Applying to be an approved person

Before applying

Before applying to be an approved person, we recommend you familiarise yourself with the Approved Person Scheme and vehicle standards and modifications.

Making an application

Queensland residents

If you live in Queensland and you want to apply to become an approved person, you need to:

• complete an approved person application
• attach to your application:
  • copies of your qualifications
  • evidence of industry experience
  • any supporting documents (if applicable)
• attend one of our transport and motoring service centres or Queensland Government Agency Program (QGAP) offices and:
  • provide evidence of identity
  • pay the application fee
• once you have paid your application fee, lodge your application directly with the Approved Person Scheme Administrator either by:
  • Email: ap@tmr.qld.gov.au
  • Post: Approved Person Scheme Administrator
    Department of Transport and Main Roads
    PO Box 673
    FORTITUDE VALLEY QLD 4006.

Interstate residents

If you live outside of Queensland and you want to apply to become an approved person, you need to:

• complete an approved person application
• attach to your application:
  • copies of your qualifications
  • evidence of industry experience
  • certified copies of documents meeting the evidence of identity requirements for individuals (form S5385)
  • any supporting documents (if applicable)
• pay the application fee (cheque or money order only, do not send cash)
• post these documents (including your cheque or money order) to:
  Approved Person Administrator
  Department of Transport and Main Roads
  PO Box 673
  FORTITUDE VALLEY QLD 4006.

What happens after I apply?

Once we receive your application, we will assess your experience, qualifications as well as your suitability to be an approved person.

We will obtain a criminal history report, including a New Zealand criminal history report (if required) and your traffic history.

We do not accept criminal history reports issued directly to you by QPS (or any third party). 

We will also look at your accreditation history if you have been accredited before.

Assessing your criminal and accreditation history

If you have a criminal or accreditation history, we will consider:

• how the offence/s is/are relevant to the role you have applied for
• how long ago the offence/s was/were committed 
• any penalty imposed
• is there a pattern of offending.

If you have a criminal or accreditation history that we believe makes you unsuitable to be an approved person, your application will be refused.

Charged but not yet convicted

We may refuse your application on the basis that you have been charged with (but not yet convicted of) a disqualifying offence. A disqualifying offence is an offence under the Criminal Code Act 1899.

Being charged with an offence does not mean your application will be refused. 

We may ask for more details of the charge(s) and consider the relevance to the role of an approved person before making a decision. 

Consideration of other factors

We will consider any relevant information you may want to provide. 

This might include:

• circumstances that explain your criminal or accreditation offence history
• impact on the availability of services provided under the scheme that may result from the refusal of the application
• your qualification and work history, and 
• any other material, for example, personal references provided where the person is aware of your application and your criminal or accreditation offence history.

Note that your personal circumstance will not outweigh our consideration for public safety, even if refusing your application would cause financial hardship.

Approving your application

If you application is approved, an accreditation document will be issued. This will show when your accreditation expires and if any conditions apply. 

Application refused

If you application is refused, we will send you a notice which details:

• the decision
• the legislation that applies in making the decision
• the facts relied on in making the decision including any offences considered
• any evidence or other material considered in reaching the decision
• the reasons for the decision, and 
• your rights for a review of and/or appeal against the decision.