Operator Licence Awareness Training (OLAT)
Clear, practical training to help you understand your responsibilities and meet the expectations of the Traffic Commissioner.
£100 per delegate | Live online training | Full-day course
Delivered in small groups, with plenty of opportunity for questions, discussion and practical examples.
Delivered by a trainer with 12 years' Office of the Traffic Commissioner experience
Focused on the responsibilities that come with holding an operator licence
Practical, jargon-free guidance you can use in your operation
What is OLAT?
Why might you need OLAT?
Operator Licence Awareness Training (OLAT) is designed to help operators and those involved in running a transport operation understand the responsibilities that come with holding an operator licence.
The course covers the key systems, responsibilities and standards expected by DVSA and the Traffic Commissioner, with a practical focus on how they apply to the day-to-day running of your operation.
OLAT may be required by a Traffic Commissioner following regulatory intervention, as part of an undertaking, or in connection with an operator licence application. In some cases, applicants may be required to complete OLAT before a licence is granted or within a specified period after grant.
You don't need to wait until you're required to attend, though. OLAT is also a useful way for new and existing operators to strengthen their understanding of operator licence responsibilities and good compliance practice.
OLAT can be useful if you are:
- Applying for an operator licence and have been asked to complete OLAT
- New to operating under an operator licence
- Responsible for compliance within a transport business
- Looking to refresh or strengthen your understanding
- Required to complete OLAT following regulatory action or as part of an undertaking
Who is OLAT for?
OLAT is suitable for people who have responsibility for, or need a better understanding of, operator licence compliance.
Restricted licence holders who want a clearer understanding of their responsibilities
New operators and business owners preparing to run vehicles under an operator licence
Directors and senior managers with responsibility for transport operations
Transport and compliance staff who want to strengthen their knowledge
Operators or individuals who have been asked to complete OLAT by a Traffic Commissioner or following regulatory intervention
What you'll learn
A practical look at the key responsibilities that come with holding and operating under an operator licence.
Your Operator Licence Responsibilities
Understand the commitments you've made as an operator and what they mean in practice.
Vehicle Maintenance & Roadworthiness
Understand your responsibilities for safety inspections, defect reporting, maintenance records and keeping vehicles roadworthy.
Drivers' Hours & Record Keeping
Learn the basics of drivers' hours, tachograph responsibilities, record keeping and effective monitoring.
Transport Managers & Management Responsibilities
Understand the role of the Transport Manager, where applicable, and the responsibilities of operators, Directors and those managing the transport operation.
Compliance Systems & Records
Understand the systems and records you should have in place and how good compliance is managed day to day.
DVSA & Traffic Commissioner Expectations
Understand how compliance may be checked, what can lead to concerns and why being able to demonstrate effective systems matters.
How the training works
OLAT is delivered live online, giving you the opportunity to learn, ask questions and discuss how the requirements apply to real transport operations.
Live Online
Join from anywhere in the UK with no travel required.
Full-Day Course
A structured day covering the key responsibilities and compliance requirements of operator licensing.
Small, Interactive Groups
Courses are kept small to allow plenty of opportunity for questions, discussion and practical examples.
Practical, Plain-English Training
We explain the requirements clearly and focus on how they apply in the real world — not just what's written in the guidance.
What you'll receive
On completion of the course, you'll receive:
- A certificate confirming completion of Operator Licence Awareness Training
- Supporting course materials for future reference
- Practical guidance and examples you can take back to your operation
- The opportunity to ask questions throughout the course
Why train with Total Transport Compliance?
OLAT shouldn't just be about completing a course. We want you to finish the day with a clearer understanding of your responsibilities and how to apply them in your operation.
12 Years Inside the Office of the Traffic Commissioner
Your training is delivered by someone with 12 years' experience within the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, bringing first-hand understanding of operator licensing, compliance and the standards expected of operators.
Practical, Real-World Training
We focus on what the requirements actually mean in practice, using realistic examples to help you understand how good compliance works day to day.
Small Groups, Plenty of Questions
We keep our courses small and interactive, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and explore the areas most relevant to your role and operation.
Clear, Jargon-Free Guidance
Transport compliance can be complicated. We explain it in straightforward language, without losing the detail you need to understand your responsibilities.
Book your OLAT course
Practical, live online Operator Licence Awareness Training delivered in a small, interactive group.
Operator Licence Awareness Training
£100 per delegate
Live online | Full-day course
- Small-group interactive training
- Practical course materials
- Certificate on completion
- Opportunity to ask questions throughout
Booking for several people? Get in touch to discuss group training for your business.
Looking for 1:1 or dedicated team training? Contact us to discuss availability and pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Who is OLAT suitable for?
OLAT is suitable for operator licence holders, Directors, managers and others involved in running or overseeing a transport operation. It can also be taken by people who have been asked to complete OLAT as part of an operator licence application, undertaking or following regulatory intervention.
Do I need to have been told to complete OLAT?
No. While OLAT may be required by a Traffic Commissioner in certain circumstances, you can also attend voluntarily to improve or refresh your understanding of operator licence responsibilities.
Is the course delivered online?
Yes. Our OLAT course is delivered live online, so you can join from anywhere in the UK. The session is interactive, with opportunities to ask questions and discuss practical examples throughout the day.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. You'll receive a certificate confirming completion of the course.
Can you provide OLAT for a group or just my business?
Yes. If you have several people who need training or would prefer a dedicated course for your organisation, contact us to discuss availability and pricing.