Operator licensing
Transport Manager Leaving? The 28-Day DVSA Notification Rule
An Operator's Licence (O-licence) legally requires a nominated Transport Manager with the relevant CPC to be in place. When that person leaves, the clock starts immediately — whether or not a replacement is already lined up.
The 28-day rule
You must notify the Traffic Commissioner within 28 days of a Transport Manager leaving, being removed, or otherwise ceasing to act in that role for the licence. This applies whether it's a resignation, dismissal, retirement, or the Transport Manager simply stepping back from the role.
What happens if you don't
Operating without a nominated Transport Manager, or without notifying the Traffic Commissioner in time, puts the O-licence itself at risk — it can lead to regulatory action up to and including licence revocation, since 'repute and professional competence' is one of the four core O-licence requirements and is specifically tied to having a properly appointed Transport Manager.
What to actually do in the 28 days
Notify the Traffic Commissioner promptly — don't wait to line up a replacement first. In parallel, either appoint a replacement Transport Manager or arrange formal interim cover. The specific mechanics depend on your licence type, so this is worth confirming directly with the Traffic Commissioner's office rather than assuming.
Not in FleetCompliance yet
This isn't in FleetCompliance today. Storing the Transport Manager's CPC certificate and flagging this 28-day window is on the roadmap — right now FleetCompliance tracks vehicle and driver compliance deadlines, not O-licence-level events like this.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to notify the Traffic Commissioner if my Transport Manager leaves?
28 days from when they cease to act as your nominated Transport Manager — whether that's resignation, dismissal or another reason.
Can I operate without a Transport Manager while I find a replacement?
Not indefinitely, and not without notifying the Traffic Commissioner — operating without a properly nominated, notified Transport Manager risks your Operator's Licence. Notify promptly and look into interim cover rather than waiting until a permanent replacement is found.
Does this apply to both standard and restricted O-licences?
The Transport Manager requirement specifically applies to standard national and standard international licences, which require professional competence to be demonstrated through a nominated Transport Manager. Restricted licences don't require one in the same way — check your specific licence type if you're unsure which applies.
Rules and thresholds referenced here reflect UK regulations at the time of writing. Always confirm current requirements directly with the relevant regulator (DVSA, DVLA, HSE, the Environment Agency or your Traffic Commissioner) before relying on this page for a compliance decision.
See what FleetCompliance already tracks
This one isn't built yet, but MOT, insurance, LOLER and driver licence/CPC/medical deadlines are — free for 1 vehicle, no card needed.