Why Every New Transport Operator Needs OLAT Training
By MDR Training UK - Making Transport Compliance Simple
If you're starting a transport business, you need to complete OLAT training. It's not optional - it's the law. But here's the good news: this one-day course will save you from expensive mistakes and help your business run smoothly from day one.
What is an OLAT?
OLAT stands for Operator Licence Awareness Training. It's a one-day course that every new transport operator must take within two months of getting their operator's licence.
The smart move? Do it before you even get your licence. That way, you can set everything up correctly from the start.
Why Do I Have to Take an OLAT?
The Traffic Commissioners (the people who control operator licences) noticed that many new operators were getting into trouble. Not because they wanted to break the rules, but because they didn't know what the rules were.
Common problems included:
Vehicles failing safety checks
Drivers working too many hours
Missing important paperwork
Not having enough money in the business
Forgetting to tell the Traffic Commissioner about important changes
OLAT training stops these problems before they start.
What Will an OLAT Do for My Business?
Keep You Out of Trouble
Breaking the rules can cost you:
Big fines
Your operator's licence suspended or taken away
Being banned from running a transport business
Your reputation damaged
One day of training is much cheaper than any of these problems.
Show You How to Stay Legal
You'll learn practical things like:
How often to check your vehicles
What paperwork you must keep
How to check your drivers are working legally
How to read tachograph records
What to do if something goes wrong
Help You Understand the Transport Manager's Job
Every transport business needs a Transport Manager with a CPC qualification. OLAT explains:
What the Transport Manager must do
Why they're so important
What happens if they don't do their job properly
Teach You About Drivers' Hours
This is where many operators get caught out. You'll learn:
How many hours drivers can work
When they must take breaks
How to check tachograph records
What records you must keep
Explain the Money Side
You need to prove you have enough money to run your business safely. OLAT covers:
How much money you need
How to prove you have it
When to tell the Traffic Commissioner about money problems
What's Actually in the Course?
The course runs from 8:45am to 4:30pm and covers:
The Legal Stuff
How operator licensing works
What the Traffic Commissioner can do
Your responsibilities for safety and the environment
Running Your Vehicles
Vehicle checks and maintenance
Managing your drivers
Loading vehicles safely
The Paperwork
What records to keep
How long to keep them
What to report to the Traffic Commissioner
Staying Compliant
Checking you're following the rules
Learning from mistakes
Keeping up with changes in the law
MDR Training UK's OLAT Courses
We make OLAT simple and convenient with options to suit everyone:
Online OLAT - From Just £100
Haulage operators: £100 (inc VAT)
Passenger operators: £150 (inc VAT)
Live training on Zoom with an expert tutor
Runs 8:45am to 4:30pm
You'll need a laptop or PC with webcam and microphone
Get your certificate instantly when you complete the course
Classroom OLAT - £240
Face-to-face training at our Coalville centre (LE67 1TT)
Includes lunch and refreshments
Free parking
Currently available for haulage operators only
Runs 8:45am to 4:30pm
All our prices include VAT and the DVSA upload fee if you need it.
Who Should Take an OLAT?
You need an OLAT if you're:
A new operator licence holder
A director in a transport company
A manager in transport operations
A restricted licence holder
Anyone who needs to understand operator licence rules
Whether you have a National, International or Restricted licence, the rules are the same - and you need to know them.
Don't Wait - Book Today
The Traffic Commissioner gives you just two months after getting your licence to complete an OLAT. But why wait? The sooner you understand the rules, the sooner you can build a successful, compliant transport business.
Our expert trainers explain everything in plain English, answer all your questions, and give you practical advice you can use straight away. With multiple dates available each month for both online and classroom training, you can start when it suits you.
Ready to Get Started?
Book your OLAT course today or call us on 01530 834 554 if you have questions or prefer to pay by BACS.
Click "Select Date Required" on our booking page to see all available dates. Each course listing shows whether it's online or in-person, and whether it's for haulage or passenger operators.
MDR Training UK - Your trusted partner for transport compliance training. Making complex regulations simple since day one.