OLAT Training: Operator Licence Awareness

A course for the operation, not a new driving entitlement

Operator Licence Awareness Training is aimed at people responsible for how a transport operation is managed. OLAT is for directors, restricted licence holders and those involved in transport operations. Its purpose is to explain operator-licence responsibilities. It does not give you a Category C, C+E or passenger driving entitlement, and it should not be booked as though it were a practical lorry course.

You may be looking at OLAT because you oversee a business that uses goods vehicles, support the people who manage the vehicles, or need to understand what an operator licence means for your role. Explain that responsibility in your enquiry. This helps the team discuss the awareness course rather than automatically direct you towards periodic Driver CPC or the full Transport Manager CPC qualification.

Start with the licence and the person attending

Before requesting a place, note the type of operation, the operator-licence category and who will attend. A director and a driver may be working for the same company but need different training. If you hold a restricted licence, tell us how you are involved in the operation. If your organisation has been asked to arrange training, include the wording of that requirement so you can check that the proposed course is suitable.

Ask about OLAT certification when arranging your operator-licence awareness training. Ask about the certificate supplied for the current course and make sure it meets the requirement you have been given. Do not assume that attendance on an awareness course awards the full Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence. The qualification, examination and course options for transport managers are explained on their own pages.

What to ask about the course scope

Operator licensing brings responsibilities that sit alongside the day-to-day use of vehicles. The Transport Manager syllabus covers maintenance systems, inspections, record keeping, drivers’ hours, tachographs and load security. Those topics help identify the questions your operation may need to ask, but the OLAT syllabus should be confirmed for the course being booked. Ask which subjects the awareness course covers and how they relate to your responsibilities.

Use your enquiry to explain where you need clarity: the responsibilities of a director, the place of a restricted licence in the operation, or how the people managing transport should understand their obligations. An awareness course is a chance to focus on that role. It is not a substitute for checking your own licence undertakings, current operating requirements or a specific instruction you have received.

Price, timetable and online attendance: confirm first

Ask us about the current OLAT price, course length, delivery format and any CPC hours when you enquire. Include your preferred dates and explain whether you need training for yourself or colleagues. OLAT and periodic Driver CPC are different courses, so let us know which requirement you need to meet. If CPC hours matter to your booking, ask for confirmation for the course you are considering.

Ask about the available OLAT delivery options and what attendance involves before arranging time away from work or travel. If you need the full Transport Manager CPC qualification instead, we offer UK-wide live Microsoft Teams training at £950 and Glasgow classroom training at £1,300. Tell us which qualification you need so we can discuss the appropriate course.

Arrange a clear employer enquiry

For a company enquiry, give the attendee’s role, the type of transport operation and the training requirement. If more than one person needs awareness training, tell us the number of attendees and ask about arrangements. We invoice employers directly. Ask for the course details needed by the person approving the booking and confirm who should receive the invoice.

The enquiry form asks for your name, email, phone number and details. Write Operator Licence Awareness Training or OLAT in the details so the team can identify the request. Add any questions about the certificate, delivery format, price and CPC hours in the same message. Include the attendee’s role and any training requirement your organisation has received so we can discuss the course that fits your enquiry.