Frequently asked questions
On this page:
Dangerous goods driver licensing questions
Dangerous goods vehicle licensing questions
Dangerous goods publications questions
When do I need to hold a dangerous goods driver licence?
You will need to be the holder of this licence whenever you are transporting dangerous goods in a receptacle with a capacity of more than 500 litres (L) or more than 500 kilograms (kg). However, you do not need this licence if you are transporting dangerous goods in an intermediate bulk container, and the intermediate bulk container is not packed or unpacked while on the vehicle, and the total capacity of the intermediate bulk containers are not more than 3000 L.
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 Australian Dangerous Goods Code and is designed for mechanical handling.
You do not need a dangerous goods driver licence when transporting diesel only.
Regardless of whether you are required to hold a dangerous goods driver licence or not, you must obtain adequate instruction and training when transporting any dangerous goods.
What about 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 six weeks before your interstate dangerous goods driver licence expires, you will need to apply for a Queensland dangerous goods driver licence.
Who is eligible to obtain a dangerous goods driver licence?
To be eligible to apply for this 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 obtained a Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle Driver (form F3712) or a Truck Safe Medical issued by a qualified health professional who, in the six months prior to application, examined the applicant in accordance with the publication Assessing Fitness to Drive, Commercial and Private Vehicle Drivers (March 2012).
- have completed an approved dangerous goods driver training course, dated not more than six months before the application is made (Our dangerous goods page has a list of Registered Training Organisations)
- have an acceptable criminal history and traffic history.
How long is a dangerous goods driver licence issued for?
A dangerous goods driver licence is issued for a period of three years.
How do I apply for a dangerous goods driver licence?
To apply for a dangerous goods driver licence you must lodge the following to a selected dangerous goods licensing customer service centre that can process this type of business transaction:
- a current Queensland open driver licence (or current Queensland probationary or restricted driver licence where you have previously held an open driver licence)
- an approved dangerous goods driver training course certificate, not more than six months before the application is made
- a Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle Driver (form F3712) or a Truck Safe Medical issued by a qualified health professional who, in the six months prior to application, examined the applicant in accordance with the publication Assessing Fitness to Drive, Commercial and Private Vehicle Drivers (March 2012) publication
- a completed Dangerous Goods Driver Licence Application form (F4486)
-
application fees.
Do I need a dangerous goods driver licence when transporting diesel?
You do not require a dangerous goods driver licence when transporting diesel only.
Diesel, when transported on its own in Australia by road, is not classified as dangerous goods for transport purposes.
However, a dangerous goods driver licence is required when diesel is transported together with Class 3 (Flammable Liquids) in compartments of a multiple compartment portable tank or tank vehicle, the load then becomes refined petroleum products dangerous goods and is identified under the name of Petroleum Products, UN1270.
What is a dangerous goods vehicle licence, and do I need one?
A dangerous goods vehicle licence is a licence that is required for a vehicle that transports dangerous goods in a receptacle with a capacity of more than 500 L or more than 500 kg. However, you do not need this licence if you are transporting dangerous goods in an intermediate bulk container, and the intermediate bulk container is not packed or unpacked while on the vehicle, and the total capacity of the intermediate bulk containers are not more than 3000 L.
A person or business may have one or more vehicles on their dangerous goods vehicle licence.
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 Australian Dangerous Goods Code and is designed for mechanical handling.
You do not need a dangerous goods driver licence when transporting diesel only.
A vehicle, for the purpose of a dangerous goods vehicle licence, does not include prime movers or converter dollys.
How do I apply for a dangerous goods vehicle licence?
Dangerous goods vehicle licence applications are processed through selected Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centres. You will be required to complete an application form and pay a fee (per vehicle) calculated on the size of the vehicle you are licensing.
How long is a vehicle licence issued for?
The dangerous goods vehicle licence is issued for a period of one year. The dangerous goods vehicle licence is suspended if the vehicle registration lapses or is cancelled.
A vehicle label is issued for each vehicle contained on the dangerous goods vehicle licence. These labels must be displayed in a conspicuous place on the vehicle.
Do I need a dangerous goods vehicle licence when transporting diesel?
You do not require a dangerous goods vehicle licence when transporting diesel only.
Diesel when transported on its own in Australia by road is not classified as dangerous goods for transport purposes.
However, a dangerous goods vehicle licence is required when diesel is transported together with Class 3 (Flammable Liquids) in compartments of a multiple compartment portable tank or tank vehicle, the load then becomes refined petroleum products dangerous goods and is identified under the name of Petroleum Products, UN1270.
Where can I access the dangerous goods legislation?
The legislative provisions for the transport of dangerous goods by road in Queensland is detailed in the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 and the Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Dangerous Goods) Regulation 2008. Access to this legislation is through the Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel.
Where can I purchase a copy of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code?
The seventh edition of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG7) is available in hard copy from CanPrint Communications. A free electronic version is available from the National Transport Commission website*.
CanPrint Communications details are:
CanPrint Communications
PO Box 7456
Canberra MC
Australian Capital Territory 2610
Telephone: 1300 889 873y
Fax: +61 2 6293 8333w
Email: sales@infoservices.com.au.
Where can I purchase an Emergency Procedures Guide or Initial Emergency Response Guide?
Emergency Procedures Guides (EPG's) and the Dangerous Goods Initial Emergency Response Guide may be purchased from:
- SAI Global Limited
Telephone: 1300 654 646y or 13 12 42y
Alternatively, copies of EPG's may be located at some dangerous goods sign retailers or from the supplier of the dangerous goods.
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