Driver Licensing
Technical
Scope
This Operational Guideline outlines licensing requirements of NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) drivers operating RFS vehicles.
Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all RFS members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.
Guiding Principles
- The RFS requires its members to have an appropriate current licence for the class of vehicle/plant/equipment they are operating, to know and comply with the conditions of their driver’s licence, and to obey all local state road rules.
- This OPG should be read in conjunction with RFS OPG - Safe Driving.
Special Considerations
Driver Licensing
| Licence Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Learner (‘L’ Plate for a C licence) Permit Holders | Restrictions:
|
| Provisional Class One (P1 - Red ‘P’ Plate) Licence Holders | Considerations:
Restrictions:
|
| Provisional Class Two (P2 - Green ‘P’ Plate) Licence Holders | Considerations:
Restrictions:
|
- Members who are required to drive RFS vehicles must notify their captain and their District Manager (DM) (for volunteers) or their manager and the Fleet Services Officer (for staff) if they have any condition that may temporarily or permanently affect their ability to drive or if their licence is varied, cancelled, disqualified or suspended.
- All Managers with a responsibility for vehicles must ensure there is an annual process to check the licences for any personnel who are authorised to operate RFS vehicles. A licence declaration must be completed annually in SAP (for staff) or using the Brigade Driver Declaration Form, uploaded to SAP by the District, (for volunteers).
Restricted Licence Holders
- Holders of the following classes of licence must discuss their application to drive RFS vehicles with their DM (for volunteers) or the Fleet Services Officer (for staff) who shall assess each application on its merits:
- A P2 licence, having returned from a period of licence disqualification by a court.
- A restricted licence issued by a court or governing body that authorises the holder to drive only in the course of his/her employment, or in other specified restricted circumstances.
Driver Education
- Members requiring driver education in preparation for obtaining RFS endorsement to drive RFS vehicles must hold a valid and current licence in accordance with the current Service NSW requirements.
- During instruction for obtaining any licence a driver must be accompanied by a suitably licenced driver and should display a ‘Driver Under Instruction’ sign at the front and rear of the vehicle.
- All Managers shall, in consultation with Brigade Captains (where necessary), determine which members are permitted to drive RFS vehicles under emergency conditions. This endorsement shall be based on competency and demonstrated aptitude.
- Drivers under instruction are not authorised to Respond.
- Examples of RFS vehicles which can be driven by personnel holding the applicable licence class:
| Licence Class | RFS Vehicle (example) |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle (R) | Trail Bikes |
| Car (C) | Command Vehicles Category 9 Tanker |
| Light Rigid (LR) | Category 7 Tanker |
| Medium Rigid (MR) | Category 1 / 2 Tanker, Category 10 / 11 Pumper |
| Heavy Rigid (HR) | Category 6 Tanker Category 13 Bulk Water Carrier |
| Heavy Combination (HC) | Semi-Trailer Truck and Dog |
| Multi Combination (MC) | Logistics B-Double |
Related Information
Content Owner: State Operations
Date Approved: 19 Aug 2025
Review Required: 19 Aug 2028
Version: 1.0
If you have any questions or feedback on Operational Doctrine, please email Ops.Performance@rfs.nsw.gov.au.
