O licence

[Pablo]

Right fellas grey area time do you need an O licence for a 3.5t van if you're towingI can't find a diffinative answer although I'm sure it's out there somewhere. The way I see the regs it calls for them on vehicles over 3.5t but montions nothing about trailers which comes under train weight not GVW. Whats the point in them anyway is it the same idea as machine cards and if so why can't it be added onto them.

[dig dug dan]

this is a subject that comes up time and time again.
You need a tacho fitted, but as far as i am aware, not an o licence.
The tacho is not just a case of fitting one. you have to have a card with your details on that goes in the device, plus you have to have it calibrated, and learn how to do it.
I have got a card, and have it shoved in the device all the time, but cannot find anyone who can teach me how to use it, or get it calibrated, so that is where my compliance will end!

[Dave_L]

You'll be needing a driver CPC aswell........more days in a classroom and £££

[Dave_L]

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg....SOURCES

[Dave_L]

I have got a card, and have it shoved in the device all the time,

You have a digital drivers card? And you never remove it from the VU? Do you take (and record) your breaks as and when taken?

Ignorance is no defence when VOSA get involved.......

You need to get this sorted out soon, if they catch you out they will sting you - even moreso now they are self-funding.

[Dave_L]

For a combination, ie a drawing vehicle and trailer, you need a licence if:

the unladen weight of the tractive unit plus the gross plated weight of the semi-trailer is more than 3,500 kilograms

in a case where the semi-trailer is not plated, the combined unladen weight is more than 1,525 kilograms

I would say the bold text would apply to your outfit Pablo?

[local patios and driveway]

Hate vosa with a passion, none of it is clear as day, no two people get the same info from them. Arse and elbow spring to mind

[Dave_L]

Yep....they'll expect you to interpret and implement their confusing and changes-monthly rules and regulations.

I'm all for weeding out the bad buggers around but making the honest tradesman trying to make a living is taking it a bit far. Blame the EU.

[DNgroundworks]

i aint gonna go into it as ive detailed loads of info here and on other forums but for my personal circumstances i have it in writing signed and dated from vosa that i am expemt from both the tacho regulations and O licence regs. DDD you need a tacho as you are being paid hire and reward to drop your crushers off, if you was using the crusher on your own job and not hiring out self drive then you wouldnt need a tacho.

[dig dug dan]

You have a digital drivers card? And you never remove it from the VU? Do you take (and record) your breaks as and when taken?

Ignorance is no defence when VOSA get involved.......

You need to get this sorted out soon, if they catch you out they will sting you - even moreso now they are self-funding.

Dave, i don't drive more than four hours. I now put the crushers on the back of the truck to avoid towing a trailer if i am delivering,and now only use a trailer for my own plant and goods.

As dan just said, i wouldn't need it unless i hired.

Point is, no one will calibrate, or show me how to use the device so how am i supposed to comply anyway?

[Pablo]

i aint gonna go into it as ive detailed loads of info here and on other forums but for my personal circumstances i have it in writing signed and dated from vosa that i am expemt from both the tacho regulations and O licence regs. DDD you need a tacho as you are being paid hire and reward to drop your crushers off, if you was using the crusher on your own job and not hiring out self drive then you wouldnt need a tacho.

I recall your posts are you saying that you're allowed to tow without a tacho. There's absolutely no point in applying HGV type laws to tradesmen who only drive to get to work and pick up materials etc it's making nothing safer. This is f#ckin stupid pointless and expensive

[DNgroundworks]

Thats exactly it Pablo, the exemption is i can move my materials, plant and equipment for the use in my days work as long as driving does not constitute my main activity and i am no further than 50k from base.

The O licence exemption is due to the unladen weight of the trailer, only the biggest of the ifor's trailers go over that, ie the car transporter trailer.....but if you are moving cars for folk you would need a tacho and O licence anyhow.

I keep all this paperwork from vosa and a map with my 50k radius limit drawn on, under my seat in the pickup, plus some other bits in case i get pulled by VOSA.

[Dave_L]

Thats exactly it Pablo, the exemption is i can move my materials, plant and equipment for the use in my days work as long as driving does not constitute my main activity and i am no further than 50k from base.

Yep....I would totally agree with your exemption there. But the problem is the 50k limit, we regularly work further than that meaning tacho and all the bollocks that goes with it.

[DNgroundworks]

I always think when im pricing a job thats more than 50k away, ill let someone else deal with the haulage, as towing a trailer laden with gear 100k a day would be ridiculous and cost a fortune in derv.

Anyhow i think you can safely say no matter how knowledgeable you are regarding tacho's and O licencing if VOSA pull you they WILL get you for something, the list is endless, tow ball hitch loading calculations anyone?