Traffic commissioner public inquiries
At the public inquiry
You can decide to represent yourself or ask someone to represent you, such as a lawyer. This could be someone else like a transport consultant if the traffic commissioner agrees.
Evidence is not given under oath but witnesses have to tell the truth.
If you do not tell the truth you could lose your licence or criminal charges may follow.
What happens at the hearing
Report to the inquiry clerk as soon as you arrive. The traffic commissioner will then:
- decide whether oppositions should be heard
- listen to the application outline and ask questions about it
- listen to objectors or a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) traffic examiner outline their cases and ask questions
- ask applicants and objectors to present their cases in detail - they or any of the parties may ask questions
- question applicants on how conditions added to the licence may affect their business
- ask applicants and objectors to sum up their cases
The traffic commissioner will announce their decision at the time, or give it in writing later, usually within 28 days.