Driver authorisations

The Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994 requires all drivers of public passenger services in Queensland to hold driver authorisation.

Driver authorisation is a qualification a driver of a public passenger-service vehicle must attain and maintain to operate the vehicle. The driver must also be the holder of a current driver licence for the class of vehicle being driven.

A person who applies for, or is the holder of, driver authorisation must be a suitable person to drive a public passenger vehicle, having regard to:

• the safety of children and other vulnerable members of the community
• the personal safety of the public, passengers, and their property
• the act of driving and capability to safely operate the vehicle
• the reputation of public passenger transport
• conducting themselves responsibly with passengers and the public
• being aware of their customer service responsibilities.

Driver authorisation is issued to the driver for different categories of public passenger services. The categories and definitions for the different driver authorisations are:

• Taxi service — a service provided by a taxi operating under a taxi service licence issued by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
• Limousine service — a service provided by a limousine operating under a limousine service licence issued by the department.
• General services — services including charter, tourist (general and off-road), accommodation transfer, tourist transfer, and non-specific public passenger services.
• Scheduled services — services including general route and school services.
• Motorcycle tour services — a tourist service provided in a motorcycle, motor tricycle or motorcycle and sidecar.
• Courtesy and Community services — services can be provided by a driver holding any of the above categories of driver authorisation.

Further information and application forms are available for you to download.