Commercial Passenger Vehicle and Bus Driver Accreditation

Drivers of commercial passenger vehicles, including country taxis and hire cars, commercial bus services, local bus services, wedding vehicles and tour vehicles, must hold a Driver Accreditation. This page outlines the application process, effective 3 October 2011.

Information on this page

• Background
• Application process
• Fees
• Further information

Background

To drive a taxi or hire car which operates from outside the Metropolitan Taxi Zone, you must hold a Driver Accreditation. See maps of taxi zones and network service providers (depots).

To apply for a Driver Accreditation to drive metropolitan taxis or hire cars, see Commercial Passenger Vehicle and Bus Driver Accreditation with Metropolitan Taxi/Metropolitan Hire Car Endorsement.

To drive other types of commercial passenger vehicles or buses anywhere in Victoria, you must hold a Driver Accreditation. A commercial passenger vehicle is any motor vehicle that is used or intended to be used for carrying passengers for hire or reward. As well as taxis and hire cars, commercial passenger vehicles include:

• wedding vehicles
• tour vehicles
• other special purpose vehicles
• restricted hire car vehicles, such motorcycles and vehicles manufactured more than 25 years ago.

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Application process (effective 3 October 2011)

Step 1: Complete application form

To apply, complete the Application for Accreditation to Drive a Commercial Passenger Vehicle and Private Bus (PDF, 404 KB, 32 pp.) booklet, including the completed medical certificate and vision acuteness certificate. You are required to submit:

• your current full (non-probationary) Driver Licence and proof that you have held that licence in Victoria for at least 12 months.If you have held your Victorian Taxi Driver Licence for less than 12 months, you must write a letter to the Victorian Taxi Directorate (VTD) and attend a scheduled appointment at the VTD.
• a second acceptable proof of identification.
• a current (issued within the last 6 months) National Police Certificate (NPC) (PDF, 129 KB, 1 pp.). A new online application form for a NPC is available by visiting Victoria Police or alternatively call the Victoria Police information line on 1300 881 596. The VTD no longer provides applicants with Consent to Check and Release National Police Record Forms.

Step 2: Lodge application

Lodge your application in person at the VTD or at a VicRoads office. If criteria is not met, you will be advised to provide additional information. Please contact the VTD on 1800 638 802 for further information.

Step 3: VTD assesses application

The VTD will assess your application, taking into consideration:

• its duty of care to the public.
• the results of your medical examination and vision acuteness test.
• your driving and criminal history and whether there would be an increased risk of re-offending.
• your competency to provide the service.

Step 4: VTD issues Driver Accreditation

If satisfied that it is appropriate, based on the above criteria, the VTD will issue you a Driver Accreditation and a copy of Driver Accreditation Conditions on payment of the fee.

Step 5: Renewing your Driver Accreditation

You will be sent a renewal form about six weeks before your Driver Accreditation expires. You need to:

• complete and sign the renewal form
• have the medical certificate completed by a registered medical practitioner.
• have the visual acuteness certificate completed by a registered medical practitioner or registered optometrist.
• lodge the form by mail or in person to the VTD, or in person at a VicRoads office. Metropolitan drivers must also have a photograph taken at the Victorian Taxi Directorate or a VicRoads office.

If all criteria are still met, the VTD will re-issue a Driver Accreditation for a further period on payment of the fee.

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Fees

Further information

For further information, contact the VTD.