System Audits for Restricted Operator Licence holders

Running vehicles in compliance with a Restricted Operator Licence brings important responsibilities — even if transport is not your company’s main business. At Novadata, we help businesses like yours stay compliant and avoid costly pitfalls by providing clear, practical compliance audits.

Our audits are designed to give peace of mind that your vehicles and drivers are operating within the law, and that you are meeting the undertakings of your Restricted O Licence.

We provide three types of audits for restricted O Licence holders, each focused on different needs:

  • Compliance (Health Check) Audits
  • Traffic Commissioner Audits
  • Van Operator Audits

  • Compliance (Health Check) Audits

    Our compliance health check audit is designed for operators who want to make sure their Restricted O Licence is protected. Many businesses don’t have a full-time transport manager, so this audit acts as a vital review of your systems and records, highlighting any gaps before they become a problem.

    We’ll check your management processes and paperwork against legal requirements, ensuring you’re meeting both the law and your licence undertakings. After the audit, you’ll receive a clear report with observations and practical recommendations to keep you compliant.

    Who benefits most:

    • Businesses running a small fleet under a Restricted Licence
    • Operators who want reassurance they’re meeting their legal undertakings
    • Companies concerned about compliance but unsure what to look for
    • New or inexperienced managers/supervisors who need clarity on current processes

    What we cover:

    • Driver management – driving licence checks, Driver CPC monitoring (where relevant), training and records
    • Drivers’ hours and working time – ensuring driving regulations/working time limits are met and records are kept correctly
    • Vehicle maintenance – safety inspections, maintenance records, defect reporting and MOT history
    • Management responsibilities – how duties are divided and carried out in practice
    • Communication with the Office of the Traffic Commissioner (OTC) – ensuring you meet your obligations to notify changes

  • Traffic Commissioner Audits

    If you’ve been called to a Public Inquiry, are facing a DVSA investigation, or the Traffic Commissioner has instructed you to undergo a systems audit, we can help.

    Our Traffic Commissioner audits are focused on the specific areas of concern raised by the DVSA. We’ll provide a thorough review of your systems and deliver a detailed report with clear recommendations.

    For Restricted O Licence holders, this can be a lifeline — showing the Traffic Commissioner that you are taking compliance seriously and addressing any weaknesses quickly.

  • Van Operator Audits

    More and more van fleets are coming under scrutiny from the DVSA and the Traffic Commissioner. Even if you only run vans — or vans alongside HGVs on a Restricted O Licence — you still have a duty to manage drivers and vehicles to the same high standards expected across the transport industry.

    Our van operator audit is designed to give you a clear picture of whether your systems are meeting legal and best practice standards. We’ll look at how your fleet is managed day-to-day, from driver checks to vehicle safety, and provide a practical report with recommendations you can act on straight away.

    Who this helps most:

    • Businesses that mainly use vans but want to show they’re operating responsibly
    • Operators with both vans and HGVs who need consistent standards across the fleet
    • Companies unsure whether their van management systems are robust enough
    • Managers who want peace of mind that compliance risks are under control

    What the audit covers:

    • Driver checks – licence checks, eyesight checks, and ensuring drivers are fit and eligible to drive
    • Drivers Hours and Working Time – monitoring working time rules, driving breaks, and record-keeping
    • Vehicle maintenance – servicing schedules, safety inspections, defect reporting, and review of MOT records
    • Policies and procedures – how responsibilities are allocated and documented
    • Safety and duty of care – ensuring vehicles are roadworthy and drivers are supported to stay safe

    This audit helps you demonstrate to the Traffic Commissioner, the DVSA, customers, and your own business stakeholders that you are managing your van fleet responsibly and lawfully — protecting your Restricted O Licence and reducing risks to your operation.

Operator Licence Awareness Training (OLAT)

As a restricted O Licence holder, it is important to stay up to date with changes in transport legislation. You should aim to attend an OLAT course, which will help to refresh your knowledge, at least every five years.

Why Choose Novadata for Transport Compliance Audits?

  • Over 30 years of expertise – We’ve been supporting UK operators for decades, helping businesses of all sizes meet their legal obligations with confidence.
  • Trusted, experienced auditors – Our team combines deep knowledge of transport law with a practical, hands-on approach, making compliance clear and achievable.
  • Complete support package – Beyond audits, we provide training, tools, and practical advice, helping you manage drivers, vehicles, and records, so you can stay compliant in the future.