Driver accreditation scheme
This page outlines the driver accreditation scheme which is applicable to all new and existing commercial passenger vehicle drivers and drivers of commercial bus services and local bus services. For information on how to apply for driver accreditation, see Obtaining a Driver Accreditation. Driver accreditation should not be confused with taxi industry accreditation.
Information on this page
Who needs to be accredited
Anyone who wants to become a taxi, hire car, special purpose vehicle, restricted hire, commercial bus service or local bus service driver must first obtain accreditation.
Drivers who are the holders of a Driver's Certificate issued prior to 1 July 2007 will be deemed temporarily accredited until the expiry date of their certificate. Upon expiry they must apply for renewal of accreditation. For most drivers this should be a mere formality due to the already robust screening processes in place.
Purpose of accreditation
The new driver accreditation model features:
- greater clarity around drivers' responsibilities
- measures for the protection of customers who are vulnerable, such as children, the elderly and people with a disability
- opportunity for formal appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Driver accreditation also sets clear guidelines about who can work within the industry, what is expected of those individuals, and what action may be taken against them for failure to comply with the new laws.
About driver accreditation
Driver accreditation applies to all holders of Driver's Certificates, including taxi, hire car, bus, private bus service, commercial bus service or local bus service, special purpose vehicle and restricted hire drivers.
Under the new system, the Driver's Certificate is being replaced by Driver Accreditation:
- as of 1 July 2007, holders of a driver's certificate are deemed to hold Driver Accreditation
- new applicants for accreditation from 1 July 2007 must meet all requirements of the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983.
The driver accreditation scheme precedes a broader taxi industry-wide accreditation scheme that emphasises the public care objectives associated with public transport. These objectives require all individuals working in public transport, including those working in the taxi industry, to be suitable for their roles and accountable for their part in the total delivery of services to the community.
More information
- Contact the Victorian Taxi Directorate