On the GV79 the applicant must state the number of vehicles and trailers (including semi-trailers) he wishes to specify on the licence. Most applicants apply for authorisation for more vehicles and trailers than they currently have in their possession. This is to allow scope for expansion of the business and to meet day to day operational problems such as breakdowns. This provision for vehicles and trailers to be acquired is known as the “margin” on the licence. There’s no limit to the number of vehicles that the applicant can ask for as a margin. However, this does not mean that the Traffic Commissioner will automatically grant all that is required, particularly as the Commissioner has to be convinced that the applicant has both sufficient off street parking and sufficient financial resources to facilitate safe and legal operation of the additional vehicles.