Weighbridge Operator Licence

To operate a public weighbridge, you must apply for a weighbridge operator licence and also have sufficient knowledge for the proper performance of your duties.

LICENCE Name

Weighbridge Operator Licence

AUTHORITY

Local Authority

TIME TO GET LICENCED 28 days (varies depending on local authority)
COST £0
VALID FOR Indefinitely
ELIGIBILITY 18+ years, right to work in UK
QUALIFICATION(S) NEEDED Have sufficient knowledge for the proper performance of your duties.
STEPS TO GET LICENSED
1

Application for Weighbridge Operator Licence

Applications to be made via local council
2

Pass weighbridge operator efficiency test

operate the weighbridge satisfactorily and complete any weighbridge tickets and associated documentation
understand the basic terms associated with the operation of the weighbridge
identify potential frauds which may unknowingly be assisted by a weighbridge operator
understand the importance of accuracy when operating a weighbridge by performing simple arithmetic
Get Licenced

Find Your Course

Find your course

What is a Weighbridge Operator Licence?

As required by Section 18 of the Weights and Measures Act 1985. A weighbridge operator must have a weighbridge operator licence before operating a weighbridge.

A weighbridge, also known as a truck scale and a railroad scale is a large set of scales, usually mounted permanently on a concrete foundation, that is used to weigh entire rail or road vehicles and their contents. By weighing the vehicle both empty and when loaded, the load carried by the vehicle can be calculated.

Eligibility criteria

A weighbridge operator must be certified to show that they can:

Petroleum can be found in:

  • use the equipment properly
  • use associated equipment
  • record and calculate the results of weighing’s

You cannot operate a weighbridge until your weighbridge operator license has been granted. It is an illegal offensive to operate a weighbridge without a weighbridge operator license.

How to apply for a Weighbridge Operator Licence

Weighbridge Operator Licence applications must be made via your local council. You can find the contact details for your local council at the Official UK Government Website.

Applicants will also need to pass a weighbridge operator efficiency test before a weighbridge operator licence is issued. This will be evaluated by an authorised officer from the trading standards team of your local authority. 

Fines and penalties

You could be fined up to £5,000 and imprisoned for 6 months if you operate a weighbridge without a weighbridge operator license or don’t follow any of the restrictions.

 

FAQs

A weighbridge is machine used to weigh large vehicles like trains, lorries and boats.
No. A fee is not included as part of the application for the weighbridge operator licence.
You will need to supply the name of the applicant, the name and address of the weighbridge site and make of weighbridge.
To operate a public weighbridge the operator must have sufficient knowledge for the proper performance of their duties including basic numeracy skills. This includes passing a weighbridge operator efficiency test which is part of the application process. This test includes verbal and practical based scenarios.
No. The weighbridge operator efficiency test is included as part of the application.