You must hold a dangerous goods driver licence to transport dangerous goods:
in a receptacle with a capacity of more than 500 litres
in a receptacle where the dangerous goods weigh more than 500 kilograms
in intermediate bulk containers (IBC) where the total capacity of IBCs containing dangerous goods on the vehicle is more than 3000 litres, or the IBC is packed or unpacked on the vehicle
A licence is still required to transport an empty receptacle, unless it is free of dangerous goods as defined in the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail.
The licence is only issued to drivers who reside in Victoria. The licence is not issued to drivers who hold an L plate (learners permit) or a P plate (probationary or provisional driver licence).
This licence applies to transporting the following dangerous goods:
Class 2 – gases like LPG.
Class 3 – flammable liquids like petrol, kerosene, turpentine, flammable paints.
Class 4 – flammable solids and substances that are spontaneously combustible or dangerous when wet, like sulphur.
Class 5 – oxidising substances and organic peroxides like ammonium nitrate (ammonium nitrate is also a high consequence dangerous good and requires an additional separate licence to access).
Class 6.1 – toxic substances like pesticides.
Class 8 – corrosive substances like hydrochloric acid.
Class 9 – miscellaneous substances like bitumen.
Class 1 – explosives are not included on a dangerous goods driver licence.
A dangerous goods driver licence is valid for up to 5 years. You can apply to renew a licence before the expiry date. New or updated documents will need to be supplied to ensure the licence details remain current.
The licence may be issued with conditions. An example is regularly providing WorkSafe with a driving history report or medical report.
Drivers who hold a current and valid interstate licence to transport dangerous goods can transport dangerous goods within Victoria. These drivers do not need to hold a Victorian dangerous goods driver licence.
Getting ready to apply for a new licence or renew a licence
Before you can apply for a dangerous goods driver licence you need to:
Successfully complete and provide proof of passing a WorkSafe approved test or course by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
This could be your assessment or training number, a competency certificate or statement of attainment which states all dangerous goods classes. It must be issued less than 6 months before your licence application.
Provide a copy of your 5-year demerit point history and full driving record (court matters). Purchase this from VicRoads, or an interstate authority. It must be issued less than 6 months before your licence application is submitted.
Complete a driver commercial health assessment, and have it signed by a registered medical practitioner. WorkSafe will use this form to decide if you’re medically suitable to hold a driver transporting dangerous goods licence.