Driving a commercial passenger vehicle

All commercial passenger vehicle (CPV) drivers need an H endorsement on their Northern Territory (NT) driver licence.

You need this endorsement to hold a commercial passenger vehicle identity (CPVID) card.

Who can apply

To apply, you must meet all of the following:

• 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
• be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or hold a current working visa.

You can't apply if you hold a learner driver licence or are subject to an alcohol ignition lock condition.

How to apply

Follow the relevant steps below

Rideshare driver

If you’re applying to become a rideshare driver, read how to apply to be a rideshare driver.

Non-ridesharing CPVs

Step 1. Pass theory test

You must pass the hire and reward knowledge test (theory test) at a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) office.

You don't need to book.

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

You must bring your evidence of identity like your driver licence.

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

You can take the test up to one hour before closing time at all MVR offices.

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

To find out what the test is based on, read the CPV05 licence to drive a commercial passenger vehicle (H endorsement) information bulletin PDF (171.8 KB).

Step 2. Fill in application

Fill in the CPVF05 application or renewal for a licence to drive a commercial passenger vehicle (H endorsement) PDF (222.4 KB).

Step 3. Get medical assessment for fitness to drive

Get a medical assessment for fitness to drive - dated within 3 months.

If you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive, you may need frequent assessments.

Step 3. Get a criminal history check

Get a criminal history check - dated within 3 months.

Step 4. Submit application

Submit application and the following supporting documents in person at an MVR office:

• medical assessment for fitness to drive
• criminal history check.

You can book an appointment at MVR Darwin to apply for or renew your CPV H endorsement licence. Book online on Territory Services.

After you apply

You’ll be notified of the outcome via email.

If your criminal history check lists no disclosable outcomes, your application will be approved and you'll need to pay a fee. You can then apply for a CPVID card.

If it lists disclosable outcomes, your application will be referred to the CPV office for a fit and proper assessment. This may take up to 15 business days.

How to renew

Your H endorsement is valid for up to 5 years.

You'll receive a courtesy reminder when you're due for renewal. It will show which documents you may need.

These will include all of the following:

• complete CPVF05 application or renewal for a licence to drive a commercial passenger vehicle (H endorsement) PDF (222.4 KB)
• criminal history check - dated within 3 months.
• a medical assessment of fitness to drive - dated within 3 months.

You must renew in person at an MVR office. A renewal fee will apply.

You can book an appointment at MVR Darwin to renew your commercial vehicle licence. Book online on Territory Services.

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