Taxis and commercial passenger vehicles

The following are types of commercial passenger vehicles (CPV) that can operate in the Northern Territory (NT).

Courtesy vehicles

A courtesy vehicle is offered as part of an agreement for the provision of accommodation or activities and provided to passengers without payment of a fare.

Drivers must hold a CPVID card and are not allowed to approach people to hire the vehicle or stand for hire.

Minibus

A minibus can carry between 9 and 15 passengers.

Operators must:

• comply with the minibus in-service maintenance standards PDF (1.2 MB)
• have an approved security camera system fitted to the minibus.

A minibus can stand for hire in minibus ranks.

A minibus can respond to hails. For example, if a customer waves you down from the footpath, you can pull over and pick that person up if it is safe to do so.

Motor omnibus

A motor omnibus is generally used for pre-booked charter work or as a route service bus. It can't stand or ply for hire and respond to hail and ride requests.

There are no restrictions to the types of vehicles proposed for use in the motor omnibus category.

When deciding the most appropriate vehicle type, operators should consider relevant factors such as:

• the type of operation
• passenger comfort
• locations of use

Operators must comply with the passenger bus in-service vehicle maintenance standards PDF (764.6 KB).

Private hire car and limousines

Operators must comply with the:

• private hire car in-service maintenance standards PDF (994.2 KB) or
• limousine in-service maintenance standards PDF (951.6 KB).

A limousine can only be hired if it has been pre-booked.

A private hire car can only be hired if it has been pre-booked or hired from an approved private hire car rank.

The approved ranks are:

• The arrival at any airport in the NT of passenger aircraft on international interstate or intra-Territory flights.
• The arrival at any railway station or passenger terminal in the NT of the Ghan passenger train.
• The event known as the V8 Super Cars, held at the Hidden Valley motor sports complex.
• The Alice Springs, Darwin, Katherine and Tennant Creek Shows at the show grounds.
• Any international cricket match (one-day or test) sanctioned by the Australian Cricket Board held at the Marrara Sporting Complex.
• Any horse race meeting which is part of or known as the Darwin Cup Carnival, sanctioned by the NT Racing Commission, held at the Fannie Bay race track.
• Any horse race meeting which is part of or known as the Alice Springs Racing Carnival sanctioned by the NT Racing Commission, held at Pioneer Park race track.
• The event known as Bass-in-the-Grass.
• Any sporting event at the Marrara Sporting Complex where at least one team is an International representative team or an Australian National premier team.
• Lasseters Hotel Casino Alice Springs and Mindil Beach Casino and Resort Darwin.
• Any sporting event at the Anzac Oval or Trager Park where at least one team is an International representative team or an Australian National premier team.
• Master’s Games opening and closing ceremonies.
• The event known as Carols by Candlelight held at the Anzac Oval.
• The event known as Govey’s Muster held at the RSL Club grounds.
• The event known as Old Timer’s Fete held at Old Timer’s village.
• Any major event held at Anzac Oval or Blatherskite Park.
• The events listed on the Darwin Convention Centre website from time to time.
• The Port of Darwin, Darwin Cruise Ship Terminal.

Private hire car drivers must only use an approved communications device. Drivers must return to an approved base when finishing each job.

Private hire car operators can display an approved 'VACANT' sign in or on their vehicles at airport ranks and railway stations in Darwin and Alice Springs only.

Operators have a choice of 2 custom-made signs:

• black text on a white background or
• white text on a black background.

Rideshare

A rideshare vehicle is an approved vehicle used to provide a transport service offered to passengers through an approved communications and dispatch service, which is generally through a smartphone application-based booking.

A rideshare driver can only accept bookings through an approved communications and dispatch network.

A vehicle used to perform ridesharing transport services must not display advertising which is likely to cause a reasonable person to believe the vehicle is available for hire or reward.

Rideshare drivers don't have to display their CPVID card. However, they must have it on them at all times when operating as a rideshare driver.

A rideshare vehicle must meet the ridesharing in-service maintenance standards PDF (967.4 KB).

Special function vehicle

A special function vehicle is of distinctive or unusual make, model or appearance.

A special function vehicle can only be hired if it is pre-booked or is for an approved event such as any of the following:

• weddings
• funerals
• formal or graduation ceremonies
• national significant events including Anzac Day.

Special function vehicles must meet the special function vehicle in-service maintenance standards PDF (750.6 KB).

Special passenger vehicle

A special passenger vehicle is operated for a purpose that does not fall into any other category of commercial passenger vehicle.

The proposed service and vehicle suitability will have to be individually assessed by the MVR, for example, modified vehicles, limited operating areas and times.

Drivers are not permitted to ask people to hire their vehicle or stand for hire. The vehicle must be returned to its base of operation when the journey is finished.

Taxi

A taxi is a vehicle that carries up to 15 passengers. It can stand for hire in designated taxi ranks and also respond to hails.

Taxis cannot operate within an area that is not specified in the taxi licence.

Taxis must have a certified meter, approved security camera system and braille labels fitted to the vehicle.

Operators must comply with the taxi in-service maintenance standards PDF (1.1 MB).

Tourist vehicle

A tourist vehicle is typically a four-wheel drive, van or motorcycle.

Tourist vehicles must operate in one of the following:

• outside a council area for pre-arranged bookings
• within a council area as part of a tour package
• within a council area for a type of pre-approved tour.

More than one tourist vehicle can be registered under a commercial vehicle licence.

In the event of a breakdown while on tour, a vehicle of a similar type to the primary vehicle may be used for up to 4 days only to complete the tour.

Tourist vehicle operators must not:

• do airport transfers unless it's a part of the overall tour package
• conduct or advertise tours for a fare calculated by distance.

Operators must comply with the tourist vehicle in-service maintenance standards PDF (880.3 KB).

You must get a criminal check if you're applying for or renewing a licence to be any of the following:

• commercial passenger vehicle driver
• commercial passenger vehicle operator
• communications and dispatch network operator.

How to apply

To apply for a criminal check follow these steps.

Step 1. Fill in the online national police check form or go to the Police, Fire and Emergency Services website to download and fill in the SAFE NT national police check form.

Step 2. Take your completed form to your nearest SAFE NT office or police station.

After you apply

Your application for a criminal check may take several weeks to be processed by SAFE NT.

Once your application is processed you will get a National Police Certificate.

Certificates are valid for three months from the date of release.

Submit your police certificate

Once you have received your National Police Certificate, you must submit the original document along with your other application documents to:

• any MVR office
• or a police outstation if you're a remote resident.

If your criminal check reveals an offence, your application will be forwarded to the Commercial Passenger Vehicle branch to be assessed against guidelines.

Certain criminal offences, serious traffic offences or a pattern of offending may affect your application. Read about fit and proper assessment and disqualifying offences in the transport industry.

The information bulletins contain general information and requirements about the commercial passenger vehicle (CPV) industry.

You should use it as a guide only.

You shouldn't refer to it as a strict interpretation of Northern Territory (NT) law and in-service vehicle maintenance standards.

Contact

If you have any questions, contact Commercial Passenger Vehicles Branch by:

• calling 08 8924 7580
• emailing cpv.admin@nt.gov.au.

A wheelchair accessible commercial passenger vehicle (CPV) can carry at least four passengers in addition to at least one passenger in a wheelchair.

All wheelchair accessible CPV vehicles registered for the first time after 1 January 2013 must comply with new rules on wheelchair space allocation.

Operators with older vehicles that do not meet these standards do not need to upgrade the vehicle.

Rules on wheelchair space allocation

The minimum allocated wheelchair space is:

• 1500mm in height
• 800mm in width
• 1300mm in length.

In addition, wheelchair accessible vehicles must have a wheelchair space that is a rectangular prism.

Braille labels on taxis and minibuses

All taxis and minibuses are required to display external braille registration number labels on all passenger entry points before being registered.

It is the responsibility of the operator to ensure the appropriate labels are fitted to any in-service taxi or minibus, and to pay for the supply and fit of braille labels.

Taxi braille label examples

Minibus braille label examples

To become a rideshare driver in the Northern Territory (NT), you must have a hire and reward endorsement (H endorsement) on your NT driver licence.

You must also have a commercial passenger vehicle identity card (CPVID).

Find out how to apply for both below.

Who can apply

To be eligible to apply, you must:

• be at least 18 years and 6 months old
• have held a driver licence (Australian or overseas) in the last 3 years for at least 12 months
• hold a current NT open driver licence
• be able to read and write in English
• have an Australian business number (ABN) - read more on the Australian Business Register
• have a valid work visa for Australia - if you're not an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• not be subject to an alcohol ignition lock condition.

How to apply

To apply, follow these steps.

Step 1. Pass the theory test

You must pass the online hire and reward knowledge test (theory test).

There is a fee for sitting the test. If you don't pass, you will need to pay the fee each time you resit the test.

Once you start the test, you have 2 hours to complete it.

Before sitting the test, check if you're ready by taking a free online practice hire and reward theory test.

Step 2. Get supporting documents

With your application, you must include the following:

• driver’s licence details
• ABN
• work visa and passport details - if you’re not an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• a copy of your medical assessment - dated within 3 months
• a copy of your national police check - dated within 3 months.

Step 3. Submit application

Go to Territory Services

After you apply

Applications are processed within 15 business days. You’ll receive an email notifying you of the outcome.

If your application is approved, the email will tell you what fees you need to pay and how to pay them.

Once you've paid the fees, your new driver licence with H endorsement and CPVID will be sent to you in the mail.

Cards are printed from a secure location and will be delivered to you through Australia Post.

Allow for standard mail delivery times in your area.

Using your own rideshare vehicle

If you plan to use your own rideshare vehicle, you must also apply to use your vehicle for ridesharing.

How to renew

Your H endorsement is valid for up to 5 years.

You'll receive an email when you're due for renewal.

To keep your endorsement current, you must reapply with a new:

• medical assessment
• national police check - you must do this at least 8 weeks before your endorsement expires.

You don't need to redo the theory test to renew.

More information

Read the CPV05 how to obtain a licence to drive a commercial passenger vehicle (H endorsement) information bulletin PDF (171.8 KB).

Contact

If you have any questions, call 08 8924 7580 or email cpv.admin@nt.gov.au.

If you operate one of the following commercial passenger vehicles (CPVs), you must pay a $1 per trip levy for every trip you take:

• taxi
• minibus
• private hire car
• ridesharing.

You must pay the levy every month. You will also receive an email reminder for each month.

How to pay the levy

Operators and ridesharing networks must use the online levy payment system to lodge and pay the levy.

More information

To find out more, read the CPV25 passenger services levy information bulletin PDF (139.0 KB).

Administration

Operator accreditation and vehicle licence

The Northern Territory (NT) Government sets and oversees maximum fares for taxis in the NT. This applies to areas declared for taxi operation.

Where taxis can operate

A taxi can only operate in the area specified in the licence issued to that vehicle.

There are 3 main journeys that can take place in and around a taxi area.

Each has individual rules on how a taximeter is used and what fares can be charged.

Within a declared taxi area only

The driver must operate the taximeter on the correct rate for the entire journey.

A passenger can't be charged more than the fare displayed.

Partly in a declared taxi area

The driver must operate the taximeter for the portion of the journey inside the area.

They can either:

• negotiate a fare with the passenger for the rest of the journey outside the taxi area or
• choose to use the taximeter for the entire journey and charge the metered fare at the end.

Outside the declared taxi area

The NT Government doesn't regulate fares for travel outside the declared taxi area. This means drivers may choose not to operate the taximeter.

Drivers can either:

• negotiate a fare with the passenger before the start of the journey or
• choose to use the taximeter and charge the metered fare at the end.

Declared taxi and minibus areas

Find out the taxi and minibus areas for your region:

• Alice Springs PDF (375.1 KB)
• Darwin and Palmerston PDF (339.5 KB)
• Nhulunbuy (Gove) PDF (318.3 KB)
• Katherine PDF (120.5 KB)
• Tennant Creek PDF (114.0 KB).

Minibus fares

Minibus operators must attach signs showing the fare inside the vehicle.

The signs must be clearly visible from all passenger-seating positions.

Minibus fares are not set by the NT Government. They're set by operators based on how far you're travelling.

Other fees, conditions and exemptions

The following may also apply:

• You may have to pay for an exit toll when leaving the airport. This toll is charged by the airport and is not part of the metered taxi fare.
• Taxi drivers may add a 5% surcharge on payments made with a debit or credit card.
• If you soil a taxi, the driver can charge you a $50 cleaning fee.
• If you're a member of the NT Transport Subsidy Scheme, you don't have to prepay.

In Alice Springs and Darwin, there is a cap on the number of taxi licences granted.

As part of the current review of the commercial passenger vehicle (CPV) industry, the Northern Territory (NT) Government has approved to remove this over the next 3 years until 2026.

If there is no further demand or eligible applicants during this period, the cap will be removed.

Otherwise, the cap is scheduled to be removed following the 2026 ballot.

Read more about the CPV review on the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure website.

2024 taxi ballots

The 2024 taxi ballots were held in February 2025, the ballots sought to allocate licences in:

• Alice Springs - 6 standard taxis
• Darwin - 15 standard taxis.

Successful applicants

The successful applicants are listed below.

To find out more get the 2024 information pack.

2024 taxi licence ballots information pack PDF (286.3 KB)
2024 taxi licence ballots information pack DOCX (211.1 KB)

Contact

For more information, call 08 8924 7580 or email cpv.compliance@nt.gov.au.

You can also get CPV information bulletins and forms.

If your multi-purpose taxi is unavailable due to repairs and maintenance, you can substitute it with a wheelchair-accessible taxi..

If a wheelchair-accessible substitute taxi is unavailable, you can apply to operate a standard substitute taxi in place of your multi-purpose taxi for a limited time.

Before you apply

If you need to substitute your multi-purpose taxi for a standard taxi, you will need to fill in the application to operate a standard substitute taxi for a multi-purpose taxi PDF (251.4 KB).

Fill in the application with support from your network and an authorised person where necessary.

You must also attach any documents as required or requested by the department. Part three of the application form is only needed if submitting the form retrospectively.

The department will consider how long the approved period should be. Factors taken into consideration include all of the following:

• estimated vehicle repair times
• availability of alternate or replacement vehicle
• receipt for purchase of repair parts.

How to apply

Email your completed application to operate a standard substitute taxi for a multi-purpose taxi PDF (251.4 KB) to cpv.admin@nt.gov.au.

You can also submit your completed application at a MVR office in person.

Fit and proper assessment

You will have to undergo a fit and proper assessment to drive or operate a commercial passenger vehicle in the Northern Territory (NT).

The fit and proper assessment may include any of the following:

• national police check - read how to apply for a national police certificate from SAFE NT
• traffic history check - read how to apply for your driver licence history
• bankruptcy check from the Australian Financial Security Authority
• a work history and rehabilitation check
• record of complaints history
• referee reports.

Read more about the assessment in the Fit and proper assessments and disqualifying
offences for the commercial passenger vehicle industry information bulletin PDF (227.3 KB).

Disqualifying offences and appeals

A disqualifying offence is a sexual offence or serious offence in any jurisdiction.

All commercial passenger vehicle drivers or operators in the NT must notify the Registrar of Motor Vehicles if they have a disqualifying offence on their record.

If you have been convicted of a disqualifying offence:

• you will not be considered fit and proper to obtain an H endorsement or operator accreditation
• and your current H endorsement and/or operator accreditation will be cancelled.

A disqualifying offence will not prevent you from driving or operating if you fit one of the following:

• your conviction is a spent record
• you were discharged without any penalty being imposed for the conviction
• the chief executive officer of the department has decided it does not disqualify you
• the local court has decided you may hold, or continue to hold, an H endorsement or accreditation, despite the conviction.

You can apply for a review of a disqualifying offence on the grounds of exceptional circumstances.

Before you apply

You will need a written statement detailing the exceptional circumstances of your conviction for a disqualifying offence.

How to apply

Complete an application for review of a disqualifying offence on the grounds of exceptional circumstances PDF (48.7 KB) and lodge the form

• in person at a Motor Vehicle Registry office
• via post to:
  Manager Commercial Passenger Vehicles
  CPV Disqualifying Offence Review
  Department of Logistics and Infrastructure
  GPO Box 2520, Darwin NT 0801
• by emailing it to cpv.admin@nt.gov.au.

Any vehicle used for ridesharing in the Northern Territory (NT) must have a commercial vehicle licence (CVL).

Drivers of rideshare vehicles also need an H endorsement on their driver licence and a commercial passenger vehicle identity card (CPVID). Find out how to apply to be a rideshare driver.

Who can apply

You don’t need to be the vehicle owner to apply for a CVL. But you must have the owner’s written permission if the vehicle is not registered in your name.

The vehicle must also meet the following requirements:

• comply with the NT ridesharing in-service maintenance standards
• pass a roadworthy vehicle inspection less than 6 weeks before you apply for a licence
• have a manufacture date of less than 13 years ago:
  • some rideshare companies may have stricter rules - check with your chosen company about their maximum vehicle age requirements.

Before you apply

With your application, you must include the following:

• your Australian business number (ABN)
• a copy of your vehicle’s inspection report - if it hasn’t been submitted to MVR by the vehicle inspector.

If the vehicle is not registered in your name, you must also provide a letter from the vehicle owner authorising you to use the vehicle for the purposes of rideshare.

The letter should include the VIN, registration number, registered owner’s full name, date of birth, address, contact number and signature.

How to apply

Go to Territory Services

After you apply

Applications are processed within 10 business days. You’ll receive an email notifying you of the outcome.

If your vehicle is approved, the email will tell you what fees you need to pay and how to pay them. This includes:

• the annual commercial vehicle licence fee
• additional motor accident compensation insurance as part of the vehicle registration.

Once fees are paid, you'll receive an email on collecting your CVL certificate and label.

Your responsibilities

After you receive your CVL certificate and label, you must do all of the following:

• Attach the label to the bottom corner of your front windscreen on the passenger’s side. It must be fitted outside of any glazing tint. Make sure the information on the label is readable from outside the vehicle.
• Keep a copy of your CVL certificate in the vehicle at all times.
• Make sure drivers are insured for any injury that happens while they are ridesharing.

To find out more about your legal responsibilities, read the Ridesharing Regulations 2017.

Contact

If you have any questions, call 08 8924 7580 or email cpv.admin@nt.gov.au.