proof you need to bring to your test

You must bring proof that says one of the following:

the car was recalled and the recall work has been done

the car was recalled but did not need any work to be done

the car was not part of the recall (recalled)

The proof must be either:

the recall letter or safety notice, stamped by the manufacturer or dealer

on official or headed notepaper from the manufacturer or a dealer

Your test will be cancelled and you could lose your fee if you do not bring the right proof.

What happens during the test

A Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) examiner will watch you give a client-centred driving lesson lasting about 45 minutes to one of your pupils.

Your pupil must drive for at least 40 minutes of the lesson (a client-centred driving lesson lasting about 45 minutes).

At the start of the lesson (a client-centred driving lesson lasting about 45 minutes), discuss the goals for the lesson (a client-centred driving lesson lasting about 45 minutes) and risk management with your pupil. Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), this should take no more than 3 minutes.

At the end of the lesson (a client-centred driving lesson lasting about 45 minutes), give your pupil (one of your pupils) no more than 3 minutes to reflect on their (one of your pupils) performance.

The examiner (A Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) examiner) will look for evidence that you meet the national standard for driver and rider training.

Your pupil

Your pupil can be a:

partly trained learner

fully trained learner

full licence holder

Your pupil (one of your pupils) cannot be:

a learner who has just started learning to drive

an approved driving instructor (ADI) or someone else who is preparing to take the ADI part 3 test

What you’ll be marked on

You’ll be marked on 17 areas of competence that are grouped into 3 categories:

lesson planning

risk management

teaching and learning strategies

The 17 areas of competence are listed in the ADI part 3 test report form, which the examiner (A Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) examiner) will fill in at the end of your test.

You’ll get a score from 0 to 3 for each of the 17 competencies, which are added up to work out if you’ve passed the test, and what your grade will be.

Your test result

After you give the lesson (a client-centred driving lesson lasting about 45 minutes), the examiner (A Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) examiner) will discuss your performance and give you your result (Your test result).

You’ll get your grade (Your test result), along with your completed approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test report form.

Total score | Grade | Description

0-30 | Fail | Your performance is unsatisfactory, and you will not join the ADI register

31-42 | Grade B | You’ll be allowed to join the ADI register

43-51 | Grade A | You have shown a high standard of instruction and you’ll be allowed to join the ADI register

You’ll automatically fail if:

you get a score of 7 or less in the ‘risk management’ category

the examiner (A Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) examiner) stops the lesson because you’ve put yourself or someone else in danger

If you pass

You can apply for your first ADI badge if you pass the ADI part 3 test.

You must apply within 12 months of passing the test (the ADI part 3 test), or you’ll have to pass all 3 qualifying tests again.

If you do not pass

You can take the test again if you fail the first or second attempt. You must book the next attempt within 2 years of passing your ADI part 1 test.

If you chose the extra training option (option 2) when you applied for your trainee licence, you must do 5 hours of extra training before you retake the test (your ADI part 1 test).

Failing the third attempt

You have to retake and pass the ADI part 1 test and ADI part 2 test again if you fail the ADI part 3 test at your third attempt.

You must wait 2 years from when you originally passed the ADI part 1 test (your ADI part 1 test) before you can take it (your ADI part 1 test) again.

Appeal your ADI part 3 test (the ADI part 3 test)

You can appeal your test (the ADI part 3 test) if you can prove that your examiner did not follow the law.

Read the guidance on appealing your test to check if your examiner followed the law.

If you have proof they (your examiner) did not follow the law you can complain to the Driver and Vehicle and Standards Agency (DVSA)

If DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle and Standards Agency (DVSA)) agrees with your complaint, your test result cannot be changed but you might get a refund or a free retest.

If DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle and Standards Agency (DVSA)) does not agree with your complaint you may be able to appeal to a court instead.

Appeal your test to a court

You can appeal if you can prove that your examiner did not follow the law when they carried out your test.

Your test result cannot be changed, but you might get a refund or a free retest if your appeal is successful.

You might have to pay significant legal costs if your appeal is unsuccessful.

You’ll need to appeal within:

6 months of your test in England and Wales

21 days of your test in Scotland

Check if you can appeal.

If your test is cancelled or there's bad weather

Your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test can be cancelled or stopped because of bad weather, problems with your car, or for other reasons.

If your test is suspended due to coronavirus (COVID-19)

You’ll be sent a new date for your test if this happens. You can change the date if it’s not suitable.

You need to have passed a theory test in the last 2 years to take this test (Your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test). Your theory test certificate will not be extended.

Bad weather

Tests are not carried out in dangerous weather conditions, such as when the roads are icy or if there’s flooding, thick fog or high winds.

Call your test centre if there are any of these conditions on the day of your test.

The phone number for the test centre (your test centre) is on your booking confirmation email.

If your test cannot go ahead

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will:

automatically book the next available date for your test (a new date for your test)

send you the details within 3 working days - it can take up to 7 days if there’s a long period of bad weather

You can change the date you’re given (a new date for your test) if it (a new date for your test)’s not suitable.

You cannot claim for any out-of-pocket expenses if your test is cancelled because of bad weather.

Problems with you or your car

You’ll have to book another test and pay again if your test cannot be completed because of a problem with:

you, for example, if you feel unwell while taking your test

your car, for example, if it breaks down during the test (your test) or does not meet the rules to be used

If your test is cancelled for another reason

Sometimes DVSA (The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) has to cancel tests for other reasons, for example, if the examiner is unwell.

You can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expenses if DVSA (The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) cancels your test at short notice.