Apply to be temporarily recognised as a transport manager

Use this service to apply to be a temporary transport manager if you work for a business that transports goods from the UK into, or through, the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.

You can apply if you have at least 10 years’ experience managing fleets of vans or other light goods vehicles, also known as light commercial vehicles. Your current business must transport goods using:

  • light commercial vehicles
  • vans towing trailers, with a combined weight of 3.5 tonnes or less
  • cars towing trailers, with a combined weight of 3.5 tonnes or less

If you transport goods in larger vehicles or towing heavier trailers, you cannot apply to be a temporary transport manager. You need a professional qualification called the Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) instead.

What you need

You’ll need to know:

  • the name and address of each business you’ve worked for since 20 August 2010
  • the job title or job role you had at each business
  • the dates you’ve worked at each business
  • details of any times you’ve been unemployed or off work for 3 months or more - for example, if you were on maternity or paternity leave

You’ll need to show you’ve been responsible for things like managing vehicle tax, MOTs and insurance.

Apply to be recognised as a transport manager temporarily

The deadline for applying is 21 May 2024. It’s free to apply.

You’ll usually get a decision on your application within 4 weeks, but it can take longer.

If your application is successful, you’ll be recognised as a transport manager until 21 May 2025. You’ll need to pass the CPC qualification by that date to continue as a transport manager.

Start now

Before you start

Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you need help to apply.

DVSA customer services
Telephone: 0300 123 9000 (choose option 3)
Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6pm
Find out about call charges

Related content