The weight rule
In Great Britain you generally need a goods vehicle operator licence to carry goods with a motor vehicle that has a gross plated weight over 3,500 kg. Where a vehicle has no plated weight, the threshold is an unladen weight over 1,525 kg.
For a motor vehicle and trailer together, the licence is needed if the plated gross weights add up to more than 3,500 kg, or the combined unladen weight is over 1,525 kg. There is a trailer exemption. If the trailer's unladen weight is under 1,020 kg and you carry only your own goods, you do not need a licence for it.
The types of licence
There are three types. Which one you need depends on the work you do. A standard international licence is needed to carry other people's goods for hire or reward in Europe, and it covers some smaller vehicles too, such as vans with a maximum authorised mass over 2,500 kg. A standard licence needs a named Transport Manager. See do I need a Transport Manager for that.
Some vehicles are exempt
The exemptions depend on the vehicle and how it is used, and every condition must be met. GOV.UK lists examples including vehicles on trade plates, military vehicles, snow ploughs and gritters, emergency service vehicles, hearses, and vehicles used only for recovery. Some zero emission vehicles used only in Great Britain are exempt up to a maximum laden weight of 4,520 kg.
Some vehicles are never exempt. These include mobile shops, catering vehicles, mobile exhibition vehicles and any vehicle towing a trailer that carries goods.
If you are not sure
Do not guess. Operating without a licence you need is a serious offence, and the exemptions are narrower than people expect. Check the GOV.UK guidance on being a goods vehicle operator and the exemptions page, and take advice if your case is not clear.
If you do need a licence and a Transport Manager, you can search the directory or send one request.
General information only. Licensing rules and exemptions change and depend on the facts. Always check the current guidance on GOV.UK and with the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. Nothing here is legal advice.
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