Driving a commercial passenger vehicle

Introduction

The following pages are a guide for all commercial passenger vehicle (CPV) drivers in the Northern Territory (NT), including how to get an endorsement to drive and where to get training and industry information.

All drivers of commercial passenger vehicles in the NT must have:

  • a current NT driver licence
  • a CPV licence (H endorsement).

If you drive a CPV in any of the below categories, you must also have a commercial passenger vehicle identity (CPVID) card:

  • taxi
  • minibus
  • private hire car
  • limousine
  • courtesy vehicle
  • rideshare.

Commercial passenger vehicle licence - H endorsement: apply or renew

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
  • are subject to an alcohol ignition lock condition.

How to apply

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

For non-ridesharing CPVs, follow the steps below.

Step 1. Pass the 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 - e.g. 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 (698.8 KB).

Step 2. Submit your application

You must submit the following documents:

You must do this in person at an MVR office.

Generally, if your national police certificate lists no disclosable outcomes, your application will be approved and you'll need to pay a fee.

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.

You’ll be notified via email about the result of your application.

If approved, you'll need to pay a fee. You can then apply for a CPVID card.

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:

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

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

Apply for commercial passenger vehicle identity (CPVID) card

A commercial passenger vehicle identity (CPVID) card identifies all of the following:

  • you as a commercial passenger vehicle (CPV) driver
  • the category of CPV you can drive
  • where you can drive.

All commercial drivers in the Northern Territory (NT) must display their CPVID card.

This doesn't apply to limousine and rideshare drivers, who must produce the card on demand.

Tourist vehicle and motor omnibus drivers don't need to hold a CPVID card.

There are 2 types of CPVID cards.

  • Conditional CPVID card
    The conditional CPVID card is for drivers who have not met all requirements for holding an open ID card or who have conditions such as an annual review. This card is valid for 3 to 12 months or until the expiry date of your NT driver's licence unless it is surrendered, suspended or cancelled.
  • Open CPVID card 
    The open CPVID card is issued to drivers who meet all requirements to hold an ID card, including training (where applicable) and don't have any conditions. This card is generally valid for 5 years or until the expiry date of your NT driver's licence unless it is surrendered, suspended or cancelled.

Before you apply

To apply for any CPVID card, you must hold a current open NT driver licence with H endorsement.

You will also need to seek endorsement from an industry body. Read more on this in requirements for a CPVID card PDF (883.8 KB).

How to apply

To apply, complete the application form PDF (244.8 KB) and submit the form at your nearest MVR office.

If you want a CPVID card to become a rideshare driver, find out how to apply to be a rideshare driver instead.

You don't have to pay for a CPVID card.

Relocating and your licence

Drivers who are relocating from another area in the Northern Territory (NT) must apply for a commercial passenger vehicle identity (CPVID) card in the area they wish to drive.

They may also have to meet other requirements depending on location.

Recognition of interstate authority to drive a CPV

If you are a commercial passenger vehicle driver from another part of Australia, you will need to do all of the following: