Tanker Licence Victoria: How to Get Your Fuel Tanker Licence

How to Get a Tanker Licence in Victoria A Complete Guide for the Transport Industry

Published: October 5, 2026

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To drive a fuel tanker in Victoria, you need two licences. You need a truck licence from VicRoads that matches the rig (usually HR, HC or MC), plus a dangerous goods (DG) driver licence from WorkSafe Victoria.

There is no single card called a "tanker licence". It's a truck licence and a DG licence working together, and this guide shows you how to get both.

Key takeaways

Your truck licence has to match the tanker you drive.
Fuel is a dangerous good, so fuel tankers also need a DG licence.
You can't get a DG licence while you're on your L or P plates.
Water and milk tankers only need a truck licence.
The truck owner licenses the tanker. You license yourself.

What licence do I need to drive a fuel tanker?

You need a truck licence for the rig and a DG licence for the load. Fuel counts as a dangerous good, so you can't skip the DG licence.

Your truck licence depends on the size of the tanker. Use this table to find the right one.

Type of tanker	Truck licence you need	DG licence?
Small fuel truck (over 4.5 t, up to 8 t GVM)	Light Rigid (LR)	Yes, if the tank holds over 500 L of fuel
Two-axle rigid tanker over 8 t GVM	Medium Rigid (MR)	Yes, if carrying fuel
Rigid tanker with 3 or more axles, over 8 t GVM	Heavy Rigid (HR)	Yes, if carrying fuel
Prime mover pulling a semi-trailer tanker	Heavy Combination (HC)	Yes, if carrying fuel
B-double or road train tanker	Multi Combination (MC)	Yes, if carrying fuel
Water, milk or other safe loads	Class to match the truck	No

Most fuel companies run semi tankers or B-double tankers. So most fuel tanker drivers need an HC or MC licence, plus their DG licence.

Is there a separate tanker licence in Victoria?

No, Victoria does not have a stand-alone tanker licence. When people say "petrol tanker licence" or "fuel tanker licence", they mean a truck licence plus a DG licence.

VicRoads looks after your truck licence. WorkSafe Victoria looks after your DG licence.

How to get a tanker licence: step by step

Get your full car licenceYou need a full car licence to start. You also need to be off your P plates before you can get a DG licence.
Get your MR or HR licenceYou can do our MR course (TLILIC2015) after 1 year on your car licence, or our HR course (TLILIC2016) after 2 years. HR covers rigid tankers with 3 or more axles.
Step up to HCOnce you've held MR or HR for 1 year, you can do the HC licence course (TLILIC3017). This lets you drive a semi tanker.
Step up to MC if you want B-doublesYou need an MC licence (TLILIC3018) to drive a B-double tanker. You must hold an HC licence first.
Do your DG courseBook the Dangerous Goods Licence Course (TLILIC0001). You can do it any time once you're off your P plates.
Apply to WorkSafeApply online through myWorkSafe with your course result, driving record and medical form. WorkSafe needs your course result to be less than 6 months old when you apply.

Tip: You don't need to wait until you have your HC or MC to get your DG licence. Get it early and you'll be ready to go when a tanker job comes up.

Truck licence rules in Victoria

VicRoads says how long you must hold one licence before you move up. You can't skip these wait times unless VicRoads gives you an exemption.

Licence	What you can drive	When you can get it
Light Rigid (LR)	Rigid trucks over 4.5 t up to 8 t GVM	After 1 year on a car licence
Medium Rigid (MR)	Two-axle rigid trucks over 8 t GVM	After 1 year on a car licence
Heavy Rigid (HR)	Rigid trucks over 8 t GVM with 3 or more axles	After 2 years on a car licence
Heavy Combination (HC)	Prime mover and one semi-trailer over 9 t GVM	After 2 years licensed, with 1 year on MR or HR, plus an approved course
Multi Combination (MC)	B-doubles and road trains	After 1 year on HC or HR, plus an approved course

Here's the catch with MC. Even if you qualify with HR time, VicRoads says you must pass HC first.

The DG licence for tanker drivers

Petrol, diesel, LPG and lots of chemicals are dangerous goods. If your tank holds more than 500 litres or 500 kilograms of them, you need a DG licence.

Not sure why the rules are so strict? Read why you need a dangerous goods licence.

Who gives you the DG licence?

WorkSafe Victoria issues it, not VicRoads. You must live in Victoria to get one.

What do I need to apply?

A full driver licence (no L or P plates).
A pass in an approved DG course, like TLILIC0001, from the last 6 months.
Your 5-year driving record from VicRoads, from the last 6 months.
A driver commercial health assessment signed by a doctor.
An online ID check and a photo of both sides of your licence.

For the full walk-through, see our guide on how to get a dangerous goods licence in Australia.

How long does it take and what does it cost?

WorkSafe will tell you if you're approved within 28 days. Once approved, you get a digital licence in myWorkSafe straight away and a plastic card in the mail.

A new DG licence costs $99.65 and lasts up to 5 years. Renewing costs $94.80.

What loads does it cover?

It covers flammable liquids like petrol, plus gases like LPG, corrosives, toxic loads and more. It does not cover explosives, which need a different licence.

Empty tankers still count: an "empty" tanker is still classed as dangerous goods. It must still show its placards, and you still need your DG licence to drive it. An empty tanker can actually be more dangerous than a full one, because of the fuel vapours left inside.

A tanker only stops counting as dangerous goods once it has been cleaned and there is a certificate to prove the cleaning was done. Only then is it classed as clean, and it no longer needs placards.

What if I have a DG licence from another state?

You can use a current interstate DG licence in Victoria. You don't need a Victorian one as well.

Does the tanker need its own licence?

Yes, but that's the owner's job, not yours. WorkSafe makes owners of DG trucks, like petrol tankers, license each one.

As the driver, your job is to hold your own DG licence. Always check it's current before you head out.

What else do fuel companies look for?

Your licences get your foot in the door. Many fuel companies also want some driving experience, a clean record and site inductions at the fuel terminal.

Remember, you must have zero alcohol in your blood when you drive any truck over 4.5 t GVM in Victoria. This rule is strict and the penalties are tough.

How long does it take to get a tanker licence?

If you only have a car licence, the VicRoads wait times set the pace. Here's how the path to a semi tanker usually looks.

Years 1 to 2 on your car licence: Get your MR (after year 1) or HR (after year 2).
After 1 year on MR or HR: Step up to HC.
Any time you're off your P plates: Do your DG course and apply to WorkSafe.
After 1 year on HC or HR: Step up to MC for B-double tanker work.

The DG course at TDT is a short course, with weekday and weekend classes. Send your WorkSafe paperwork in soon after, so it doesn't hold you up.

How long does it take to get a tanker licence?

If you only have a car licence, the VicRoads wait times set the pace. Here's how the path to a semi tanker usually looks.

Years 1 to 2 on your car licence: Get your MR (after year 1) or HR (after year 2).
After 1 year on MR or HR: Step up to HC.
Any time you're off your P plates: Do your DG course and apply to WorkSafe.
After 1 year on HC or HR: Step up to MC for B-double tanker work.

The DG course at TDT is a short course, with weekday and weekend classes. Send your WorkSafe paperwork in soon after, so it doesn't hold you up.

How much does a tanker licence cost?

Your cost depends on which licences you already have. Here's a guide to TDT course fees and the WorkSafe licence fee.

Item	Cost
HR licence course (TLILIC2016)	From $1,450
HC licence course (TLILIC3017)	From $1,840
MC licence course (TLILIC3018)	From $1,945
DG course (TLILIC0001)	Weekday $530, weekend $550
WorkSafe DG driver licence (new)	$99.65

Going from HR to a semi fuel tanker? HC, a weekday DG course and your WorkSafe licence add up to about $2,470.

You'll also pay VicRoads licence fees and the cost of your medical and driving record. Check the VicRoads website for current fees before you book.

Ready to get behind the wheel of a tanker?

TDT runs truck licence and DG courses across Victoria. Talk to our team about the fastest way to your tanker licence.

Book your DG course Book your HC course

Tanker licence FAQs

What licence do I need to drive a fuel tanker?

You need a truck licence that matches the tanker, usually HR, HC or MC. You also need a DG licence from WorkSafe Victoria because fuel is a dangerous good.

Is a petrol tanker licence the same as a DG licence?

Not quite. The DG licence is one part, but you also need the right truck licence to drive the rig.

Can I get a DG licence on my P plates?

No. WorkSafe Victoria won't give a DG licence to drivers on L or P plates.

Do I need a DG licence to drive a water tanker?

No. Water and milk aren't dangerous goods, so you only need the truck licence that matches the rig.

How much does a DG licence cost in Victoria?

The DG course at TDT costs $530 on a weekday or $550 on a weekend. The WorkSafe DG driver licence then costs $99.65 and lasts up to 5 years.

Can I use my interstate DG licence in Victoria?

Yes. If your interstate DG licence is current, you can carry dangerous goods in Victoria without a Victorian one.

Sources: WorkSafe Victoria: Dangerous goods driver licence; WorkSafe Victoria: Dangerous goods vehicle licence; Department of Transport and Planning: Heavy vehicle licence categories; VicRoads: Zero BAC for heavy vehicle drivers; VicRoads Victorian Bus and Truck Drivers Handbook.

Chris Davis

Head of Sales & Business Development

Chris writes about trucking, logistics, and transport industry trends.

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Tom Smith

9 October 2026

David Allan is a fantastic instructor; I was nervous at first, but he put me completely at ease and was incredibly helpful in getting my license. Thanks for everything, David.

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8 October 2026

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6 October 2026

Had an absolutely amazing day with David. He took amazing care the whole way throughout the day. He made me feel at ease and explained everything with his calming and enjoyable personality. I learned so much from him. This is the man!! Time to hit the road.

Ben Gerrard

I had a great experience with David Allan and Vanessa. Vanessa handled the whole process from start to finish very smoothly and professionally, and she was always helpful and easy to communicate with. David was an excellent HR truck driving instructor. He was very supportive, patient and positive throughout the training. He explained everything clearly and made sure I felt confident behind the wheel. I highly recommend David and Vanessa to anyone looking for professional, supportive and friendly service. Thank you both for making the whole experience so smooth!

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5 October 2026

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3 October 2026

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2 October 2026

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1 October 2026

Thank you so much TDT! I booked my HR truck license training with Vanessa from TDT and was assessed by David. Smooth bookings - No hassle at all. If you’re anything like me before a test (nervous) don’t be! David is a really knowledgeable trainer with years of experience under his belt. His instructions were very clear and his step-by-step guide will help you gain the knowledge and experience needed! Felt like working with a mate for a day! Do not miss this opportunity to up-skill with TDT. Get in touch with Vanessa, request for David. Happy days ;)

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29 September 2026