Dangerous goods driver licensing

You need to hold a dangerous goods driver licence if you are operating a vehicle that is transporting dangerous goods in a receptacle with a capacity of more than 500L or more than 500kg. A dangerous goods driver licence is issued for a period of 3 years.

You do not need a dangerous goods driver licence when:

• you are transporting dangerous goods in an intermediate bulk container
• the intermediate bulk container is not packed or unpacked while on the vehicle
• the total capacity of the intermediate bulk containers are not more than 3000L.

Note: an intermediate bulk container is a rigid or flexible portable packaging for transporting dangerous goods that has been tested by the requirements of the seventh edition of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code and is designed for mechanical handling.

Interstate dangerous goods driver licence holders

If you hold a current interstate dangerous goods driver licence, you are able to drive a dangerous goods vehicle anywhere in Queensland.

If you become a resident of Queensland, there is no requirement to change your dangerous goods driver licence to Queensland. You are able to continue to use your interstate dangerous goods driver licence until it expires.

At least 6 weeks before your interstate dangerous goods driver licence expires, you will need to apply for a Queensland dangerous goods driver licence.

Applying for a dangerous goods driver licence

To be eligible to apply for a dangerous goods driver licence you must:

• be a Queensland resident
• hold a current Queensland open driver licence (or current Queensland probationary or restricted driver licence where you have previously held an open driver licence)
• have a Medical Certified for Motor Vehicle Driver (form F3712) issued not more than six months before the application is made. The Medical Certified for Motor Vehicle Driver (form F3712) must be completed and assessed under Commercial Standards by a qualified medical practitioner in accordance with Assessing Fitness to Drive, Commercial and Private Vehicle Drivers (September 2003)
• have completed an approved dangerous goods driver training course not more than six months before the application is made
• have an acceptable criminal history and traffic history.

Note: whether or not you are required to hold a dangerous goods drivers licence, you are required to obtain adequate instruction and training when transporting any amount of dangerous goods. This is to ensure you perform the task carefully and safely. A list of Registered Training Organisations that can provide training for the transport of dangerous goods is available.