Restricted driver authorisation

Purpose of restricted driver authorisation

Restricted driver authorisation is a special type of driver authorisation that accredited operators of community or courtesy transport services can issue to their drivers. It is an optional approach designed to supports smaller, low-risk services by reducing regulatory requirements compared to larger commercial operations.

Drivers can also choose to hold a standard driver authorisation of any category instead.

Conditions of restricted driver authorisation

1. Drivers that hold restricted driver authorisation are restricted to driving for the operator that issued the authorisation.
2. Drivers may hold more than one restricted driver authorisation if issued by different community or courtesy transport operators.
3. Restricted driver authorisation can be issued for a maximum term of 12 months. An operator may choose a lesser period if required.
4. Restricted driver authorisation holders must carry evidence of restricted driver authorisation with them while providing the community or courtesy transport service.
5. If the department advises an operator that an applicant does not meet eligibility requirements to hold restricted driver authorisation the operator must not issue the authority.
6. If the department advises that a person holding restricted driver authorisation does not meet eligibility requirements, the issuing operator must revoke the authority immediately. If necessary, the department can also take action against the person’s restricted driver authorisation.
7. The department has the authority to request that a restricted driver authorisation holder provide evidence of their medical fitness where it is suspected the person is not medically fit to drive.
8. Restricted driver authorisation is not renewable; however, operators may issue a new authority by completing a new application before the authority expires.
9. If a driver stops providing community or courtesy transport services for an operator, the operator must revoke the authority and advise the department within three working days. Restricted driver authorisation is automatically cancelled when the driver is no longer engaged by the operator.
10. If the operator decides the restricted driver authorisation holder is no longer suitable the operator must revoke the authority and advise the department within 3 working days.
11. When a restricted driver authorisation is revoked or cancelled, the operator should request that the driver return or destroy the evidence of their authorisation.

Driver eligibility requirements

To be eligible for a restricted driver authorisation, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Driver licence: hold a current open Australian driver licence, an equivalent overseas driver licence, or a restricted (work) driver licence.
• Driving experience: have held an open, provisional, probationary or restricted (work) driver licence (or equivalent overseas) for at least three cumulative years.
• Medical fitness:
  • be medically fit to drive. Applicants who answer ‘yes’ to any medical questions on the Restricted driver authorisation notification form (F3880) must submit a Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle Driver (Form F3712) assessed to commercial standards.
  • Drivers aged 75 years or older must submit a medical certificate on application and annually. Drivers can choose to align the expiry dates of their restricted driver authorisation and driver licence.
• Driving history: have a suitable driving history. More information is available on the Driver authorisation webpage.
• Criminal history: have a suitable criminal history. More information is available on the Driver authorisation webpage.
• Previous non-compliance: has not complied, or is not complying with requirements of driver authorisation, including previous or current non-compliance with a safety duty.

Application process

Operators should follow these steps to apply for restricted driver authorisation:

1. Obtain forms and information:
   • Download the Restricted driver authorisation notification form (F3880)  and Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle Driver (Form F3712)  (if required).
2. Ask applicant to complete relevant sections of the application form:
   • The applicant must fill out the Driver to Complete section of the Restricted driver authorisation notification form (F3880)  and return it to the operator.
   • The applicant must also provide evidence of their driver licence to the operator.
3. Operator review:
   • The operator must review the application and ensure all eligibility requirements are met.
   • If eligibility is unclear (e.g. due to criminal or driving history), the operator must request eligibility advice from us by submitting the completed form to the restricted driver authorisation hub.
4. Issue the restricted driver authorisation:
   • If the applicant meets all requirements, the operator must issue the driver with evidence of restricted driver authorisation.
5. Notify the department:
   • The operator must send a copy of the Restricted driver authorisation notification form (F3880)  (and medical certificate, if required) to the restricted driver authorisation hub within three working days.

Restricted driver authorisation hub

Email:
[email protected]

Mail:
Restricted driver authorisation hub
Department of Transport and Main Roads
PO Box 629
Toowoomba Qld 4350

Responsibilities of operators

Operators must:

• Ensure that the conditions of restricted driver authorisation are met.
• Issue eligible drivers with documented evidence of restricted driver authorisation. This evidence must:
  • Be issued on the operator’s letterhead (if available).
  • Include the driver’s name, date of birth, licence details, and signature.
  • Specify the commencement and expiry dates (maximum duration: 12 months).
  • Include the operator’s accreditation details and contact information.
  • The Restricted Driver Authorisation Pro-Forma - Employers Letter (F3881) is an optional template that can be used by operators as evidence of restricted driver authorisation documentation.
• Maintain records:
  • Keep written records of:
  • The name of the person issued the restricted driver authorisation.
  • Dates of issue, expiry, amendments, or cancellations.
  • Driver licence details (number, state/country of issue).
  • Vehicle details (registration number, date/time of use, and driver names).
  • Records must be kept for at least five years and made available to us upon request.
• Monitor compliance:
  • Ensure drivers understand their responsibilities under transport legislation.
  • Revoke the restricted driver authorisation if the driver becomes unsuitable and notify us within three working days.
  • Request that the driver return or destroy the evidence of their authorisation.

Responsibilities of drivers

Drivers holding restricted driver authorisation must:

• Carry evidence of their restricted driver authorisation while providing a community or courtesy service for the issuing operator.
• Comply with Driver authorisation responsibilities.
• Notify the operator of any changes that may affect their eligibility.
• Non-compliance may result in fines, suspension, or cancellation of the restricted driver authorisation.

Fees

The department does not charge any fees for issuing restricted driver authorisation.

Reference

Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994

• Section 29A: Restricted driver authorisation.
• Section 31: Applicant to notify charge for driver disqualifying offence etc.

Read the full Act on the Queensland Legislation website.

Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Regulation 2018

• Part 3 Division 3: Grant of restricted driver authorisation.
• Section 40: Grounds for amendment, suspension or cancellation—Act, s 32.
• Section 53: Amendment of restricted driver authorisation.
• Section 59: Requirement to provide evidence of medical fitness.
• Section 227: Record to be kept about restricted driver authorisation.

Read the full Regulation on the Queensland Legislation website.