Dangerous Goods

If you're transporting dangerous goods you usually need to have a dangerous goods endorsement on your driver licence.

A lot depends on what you're transporting, how much of it, and under what circumstances.

Please read fact sheets 67, 68 and 69, and Section 9 of NZTA Rule: Dangerous Goods 1999, for more information.

Note: If you're transporting dangerous goods in a heavy vehicle, you must have the right class of driver licence, too. See fact sheet 70 for more information.

If you're not sure whether you need a Dangerous Goods Endorsement, call the driver licensing helpdesk on 0800 822 422 or contact your NZTA regional office.

First complete a course

You'll need to provide a course certificate as evidence that you've successfully completed an approved course teaching specialist knowledge and skills relating to the transport of dangerous goods. Please note that you can't carry dangerous goods just because you've got the course certificate. The endorsement must be on your driver licence.

Then apply for the endorsement

You can apply for a Dangerous Goods Endorsement at your nearest driver licensing agency (participating offices of New Zealand Automobile Association, Vehicle Testing New Zealand, Vehicle Inspection New Zealand and On Road New Zealand).

You will need to take:

  • a completed DL19 application form
  • your current driver licence (this is your primary identification)
  • proof of your name and address, such as a bill or an account statement (this is your secondary identification)
  • a certificate showing you have successfully completed an appropriate and approved course
  • a cheque, cash or EFT-POS to pay the $37.20 application fee.

Please note that the Dangerous Goods Endorsement will be valid for five years from the date the course certificate was issued. (The expiry date of your endorsement will be on the back of your driver licence.) To renew the endorsement you'll have to complete another course (to stay up to date with any developments or changes) and apply again.

Eyesight screening check

You must pass the eyesight screening check or present an eyesight certificate. Eyesight certificates must be from either a registered medical practitioner or a registered optometrist, and must not be more than 60 days old.

For more information:

For more information or to confirm you're reading the latest version of this fact sheet, contact NZ Transport Agency. You can visit the website (www.nzta.govt.nz), call 0800 822 422 or write to the NZ Transport Agency, PO Box 2840, Wellington.

NZTA Rule - Dangerous Goods 1999 Rule 45001 10.3 Responsibilities of the loader

1. The condition of the packaging, labeling and marking is checked for obvious defects;

2. A load plan or Container Packing Certificate or Vehicle Packing Certificate is prepared as required in section 5 of this rule;

3. Any special loading instructions given in the dangerous goods documentation are complied with;

4. Mixed loads are segregated as required in section 6 of this rule;

5. If applicable, the vehicle or freight container is placarded as required in section 7 of this rule;

6. The vehicle is securely loaded as required in section 8 of this rule;

7. They have undergone training specific to the transport of dangerous goods, as appropriate for the nature, quantity and use of the dangerous goods;

8.The dangerous goods documentation is passed to the next person responsible for the transport or handling of the dangerous goods.

FTC South (NZ) Limited

Dangerous Goods