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Shefford, SG17 5NU

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Do you need an operator’s licence to hire a 7.5-tonne truck?

/ 7.5 Tonne Truck / By

Thinking about hiring a 7.5-tonne truck?

Many drivers face confusion over whether an operator’s licence is necessary. The rules depend on how the vehicle is used and who is driving it. Hiring a truck for business purposes has different legal requirements compared to personal use.

Understanding the regulations ensures compliance and prevents legal issues. Whether you need a 7.5 tonne truck hire in Bedfordshire for deliveries or a one-time move, knowing the licensing rules helps you avoid fines and penalties. Let us now break it down for you.

What to know about the operator’s licence requirement?

An operator’s licence allows businesses to use goods vehicles legally. The UK government enforces these regulations to ensure road safety and proper vehicle maintenance.

Anyone transporting goods commercially in a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes must have an operator’s licence. The rules apply to hire vehicles and privately owned trucks. However, there are exemptions based on vehicle usage.

Do you need an operator’s licence for a 7.5-tonne truck?

The need for an operator’s licence depends on usage. An operator’s licence is required if the truck is used for business purposes, carrying goods for hire or reward. This applies whether you own or rent the vehicle.

You usually do not need an operator’s licence if you hire a 7.5-tonne truck for personal use, such as moving house. However, you must meet the correct licensing requirements and adhere to vehicle weight restrictions.

Licence categories and who can drive a 7.5-tonne truck

Not everyone can drive a 7.5-tonne truck. The correct licence category depends on when you passed your driving test.

  • If you passed before 1997, you may already have a C1 entitlement, allowing you to drive a 7.5-tonne truck.
  • If you passed after 1997, you must take additional tests to obtain a C1 licence.
  • If the truck is used commercially, the driver may also need a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).

Before booking a 7.5 tonne truck hire, check your driving licence to ensure you meet the legal requirements.

Fines and penalties for non-compliance

Driving without the correct operator’s licence leads to severe penalties. Authorities can impose fines, impound vehicles, and even revoke driving licences.

Operating a 7.5-tonne truck illegally can also result in insurance issues. If an accident occurs, the insurance provider may refuse to cover damages. To avoid these risks, ensure full compliance before hiring a truck. An operator’s licence is essential for commercial use, but not always required for personal hire. Always check the latest regulations before hiring a 7.5 tonne truck hire in Bedfordshire to avoid legal issues. For reliable truck hire solutions, RGM Truck and Van offers expert guidance and a fleet of well-maintained vehicles. Contact us today to find out more.

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RGM Truck & Van LTD

Company No: 11702728

VAT No: GB310363256

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Privacy policy

RGM Truck & Van LTD Privacy Policy

This privacy policy explains how RGM Truck & Van LTD use any personal information we collect about you when you use this website. This includes what you tell us about yourself and the choices you give us about the marketing you want us to send you. This notice explains what data we collect about you, how it is obtained and what it will be used for. It also tells you about your privacy rights and how the law protects you.

RGM Truck & Van LTD are committed to ensuring all personal information is processed in line with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

Our Privacy Promise We promise:

  • To keep your data safe and private
  • Not to sell your data
  • To give you ways to manage and review your marketing choices at any time.

Collection of Your Data

We collect information from you when booking car rental services. RGM Truck & Van LTD will ask for the following information:

  • Name
  • Postal address
  • Telephone number
  • Date of birth
  • Occupation
  • Employer name and contact information
  • Driving licence
  • Other ID (e g utility bill, bank statement)

This information allows RGM Truck & Van LTD to process your booking, to contact you in the event of any problems with your request and to send out an electronic confirmation of your quote or booking. This information is shared with our RGM Truck & Van LTD locations that will source and provide your vehicle. If your personal information is going to be shared with any third party we will require your explicit consent. We do not sell your information to unrelated third parties.

If you pay for your rental at the time of booking you will be asked to enter your card payment type, card number, expiry date and CVV number. Sensitive credit card information will never be stored after authorisation.

Retention and Security

We use reasonable measures to safeguard your personal data from theft, unauthorised use, disclosure or modification.

We aim to maintain appropriate physical, procedural and electronic safeguards to protect your data.

We retain your information for as long as we believe is necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, or as allowed or required by law.

Use of Cookies

What are cookies?

Cookies are text files placed on your computer to collect standard internet log information and visitor behaviour information. This information is used to track visitor use of the website and to compile statistical reports on website activity.

For further information visit www.aboutcookies.org or .uk.allaboutcookies.org. You can set your browser not to accept cookies and the above websites tell you how to remove cookies from your browser.

Information System

Our vehicles may be equipped with an information system that allows you, you hirer, should you choose, to store certain information. If you connect your mobile device via Bluetooth or cable then the information system can store the Bluetooth device name, contacts, text messages, emails, call logs and any routes or destinations. If you choose to use the information system then RGM Truck & Van LTD is not responsible for any data that is left in the vehicle as a result of your use. We cannot guarantee the privacy practices of RGM Truck & Van LTD for such information and all customers are advised by branch upon collection of the vehicle and via this statement to ensure they reset the information system back to its original factory settings when the vehicle is returned. Should you require assistance in this process please speak to the hiring branch.

Vehicle Sourced Information (Telematics)

RGM Truck & Van LTD may use in-vehicle data systems to collect data about the vehicle’s condition and performance (including mileage and other operational data) and the driver’s operation of the vehicle during their rental for safety, security and claims management reasons and may retain this data as necessary for these purposes.

RGM Truck & Van LTD may also have the ability to track the vehicle’s location throughout the duration of the rental, although this information will only be accessed in circumstances where the driver is in breach of the rental agreement, by failing to return the vehicle on time or by driving into unauthorised countries.

How Your Information is Collected and Stored

All personal data is collected directly from the customer in connection with the rental of a vehicle. This information is collected via but not limited to the following:

  • RGM Truck & Van LTD website
  • A phone call made to one our RGM Truck & Van LTD branches
  • In person at a RGM Truck & Van LTD branch
  • Information systems – see ‘Information Systems’ RGM Truck & Van LTD do not request, require or process any information obtained via information systems.

rgmtruckandvan.co.uk may contain links to third party websites. We do not monitor or control information when you choose to click to the se websites via a link access.

Control of Your Information You have the right to access, review or update personal information RGM Truck & Van LTD hold. In certain circumstances you can request rectification or erasure of your personal data. Any request for information must be addressed to: RGM Truck & Van  Ltd, Shefford Hardwicke, Bedford Road, Shefford, Bedfordshire SG17 5NU.

To prevent any unauthorised access, we will request for proof of identity before we release this information and we reserve the right to impose certain restrictions and requirements.

You can withdraw consent at any time to stop RGM Truck & Van LTD from processing or accessing your information in line with Article 7 of the General Data Protection Regulations – exemptions to certain information apply.

To withdraw consent please contact the address above.

How We Use Your Information

Your information will only be used for the specific purpose it was collected for and will only be kept for a period that is required. Once this period has elapsed your data will be securely deleted and disposed of.

RGM Truck & Van LTD use the information collected for the following, but not limited to:

  • Registering a customer account
  • Make a rental reservation
  • Make a rental booking
  • To confirm and verify your identity for fraud prevention
  • To contact you in the event of any insurance claim or penalty notice during the period of hire
  • To invoice and collect any monies owed in connection with your rental
  • If opted in, to provide you with marketing offers from RGM Truck & Van LTD
  • To protect the rights and property of RGM Truck & Van LTD

Sharing Information with Service Providers

RGM Truck & Van LTD will only share your information where you have consented to the sharing or for the purpose of the transaction.

Sharing Information for Protective or Legal Reasons

RGM Truck & Van LTD may share your personal data for legal reasons as we believe necessary or appropriate, including:

  • Legally required to or in response to a legal process
  • For the detection or prevention of a serious crime
  • Under applicable law, including laws outside your country of residence
  • To process, handle or otherwise respond to claims for damages, including claims or demands for bodily injuries or property damage · To respond to requests from public or government agencies/authorities, including public and government agencies/authorities outside your county of residence
  • To recover our vehicles, equipment or monies due
  • To enforce the terms of the rental agreement contract
  • To protect our rights, privacy, safety or property and/or that of our subsidiaries, you or others
  • To allow us to pursue available remedies or limit damages that we may sustain

Changes

RGM Truck & Van LTD reserve the right to change this Policy at any time for any reason by posting revisions on this website. Such changes will be effective upon posting but will not apply retrospectively. Whenever we make a material change we will note the date of such an update in the introductory page above and post a note on the home page of our applicable websites.

last update 02/09/2020
Terms & Conditions

RGM Truck & Van LTD Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WEBSITE IS A BOOKING/ENQUIRY/CONTACT SERVICE OPERATED BY RGM TRUCK & VAN HIRE ON BEHALF Of RGM TRUCK AND VAN LTD.  ANY BOOKING/ENQUIRY/CONTACT IS MADE WITH RGM TRUCK AND VAN HIRE AND ANY LEGAL CONTRACT IS ENTERED INTO BETWEEN THE RENTER AND RGM TRUCK AND VAN LTD DIRECTLY, NOT RGM TRUCK & VAN HIRE. THE DETAILS OF THE LEGAL ENTITY CAN BE FOUND ON RGM TRUCK AND VAN LTD WEBPAGE OR BY CONTACTING RGM TRUCK & VAN LTD HEAD OFFICE ON (01462) 506070.

 

  • All drivers must show valid and original driving licences along with a further form of ID, i.e passort or utility bill.
  • All drivers are required to produce a valid DVLA check code.
  • All pricing is per day and subject to availability.
  • Minimum rental period is 24 hours (unless stated otherwise).
  • All rentals include insurance (subject to excess, breakdown cover, mileage (subject to local limits) and VAT).
  • Collision damage waiver is available (Excess reducer) – please ask for details.
  • Any overhead roof damage, tyre damage or punctures to a vehicle is not covered by the collision damage waiver (Excess reducer) and therefor will incur additional charges.
  • Additional Drivers are acceptable at an additional cost.
  • Drivers must have held their licence for a minimum of 12 months (or 2 years if the driver is under 25 or a non UK licence holder. The maximum age being 75.
  • One Way rentals are not available – all vehicles must to returned to the point of collection.
  • Payment is prior to commencement of the rental and any extensions of the rental.
  • When you reserve a vehicle with us your pick up and drop off times are bookable via our website, or by calling in advance.

Car/MPV Hire Age Range: 23-75 (this may vary on some makes and models)

Van/Minibus Hire Age Range: 23-75 (this may vary on some makes and models)

  • Foreign Licence Rules – We must be able to read and understand the licence presented and establish it is valid. We cannot accept an International Drivers Permit on it’s own without the original under any circumstances. European Licences with the EU symbol are acceptable without an International licence. IDP’s are intended for the purpose of translation and validity of the original. The onus is on the Renter to provide a translation to confirm all our Insurance Risk questions.

RGM Truck & Van Ltd cannot, and will not, be held responsible for any financial recompense or legal liability deemed appropriate by any third party.

Cancellation and No Show Policy

If your plans change our cancellation policy is as follows:

Cancellation 7 days or more before the start of your hire = 100% refunded

Cancellation between 3-6 days before the start of your hire = 50% refund

Cancellation 48hours or less before the start of your hire = No refund

Vehicles are subject to availability. If not available a free upgrade to the next vehicle group will be offered. Cancellation would only occur after every effort has been made to source an alternative vehicle/transport and where a free upgrade would not be appropriate.

All GB Drivers Must Do This

Once you have booked your hire vehicle with RGM truck and Van, either via our website or over the phone we will then require a copy of your driving licence, proof of ID and your DVLA check code by return email and prior to arriving to collect your hire vehicle.

 

GB Driving Licence Checking procedure

You may check your licence yourself online by visiting the DVLA website or we will check your licence for you if you provide us with your National Insurance number

Please note repeat hirers only need to provide a check code for their driving licence  provided they have not moved since there last hire.

This is essential for all Rental Companies to do in order to comply with the Insurance companies rules.

To check you will need your Driving Licence, National Insurance Number and Post Code.

First go to this web site address:-  https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence

Log in with the full 16 digit driver number, National Insurance Number and Postcode.

Then choose to SHARE the driving licence information, this page can be printed as well. NB note the share code is case sensitive​. By providing us with your share code and driving licence we are able to check your licence on the DVLA website.

There is also another option for GB customers who have trouble on the web checking their own licence or who don’t know their National Insurance number. If GB licence holders cannot generate a code online then you can call 0300 083 0013 (national rate from a land line) and DVLA will provide you with a SHARE code. Monday to Friday 8.00am to 7pm, Saturday 8.00am to 2pm. National Insurance number NOT needed.

Alternatively you can call DVLA on 0300 790 6801 (national rate from a land line) and leave permission for your driving record to be checked verbally by a nominated person or organisation. You have to go through 3 levels of options which are 1 – 4 – 2. This permission is valid for 7 days. Monday to Friday 8.00am to 7pm, Saturday 8.00am to 2pm. National Insurance number NOT needed. The nominated site who needs the information then calls DVLA, states who they are and that there is a verbal message allowing them the information. DVLA will then give the details the site needs (entitlements and endorsements).​

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday  8.30am – 5.30pm

Saturday –  8.30am – 10.30pm and 4.00pm – 5.30pm

 

Customer Parking

Customers can park their vehicle onsite whilst renting a vehicle from RGM Truck & Van Ltd. This is free of charge; however customers park their vehicles at their own risk. RGM Truck and Van Hire cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to a private vehicle or its contents.

Payments

Credit, debit and online payments are accepted for all rental vehicle payments, we do not accept cash. Any vehicles that require a security deposit must be preauthorised on a valid credit or debit card.

Driving to Europe

If you wish to take one of our hire vehicles outside of the United Kingdom additional charges will apply. Please contact us on 01462 506070 for further details.

Milage

There is a daily milage allowance of 250 miles per 24hr hire. Excess miles will be charged at £0.25 a mile + VAT. This applies to all vehicle groups.

 

Fuel

Our vehicles are handed over to you full of fuel and should be returned with a full tank. If a vehicle is returned unrefuelled a top up charge of £2.00 per litre will apply.

 

Courier Rentals

Any courier driver or courier companies will be required to provide an insurance certificate to cover the period of the rental.

Extra Cleaning Charge

If any vehicle is returned extremely dirty, either inside or out, then the hirer will be liable for the cost of additional cleaning charges.  

Paint spillages will be charged in full for any cleaning or replacement parts necessary.

 

Hire vehicles equipped with a towbar

RGM truck and van hire do not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage to whatever is being towed.

If you are hiring a vehicle for the purpose of towing please be aware that the towed trailer/caravan/car/plant or machinery and any other piece of equipment being towed is solely at the responsibility of the hirer and is in no way covered on the hire vehicle insurance.  Any damage to the hire vehicle resulting from anything being towed is the responsibility of the hirer and the hirer will incur the full cost of any damage to the hire vehicle.

last update 01/08/2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What if ... ?

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MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How old do I have to be to hire a vehicle?

Age range for hiring: 23-75 years

All hirers must have held a licence for a minimum of 2 years.

Can I take the hire vehicle abroad (Europe Only)?

Yes with our prior consent. However, special terms and charges apply for taking vehicles abroad. Please call us on 01462 506070 and one of our rental staff will be happy to provide you with full details.

What documents will I need to bring with me when hiring a vehicle?

We will need to see 2 forms of ID, ie passport & a utility bill showing your current address. Your complete UK driving licence, either photocard or old style paper licence. Regardless of which type you hold, you will also need to access the DVLA website prior to your hire in order to provide us with additional information required. Instructions on how to do this can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/driving-licence-changes

If I have points on my licence, will I be able to hire a vehicle?

This is dependent on the date and nature of the offence. Please call us as our rental staff will be happy to provide you with full details as further charges may apply.

I have a foreign driving licence, am I still able to hire a vehicle from you?

If your driving licence was issued outside of the EU, you must present this together with an international licence. We cannot accept international licenses on their own.

Can I hire and drop off elsewhere or out of hours?

No, all vehicles must be returned during office hours and to our site, the vehicle keys must be handed to a member of staff.

Can I leave my own vehicle on site whilst hiring from you?

Yes, Our customers are more than welcome to leave their own vehicles on site for the duration of the hire period.
Although we have a secure site, customers vehicles & possessions are left at your own risk.

What is included in the Smart Cover?
  • £0 Excess
  • 1 Additional Driver
  • Free Cancellations
  • Any external damage
  • Scratches & dents
  • Windscreen cover
  • Tyres
  • Express check-in
  • Complete piece of mind

Note: Smart cover applies to cars only.

What is NOT included in the Smart Cover?
    • Damage to third party or hire vehicle due to negligence or dangerous driving
    • Loss/damage or theft of keys
    • Damage of vehicle engine or drivetrain through negligence
    • Theft of hire vehicle with the keys left in the vehicle
    • Driving, parking offences, violation of the law and toll charges
    • Loss/damage or theft of personal belongings
Does Smart Cover apply to long-term hire?

No, Smart Cover does not apply to long term hire

Do I have to pay if entering a LEZ or ULEZ Zone?

No, all of our vehicles are pre-registered on Autopay when entering these zones, this also applies to the Dartford Tunnel and the Tyne Tunnel. We will invoice you once we receive notification of any charges incurred. We are NOT pre-registered for the M6 Toll, and you are responsible for paying at the time of your crossing.

What is the milage allowance?

There is a vehicle milage allowance of 250 miles in the first 24 hour hire period thereafter 100 miles per day up to a maximum allowance of 2,500 miles per calendar month. Excess milage over this allowance is charged at 0.25p per mile.

What are your Terms & Conditions?

Our terms & conditions can be found here.

How do I make a complaint?

Our customers are our priority, if there is anything about your experience with us that you would like to discuss please contact us directly on 01462 506070 and ask for Richard or Kate. Alternately, you can email [email protected]
You may also contact the BVRLA Conciliation Service as an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution service. Details can be found at www.bvrla.co.uk or by contacting [email protected]

Are you ICO registered?

Yes – we take data protection seriously. Our ICO reference number is : ZA833418

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Our “What if” Guide

What if I get a puncture?
Emergency Tyre Assistance 01837 658165
Account Number: C1017-0746

 

 

Upon calling the above number you will need to tell them following information:

  • Vehicle registration
  • Wheel position
  • Tyre size
  • Your location

 

Please note that all tyre damage or punctures are the responsibility of the hirer and therefore will occur additional charges.

What if I am late returning my hire vehicle?

If your hire vehicle is retuned late and outside the terms of your rental agreement further daily hire charges will be applied.

What if I have broken down?
Breakdown Assistance Car, Van, Minibus & Truck

In the event of a breakdown please contact one of the above numbers with the following information:

  • Vehicle registration
  • Details & location of the incident
  • As much information about the fault or symptoms as possible.

In 99% of cases a roadside repair would be made. If this is not possible the breakdown company will get you & your hire vehicle to a local garage for diagnostics & repair.

What if I have an accident?

During normal office hours, you should contact RGM Truck & Van Hire on 01462 506070.

 

What if I have an accident out of hours & the vehicle is unroadworthy?

Call our Accident Line 0332079654
Policy Number: 5079305

 

Please have the following information available prior to calling:

  • Your vehicle registration number
  • Take photographs of damage to ALL vehicles involved & the scene of the accident, if safe to do so
  • Colour, make & model of any vehicles involved
  • Date & time of accident
  • Description of the weather conditions, the state of the road & any street lighting
  • Any injuries sustained by drivers, passengers & pedestrians