Bus licence and accreditation

By the end of this topic you can

• You can work out which licence class a bus needs from its size and seating.
• You can explain the difference between a driver licence and a bus driver authority or accreditation.
• You can name the regulator that handles bus driver approval in your state.
• You can describe the usual checks, such as medical fitness and character checks.

What you need to know and understand

• A car (class C) licence covers vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes GVM that seat up to 12 adults including the driver.
• A vehicle that carries more than 12 adults including the driver needs at least an LR licence if its GVM is up to 8 tonnes.
• Larger buses need MR (two axles, over 8 tonnes GVM) or HR (three or more axles, and articulated buses).
• In NSW, LR and MR need a car licence held for at least 1 year, and HR needs 2 years. Other states have their own rules.
• In NSW you need a Bus Driver Authority from Transport for NSW to drive a public passenger bus seating 13 or more, and you must pass a commercial medical assessment first.
• In Victoria, bus driver accreditation is managed by Safe Transport Victoria. In Queensland, public passenger drivers need a driver authorisation from the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
• Regulators can refuse or cancel an authority if a driver is not considered fit and proper, for example because of serious offences.

Step one: the licence class

Licence classes are based on the bus's GVM, number of axles and number of seats. A small minibus that seats 12 or fewer adults including the driver, and is no heavier than 4.5 tonnes, can be driven on a car licence. Once it carries more than 12 adults, you need LR or higher. A typical two-axle route bus needs MR, while a three-axle coach or an articulated (bendy) bus needs HR.

Each higher class covers the classes below it. You will usually need a knowledge test, an eyesight test and a driving test or approved competency assessment.

Step two: approval for passenger work

Carrying the public for hire or as a route or school service is regulated separately. Each state runs its own scheme, so check with your state before you apply:

• NSW: Bus Driver Authority from Transport for NSW, applied for through Service NSW, after a commercial medical assessment.
• Victoria: bus driver accreditation through Safe Transport Victoria, with medical and police checks.
• Queensland: driver authorisation from the Department of Transport and Main Roads, with suitability and medical requirements.
• WA, SA, Tasmania, the ACT and the NT: each has its own passenger transport driver approval. Check with the local transport authority.

Keeping your approval

Approvals are not a one-off. Drivers must usually keep up regular medical checks, report new medical conditions, and tell the regulator about certain offences. Many bus companies also require a working with children check for school runs. Losing your licence or failing to meet the fit and proper standard can mean your authority is suspended or cancelled.

Remember too that buses over 4.5 tonnes GVM built for more than 12 adults are covered by heavy vehicle fatigue rules in most states.

Common mistakes

• Thinking a heavy vehicle licence alone lets you drive passengers for pay. You also need your state's authority or accreditation.
• Counting seats without the driver. The 12 adult limit includes the driver.
• Booking an MR test when the job uses three-axle coaches or bendy buses, which need HR.
• Letting a medical assessment lapse, which can lead to suspension.
• Assuming another state's approval carries over. Check mutual recognition rules first.

Test yourself: Bus licence and accreditation

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.