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What is OLAT?
OLAT stands for Operator Licence Awareness Training. It's a one-day course designed to ensure anyone involved in running a transport operation understands their legal responsibilities and how to protect their operator licence.
The course covers the rules and regulations that apply to all operator licence holders — whether you hold a Restricted, Standard National, or Standard International licence. Topics include driver management, vehicle maintenance, drivers' hours, tachograph rules, and what the Traffic Commissioner expects from you.
OLAT is often required as an undertaking from the Traffic Commissioner, typically following a Public Inquiry, compliance issues, or when applying for a new licence. However, many operators attend voluntarily to ensure their team understands compliance requirements.
MDR Training is a JAUPT-accredited training centre and our OLAT certificates are recognised and accepted by Traffic Commissioners.
Who Should Attend?
OLAT is suitable for anyone involved in transport operations who needs to understand operator licence responsibilities:
Operator licence holders — especially if requested by the Traffic Commissioner
Directors and business owners — understand your legal obligations
Transport managers — supplement your CPC knowledge with practical compliance training
Operations managers and supervisors — ensure day-to-day compliance
Restricted licence holders — learn what's expected even without a qualified TM
New to transport — get up to speed quickly on the rules
If you've received an undertaking from the Traffic Commissioner to complete OLAT training, our certificate will satisfy that requirement.
What's Covered?
The OLAT course focuses on practical compliance — what you need to know to run your operation legally and protect your licence.
Operator Licensing
Types of operator licence and their requirements
Conditions attached to your licence
How to stay compliant with your licence undertakings
What triggers Traffic Commissioner action
Driver Management
Drivers' hours rules (EU and domestic)
Tachograph requirements and record keeping
Driver licensing and entitlements
Driver CPC requirements
Managing driver infringements
Vehicle Management
Maintenance obligations and PMI intervals
MOT and safety inspection requirements
Roadworthiness responsibilities
Documentation and record keeping
DVSA encounters and inspections
Traffic Commissioner Expectations
The role of the Traffic Commissioner
Public Inquiries — what to expect
Undertakings and how to comply
Good repute and professional competence
How to avoid regulatory action
By the end of the course, you'll have a clear understanding of what's expected to maintain a compliant operation.
Course Options
Online OLAT (via Zoom)
Live tutor-led sessions — not pre-recorded
Runs 08:45 to 16:30
Requires laptop/PC with webcam and microphone
Interactive — ask questions throughout
Certificate emailed on completion
Available for Road Haulage and Passenger Transport
Price: £100 (Haulage) | £150 (Passenger) — inc VAT and DVSA upload
Classroom OLAT (Coalville)
Held at MDR Training, 1 Franks Road, Bardon, Coalville, LE67 1TT
Runs 08:45 to 16:30
Lunch, refreshments and free parking included
Face-to-face learning with our experienced tutors
Certificate provided on completion
Currently available for Road Haulage only
Price: £240 — inc VAT, DVSA upload, lunch and refreshments
Course Dates
Click "Select Date Required" to see all available OLAT course dates. Each date shows whether it's online or classroom, and whether it's for haulage or passenger operators.
Can't find a date that works? Call us on 01530 834 554 — we run additional dates when demand requires.
Why Choose MDR Training?
JAUPT Accredited Our OLAT course is accredited by JAUPT (Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training). Your certificate is officially recognised.
Accepted by Traffic Commissioners Our certificates satisfy Traffic Commissioner undertakings. We'll provide documentation confirming your attendance.
Experienced Tutors Our trainers have real-world transport management experience. They understand the practical challenges you face.
Flexible Options Online or classroom — choose what suits you. Multiple dates available each month.
Instant Certification Receive your certificate on the day. We upload your hours to DVSA on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OLAT training? OLAT (Operator Licence Awareness Training) is a one-day course that teaches transport operators and their staff about compliance responsibilities. It covers drivers' hours, vehicle maintenance, tachograph rules, and Traffic Commissioner expectations.
Is OLAT mandatory? OLAT isn't mandatory for everyone, but it's often required as an undertaking from the Traffic Commissioner — typically after a Public Inquiry or compliance issues. Many operators also attend voluntarily to improve their compliance knowledge.
Who needs to attend OLAT? Anyone involved in running a transport operation can benefit from OLAT. It's particularly relevant for operator licence holders, directors, transport managers, operations managers, and restricted licence holders.
How long is the OLAT course? OLAT is a one-day course running from 08:45 to 16:30.
Is OLAT available online? Yes. We offer OLAT online via Zoom as well as classroom sessions at our Coalville training centre. The online course is live and tutor-led — not pre-recorded.
Will I get a certificate? Yes. You'll receive a certificate on completion of the course. We also upload your training record to DVSA on your behalf.
Is your OLAT certificate accepted by the Traffic Commissioner? Yes. MDR Training is JAUPT accredited and our certificates are accepted by Traffic Commissioners as proof of completing an OLAT undertaking.
What's the difference between OLAT and CPC Refresher? OLAT is a compliance awareness course for anyone in transport. CPC Refresher is specifically for qualified Transport Managers to update their knowledge. See the comparison table above.
Do I get Driver CPC hours for attending OLAT? Yes. Attending our OLAT course qualifies for 7 hours of Driver CPC periodic training, which we upload to DVSA on your behalf.
Book Your Place
Ready to book? Select your preferred date below. You'll receive confirmation and a VAT invoice once your booking is complete.
Prefer to pay by BACS or have questions? Call us on 01530 834 554 or email hello@mdrtraininguk.com