Driver authorisation categories and fees

Drivers of a road-based public passenger service must hold driver authorisation for the service type they are providing.

Different fees and driver licence requirements apply depending on the category of driver authorisation. Read about how to apply.

Categories

There are 3 types of driver authorisation:

1. Booked hire/taxi driver authorisation (BHTX)
   • authorises you to drive a vehicle used for any kind of public passenger service requiring driver authorisation.
   • if you hold a BHTX driver authorisation, you are automatically authorised to provide services under general driver authorisation.
   • Important:
     If you provide booked hire services in a licensed vehicle other than a taxi or limousine, you must hold both driver authorisation and a booked hire service licence.
2. General driver authorisation (GENR)
   • authorises you to drive a vehicle used to provide any public passenger service other than a booked hire service or a taxi service.
3. Restricted driver authorisation (RSTR)
   • issued by an accredited operator of a community or courtesy transport service. Read about restricted driver authorisation.
   • there are no fees payable for restricted driver authorisation.
   • for more details read about restricted driver authorisation under operator accreditation responsibilities.

Fees

All new applicants must pay a criminal history check fee of $52.70. A criminal history check fee is not required when you renew your authorisation.

Booked hire/taxi driver authorisation

*Pro-rata fees apply when the term is not a full year.

General driver authorisation

There are no term fees for general driver authorisation.

Refunds

Criminal history checks

• The criminal history check fee is only refundable if your application is withdrawn before the close of business on the same day the application was lodged.
• Applicants are not entitled to a refund of the criminal history check fee if the application is refused.
• The criminal history check fee is not refundable if your driver authorisation is suspended or cancelled.

Booked hire/taxi driver authorisation

• The assessment fee is not refundable if you withdraw your application or your application is refused.
• The card fee is not refundable if the card has already been issued.
• Unused term fees are not refundable if your driver authorisation is suspended or cancelled.
• If you voluntarily surrender your driver authorisation in writing, a refund of the unused term fees may be approved where you have evidenced compassionate or compelling circumstances.
• If you are issued driver authorisation for a shorter term than you paid for, you are entitled to a refund for the unused term fee.

Dishonoured payments

• If we become aware that your payment has been dishonoured after lodging, we will notify you and provide an opportunity to make the payment. Your application will be refused if you do not pay the required fee.
• If your driver authorisation has already been issued, you will not be able to use your driver authorisation until the payment is made.