Cost Guide to Becoming a HGV Owner Operator

The HGV operator’s licence cost is currently £658 , which covers both the application and issuing fee. For the continuation of your licence, there’ll be a fixed charge every 5 years.

If you’re looking to set yourself up as an independent HGV driver, you’ll need to get a licence first to qualify. But how to go about obtaining one before taking to the road?

In this guide, we’ll give you all the information you need to become a licensed trucker, as well as the expected total cost you can expect – whether you’re just starting out or ready to purchase your first HGV for sale.

We cover:

• HGV operator’s licence cost
• How to apply for your HGV operator’s licence
• Additional start-up costs, like buying your first truck

At Smith Bros., we work with businesses and independent truckers alike, providing them with top-quality second-hand trucks for sale. Got a truck-related question or need any support at all? Simply get in touch today.

HGV OPERATOR’S LICENCE COST GUIDANCE

To become a qualified trucker, you’ll need a HGV operator’s licence (also called an O-licence) , which functions both for owner drivers and haulage company owners.

Getting your O-licence will qualify you for trading in the UK. Your O-licence is issued by the Traffic Commissioner, and it authorises you to transport goods connected to a trade or business.

In other words, without it, you can’t actually do business.

HOW MUCH IS IT? At the time of writing, the application requires a one-off fee of £257 across all types – restricted, standard national, and standard international. You’ll also need to pay for the issuing of the licence, which is £401 and needs renewing every 5 years.

Applying for your O-licence requires a government application. You can find out more about vehicle licensing and apply for your operator’s licence here .

OTHER FEES ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR HGV OPERATOR’S LICENCE

The following additional fees may also apply as your business progresses:

• Continuation of the licence after 5 years £401
• Issue of an interim licence£68
• Major change to a licence £257

DO I ACTUALLY NEED A HGV OPERATOR’S LICENCE?

According to government guidance , commercial drivers in the UK must apply for HGV operator’s licence if operating either of the below:

• A goods vehicle of over 3.5 tonnes gross plated weight or 
• A goods vehicle with an unladen weight of more than 1,525kg (where there is no plated weight)

You will also need a licence if you carry goods for hire or reward on international journeys when using a vehicle (or a vehicle combination, such as with a trailer unit ) with a maximum laden weight of more than 2.5 tonnes.

HOW DO I GET A HGV OPERATOR’S LICENCE UK?

Easy enough – you can apply online for your HGV operator’s licence using the government’s service. Apply for your licence here.

You’ll need to submit some financial evidence to demonstrate that you have enough finances to support your business venture. You’ll also need to advertise your application in the traffic areas in which you plan to operate. More information on this can be found on the gov’s site.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE? Applications can take up to 7 weeks . Should there be any issues with your application – for example, you don’t submit all the correct documentation – it may delay the approval.

ADDITIONAL COSTS TO GET STARTED AS A HGV DRIVER

As well as paying the HGV operator’s licence cost, you’ll also need a few other documents to ensure you can legally do business in the UK.

Steps 1-2 below are what you should complete before applying for your O-licence.

STEP ONE: GET YOUR HGV DRIVER’S LICENCE

To qualify as a HGV driver in the UK, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

• Have a valid driving licence
• Be over 18
• Pass your Driver CPC training (step two)

If you don’t yet have a driving licence, you will need to apply and pass your test. We estimate training costs to be between £1,000-£1,500 in total, depending on how quick you take to it.

Once passed, you can get your provisional HGV licence, which is free of charge . You will need to send some medical information and choose the correct category of licence, which will depend on the vehicle you plan to drive. Apply for your HGV provisional licence here.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? It can take up to 3 weeks to get your provisional once the DVLA has received your application. It can take longer if there are any errors with your health or personal details.

STEP TWO: COMPLETE YOUR DRIVER CPC TRAINING

There are 5 tests in total (35 hours of training) in the full Driver CPC, which new applicants must take. However, you might not need to take all of these (say, for example, you’ve previously qualified as a HGV driver and are simply looking to retrain).

Prices for individual CPC driving tests range from £11 to £141 , depending on the licence category and time of day you select. Check out the full list of fees here.

NOTE: Steps 1-2 are standard within the UK. However, depending on the organisation you apply for, there could be additional job orientation or road tests that you’ll be required to take, but this will vary from firm to firm.

STEP THREE: NOW FOR THE WHEELS, GETTING YOUR HGV

Of course, you will very much need a truck. The type of truck you purchase will naturally depend on the type of business you plan to run, what goods you’re moving, and the budget you’re working with.

At Smith Bros., we’ve been helping independent truckers get their hands on top-of-the-range pre-owned trucks for years. We stock leading brands, such as our wide collection of Scania trucks, ensuring each vehicle undergoes rigorous tests and checks before we list it.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? We’re known for industry-beating prices so will be sure to get you the best deal. For any listings that you’re interested in, simply hit ‘ENQUIRE NOW’ and we’ll price you up.

And there you have it! Once you’ve completed each of these steps, you’re all set to hit the road.

JOIN THE SMITH BROS. HGV DRIVER COMMUNITY WITH YOUR NEXT TRUCK

Of course, there’ll be a bunch of extra costs involved throughout your trucking career, like fuel costs and insurance. For now though, these are the main figures – in addition to the HGV operator’s licence cost – to get you started.

If you’re keen to get your wheels in motion so to speak, then look not further than Smith Bros. We’ve been helping truckers hit the tarmac for years with our collection of used trailers and trucks for well over 50 years.

If this isn’t your first business and you’re looking to expand or upgrade, our offloading service may also interest you. Get in to sell your truck and we’ll be happy to discuss rates.

Got a question? Call us today, and we’ll get the ball rolling.