Dangerous goods driver licences
Both a vehicle and a driver are required to be licensed to transport dangerous goods when the vehicle is used to transport:
- dangerous goods in a receptacle with a capacity of more than 500 litres or
- more than 500 kilograms of dangerous goods in a receptacle.
Medical standards for drivers of private and commercial vehicles apply. Anyone applying for a dangerous goods driver licence is required to have a medical conducted in accordance with Assessing fitness to drive for commercial and private vehicle drivers (2022 Edition).
The driving history of an applicant will be assessed to determine if they are a suitable person to drive a vehicle transporting dangerous goods. An application for a Dangerous Goods Driver licence may be refused if the driver has been found guilty of an offence (or had their driver’s licence revoked or suspended) in the past five years that makes them unsuitable to drive a vehicle transporting dangerous goods.
Applicants must be familiar with the provisions of the Dangerous Substances Act 1979, the Dangerous Substances (Dangerous Goods Transport) Regulations 2023 and the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail.
New licence applications and replacement of a lost licence
| Form | Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|
|
$31.25 (1 year) $63 (2 years) $93.50 (3 years) | 1-3 years | |
| Dangerous goods driver licence - Replacement | $31.25 | Until next renewal |
Licence renewals
A renewal invoice will be sent to you 60 days prior to the expiry of your current licence.
Please ensure your contact details are up to date with SafeWork SA to receive your invoice on time.
You are not required to submit an electronic application form.
Dangerous goods vehicle licences
A vehicle is required to be licensed to transport dangerous goods when the vehicle is used to transport:
- dangerous goods in a receptacle with a capacity of more than 500 litres; or
- more than 500 kilograms of dangerous goods in a receptacle.
The Regulations require both the vehicle transporting dangerous goods and the person driving the vehicle to be licensed. Additionally, if a combination vehicle is being used to transport dangerous goods, each vehicle unit requires a licence, if it is transporting a licensable amount. Licences are issued for vehicles such as trailers, rigid vehicles, B-double trailers and road-train trailers. Prime movers and converter dollies do not require a dangerous goods vehicle licence.
Applicants must be familiar with the provisions of the Dangerous Substances Act 1979 (SA), the Dangerous Substances (Dangerous Goods Transport) Regulations 2023 (SA) and the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail.
Before you start your application, please note:
- if it is a tank vehicle you will need to provide a clear photo of the compliance plate. This is evidence that the tank vehicle has design approval.
- the driver of the vehicle will need to hold a licence to transport dangerous goods
- the vehicle must be covered by a policy of insurance that indemnifies the vehicle for the carriage of dangerous goods with a minimum of $5,000,000 cover for clean-up and emergency services costs.
New licence applications
| Form | Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|
|
$187 (1 year) $379 (2 years) $567 (3 years) | 1-3 years |
Licences are not required when:
- the dangerous goods are transported in an intermediate bulk container (IBC) where IBC is not filled or emptied on the vehicle, and the total capacity of IBCs on the vehicle is not more than 3000 litres
- a licence is in force in respect of the vehicle under the Explosives Act 1936
- the vehicle is a unit of rolling stock
- the vehicle is a prime mover or a converter dolly.
Licence renewals
A renewal invoice will be sent to you 30 days prior to the expiry of your current licence.
Please ensure your contact details are up to date with SafeWork SA to receive your invoice on time.
You are not required to submit an electronic application form.