You must hold a valid public service vehicle (PSV) operator’s licence to:<\/p>\n
Note<\/strong>: VOSA produce a PSV operator licensing guide<\/a> for operators of PSVs.<\/p>\n The independent traffic commissioners regulate the PSV operator licensing system in Great Britain. The primary purpose is to ensure the safe and the proper use of public service vehicles for fare paying passengers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are four (4) different types of PSV (Public Service vehicle) operator licences. Besides that, certain types of special licensing rules for PSVs exist inside London.<\/p>\n Holding this type of standard licence means you can operate an unlimited number of vehicles (e.g. as a full-time commercial operator), but only in Great Britain.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n A standard international licence will allow you to take passengers in the United Kingdom and abroad. You would also get a Community Licence to travel to and from (or through) another EU Member State.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n Only a small-scale operation can apply for a restricted licence. The licence allows the use of two vehicles (maximum) and neither of them can carry more than eight (8) passengers.<\/p>\n You would be able to carry up to sixteen (16) passengers in either vehicle, providing:<\/p>\n You must already hold either a taxi licence, a PHV licence, or a PHC licence to apply for a special restricted licence. The purpose of granting it is to allow the use of a licensed taxi on a local service, such as:<\/p>\n Important<\/strong>: This type of service would need to be registered with the local Traffic Commissioner.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n Transport for London (TfL) licenses taxis and private hire services inside the London network. So, you would need to apply for a London Service Permit<\/a> to run a private bus, coach, or tours service outside the ‘tendered’ network in London.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n Note<\/strong>: Operating a PSV without a valid licence is an offence and it can result in a prosecution and having your vehicle impounded. The rules for PSV (Public Service Vehicle) operator licences differ in Northern Ireland and in the Isle of Man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can apply for a public service vehicle (PSV) operator’s licence<\/a> online or by post. As a rule, it will take around seven (7) weeks to get a decision about your application.<\/p>\n In fact, there is no ‘official’ expiry date to a PSV (Public Service Vehicle) licence. But, you would need to confirm your details at least once every five (5) years.<\/p>\n The Traffic Commissioner’s Office will contact you to verify that the information they have about you is accurate. Holding a special restricted (taxi) licence means you would need to pay a continuation fee.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Important<\/strong>: Operating a vehicle before the authorities issue the licence is illegal. The Traffic Commissioner can suspend or revoke a PSV licence if they suspect you are breaking the terms of the permit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n In most cases, it will be easier to pay for the application or licence fees at the same time as applying for a vehicle operator licence online. But, you can also pay by telephone or by postal methods.<\/p>\n You would need to call the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) helpline to pay for PSV (Public Service Vehicle) operator licences by phone.<\/p>\n DVSA Helpline<\/strong> If you want to pay by post you would need to send a cheque or a postal order to the Central Licensing Office and make it payable to ‘DVSA’.<\/p>\n Central Licensing Office<\/strong> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You will be able to apply to vary (make changes to) your PSV operator’s licence. One of the common reasons for making changes is to increase the number of vehicles authorised under the licence. Another section explains how to update and manage your vehicle operator licence<\/a> online.<\/p>\n But, you cannot surrender (give up) your PSV licence using the usual online service. Instead, you would need to download form SUR1 and use postal methods.<\/p>\n Fill in the form and send it to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. You will find the OTC address written on form SUR1.<\/p>\n There is no fee for making many of the changes to a public service vehicle licence. But, there will be a charge of \u00a3122 to:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You must notify the Traffic Commissioner in writing, and within 28 days, if your circumstances change. Some of the typical changes include:<\/p>\n Any change in the ‘legal entity’ of the business also needs reporting to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner’s Central Licensing Office at the DVSA. So for example, you must report it if:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n As a rule, you will be able to appeal against a decision made by the traffic commissioner if they refuse to grant your application for a PSV operator licence.<\/p>\n The first step would be to send a written notice of appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber)<\/a>.<\/p>\n Upper Tribunal<\/strong> Important<\/strong>: Even though there is no fee, they need to receive the notice of appeal within one (1) month of the Traffic Commissioner’s decision<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n What if your appeal is unsuccessful and you believe the decision is wrong? In this case, you can make an appeal to the Court of Appeal (in England and Wales) or to the Court of Session (in Scotland).<\/p>\n You would need to have permission from the Upper Tribunal, or from the Court if the Upper Tribunal refuses.<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: An application for permission to appeal must be received no later than one (1) month of the original appeal decision. Read ‘Notes for Appellants Form UT12<\/a> (Traffic Commissioner appeals)’ for further guidance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nTypes of PSV Operator Licence<\/h3>\n
Standard Licence (for national operations only)<\/h5>\n
Standard Licence (for national and international operations)<\/h5>\n
Restricted Licence (for small operations)<\/h5>\n
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Special Restricted Licence<\/h5>\n
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Licensing Rules in London<\/h5>\n
\nHow to Apply for a PSV Operator’s Licence<\/h2>\n
\nPSV Operator Licence Fees<\/h3>\n
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\nHow to Pay Your PSV Licence Fee<\/h3>\n
Paying by Telephone<\/h5>\n
\n Telephone: 0300 123 9000<\/a>
\n Monday to Friday: 7:30am to 6pm
\n Charges to 0300 numbers<\/a>.\n <\/div>\nPaying by Post<\/h5>\n
\n Hillcrest House
\n 386 Harehills Lane
\n Leeds
\n LS9 6NF\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nHow to Make Changes to a PSV Licence<\/h2>\n
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\nIf there are Changes in Circumstances<\/h3>\n
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\nAppealing Against a Decision<\/h2>\n
\n\tAdministrative Appeals Chamber
\n\tTraffic Commissioner Appeals
\n\t5th floor, Rolls Building
\n\t7 Rolls Buildings
\n\tFetter Lane
\n\tLondon
\n\tEC4A 1NL
\n Email: adminappeals@justice.gov.uk<\/a>
\n Telephone: 0207 947 7422<\/a>
\n\tMonday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
\n\tCheck UK telephone rates<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nAppealing an Upper Tribunal decision<\/h3>\n
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