Applying for a dangerous goods (D) endorsement

This page tells you about the driver licence requirements for transporting dangerous goods.

What are dangerous goods

Dangerous goods and the general requirements for transporting them

Who needs a dangerous goods (D) endorsement

If you drive a vehicle or vehicle combination to transport dangerous goods, you may be required to hold a current D endorsement on your driver licence. 

The below table summarises when a D endorsement is required. If you’re not sure whether you need a D endorsement, or you require further information around the requirements for transporting dangerous goods, call our contact centre on 0800 822 422.

Dangerous goods transport scenario Amount transported Do you need a D endorsement?
NOT for hire or direct reward  For domestic or recreational purposes Any No
As tools-of-trade for agricultural or commercial purposes Under the limits in schedule 1 of the rule No
Over the limits in schedule 1 of the rule

Yes*

*Exceptions are listed in clause 9.2 of Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005. D-endorsement is not required when any of the following exceptions apply:

  1. the driver holds a compliant test certificate (see clause 9.2(2) for details); or
  2. the driver is under the direct supervision of a person in the vehicle who holds a current dangerous goods endorsement on their driver licence; or
  3. small packages of dangerous goods that comply with the requirements in clause 2.4 or 2.5 of the Rule, and the aggregate quantity of the dangerous goods does not exceed 50 litres, or 50 kg including the weight of the packaging; or
  4. routine diagnostic specimens or low risk biological products and comply with the requirements in clause 2.6 of the Rule; or
  5. radioactive material in excepted quantities or excepted packages in accordance with clause 2.9 of the Rule; or
  6. are classified as UN 3077 or UN 3082 (toxic to the aquatic environment).

Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005

For hire or direct reward

(includes all licensed transport service operators)

 Any

Yes*

*Exceptions are listed in clause 9.2 of Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005. D-endorsement is not required when the dangerous goods being transported are as per exceptions stated in 2) to 6) above.

Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005

If you're not sure whether you need a D endorsement, call our contact centre on 0800 822 422.

You need to complete a course

To ensure you have the necessary knowledge and skills for transporting dangerous goods, you need to complete an approved course.

Find an approved course provider in your area

Please note you can’t drive on the road just because you’ve got the course certificate. The endorsement must be on your driver licence.

Applying for the endorsement

You can apply for a D endorsement at your nearest driver licensing agent.

You need to:

Find a driver licensing agent in your area

More information

Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005

Transporting dangerous goods for domestic or recreational purposes

Transporting dangerous goods as tools-of-trade for agricultural use or for a commercial purpose

Transporting dangerous goods as a licensed transport service operator or for direct reward

Download D endorsements for carrying dangerous goods (Factsheet 37) [PDF, 370 KB]