Dangerous goods driver licence
This licence allows you to drive a vehicle transporting dangerous goods.
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About the licence
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.
Associated licences
- Dangerous goods vehicle licence
Owners of dangerous goods transport vehicles, such as petrol tankers, are required to licence each vehicle.
- Licence to transport explosives by road and rail
A licence for a vehicle to transport explosives by road or rail.
- Interstate licences
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.
Complete an online identification check. You'll also need a photograph or scan of the front and back of your current driver licence.
Renew a licence
Link your current licence to view it in your myWorkSafe account. You can then apply to renew your licence online.
Login to myWorkSafe and find your current DDR licence under 'My licences'.
Receiving the licence
We will make a decision on your licence application, and write to you with that decision, within 28 days of receiving your application.
If your licence application is approved you'll be able to access the digital licence immediately in myWorkSafe.
We'll also send a plastic card licence in the mail which you should receive in 20 to 25 business days from the date of the decision.
Fee summary
$97.00
new licence fee
$92.30
renewal fee
5 years
valid for up to five years
Contact WorkSafe's Licensing Branch
To check the progress of an application or if you need assistance, contact the Licensing Branch.
Licensing Branch
PO Box 279
Geelong Vic 3220
Phone 1300 852 562 between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Fax 1800 060 727
Email [email protected]