From 20 May 2025, “Acquired Rights” are no longer accepted to meet the professional-competence requirement for Transport Managers of light goods vehicle (LGV) operations on international journeys. A full Transport Manager CPC (Road Haulage) is now mandatory.
Official sources:
GOV.UK – The end of Light Goods Vehicle Acquired Rights (13 June 2025);
DVSA Moving On – LGV Strategy (4 Aug 2025);
NI Dept for Infrastructure – International haulage rules (2022).
| Requirement | Effective Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| International Operator Licensing | 21 May 2022 | Vans/van+trailer 2.5t–3.5t GVW operating internationally for hire or reward must hold a Standard International O-Licence and nominate a Transport Manager. |
| End of “Acquired Rights” | 20 May 2025 | Acquired Rights no longer meet the professional-competence requirement. The TM must hold a valid CPC (Road Haulage). |
| Tachographs for Vans | July 2026 | Vans 2.5t–3.5t used internationally for hire or reward require a tachograph; drivers’ hours must be recorded and analysed. |
Transcom National Training delivers the Skills & Education Group Awards (SEGA) Transport Manager CPC (Road Haulage) – recognised for professional competence on the Operator Licence.
No. From 20 May 2025, Acquired Rights are no longer accepted. The Transport Manager must hold a CPC (Road Haulage). Source: GOV.UK.
Vans or van+trailer combinations between 2.5t and 3.5t GVW used internationally for hire or reward (EU, Republic of Ireland, EFTA states). Source: NI Dept for Infrastructure.
Operators without a CPC-qualified TM risk licence revocation. The Office of the Traffic Commissioner reported non-compliant operators were already facing action in June 2025. Source: GOV.UK.
From July 2026 for vans 2.5t–3.5t used internationally for hire or reward. Source: EU Mobility Package / UK international haulage guidance.
No. Drivers operating vans (2.5t–3.5t GVW) for hire or reward on international journeys currently do not require a Driver CPC. They only need a valid Category B or B+E licence. The Driver CPC requirement applies to vocational licence holders (C1, C, D1, D) and does not yet extend to van drivers. Source: GOV.UK – Driver CPC Overview.
End of “Acquired Rights” for Light Goods Vehicle Transport Managers – Enforcement Update (2025) From 20 May 2025, “Acquired Rights” are no longer accepted to
Running a Compliant Operator’s Licence (2025) Operator’s Licence compliance guide for 2025. Practical, up-to-date steps to keep your O-licence compliant: maintenance & brake
Operator Licence – Application Guide How to Apply for an Operator Licence (2025 Step-by-Step) What licence you need, the exact fees for Great Britain and
What the Law, DVSA and HSE Expect from Professional Drivers Understanding the legal, safety and employer responsibilities for professional HGV and PSV drivers in the
When the Traffic Commissioner calls the daily walkaround check “a legal duty and a safety priority”, drivers should take note. Skipping or rushing this simple
Transport compliance has never been more scrutinised. In 2025, Traffic Commissioners made clear that professional competence is not optional — it’s a legal expectation. That’s
