Who needs a dangerous goods (D) endorsement?
If you’re transporting dangerous goods, you usually need to have a dangerous goods (D) endorsement on your driver licence.
A lot depends on what you’re transporting, how much of it and under what circumstances.
- If you’re transporting dangerous goods for hire or reward (eg if you’re a transport operator or a courier), you will usually need a D endorsement. There are some exceptions, which are listed in clause 9.2 of Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005 (the rule).
- If you’re transporting dangerous goods as tools-of-trade and the quantities are under the limits in schedule 1 of the rule, you don’t need a D endorsement.
- If you’re transporting dangerous goods as tools-of-trade in quantities that are over the limits in schedule 1 of the rule, you will need a D endorsement, except for dangerous goods that are toxic to the aquatic environment and classified as UN 3077 or UN 3082, environmentally hazardous substances.
- If you’re transporting dangerous goods for domestic or recreational purposes, you don’t need a D endorsement.
If you’re not sure whether you need a D endorsement, call our contact centre on 0800 822 422.
Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005
Dangerous goods carried by transport service operators
Dangerous goods transported as tools-of-trade
Dangerous goods transported for domestic or recreational use
What are dangerous goods?
Commonly available goods that are classified as dangerous for transport include:
- ammunition and fireworks
- aerosol canisters
- LPG and CNG cylinders
- oxyacetylene and other welding cylinders
- compressed air cylinders for scuba diving
- diesel
- flammable liquids such as petrol, kerosene, methylated spirits, turpentine, thinners, solvent-based paints and epoxy resin
- hardener for epoxy resin
- some swimming pool chemicals
- some commercial and household cleaning products, such as dishwasher detergents
- some garden care products.
If you’re not sure if you need a D endorsement, please call us on 0800 022 422.
Are there exceptions to needing a D endorsement?
- If you’re transporting allowed quantities of dangerous goods for domestic or recreational purposes, you don’t need a D endorsement.
- If you’re transporting allowed quantities of dangerous goods as tools-of-trade, agricultural purposes or commercial purposes, without pay or reward, you don’t need a D endorsement.
Drivers being paid or rewarded or carrying quantities over the allowed limits will need a D endorsement. Exception details are listed in clause 9.2 of the rule.
You need to complete a course
To ensure you have the necessary knowledge and skills for transporting dangerous goods you need to complete an approved course.
Find an approved course provider in your area
Please note you can’t drive on the road just because you’ve got the course certificate. The endorsement must be on your driver licence.
Applying for the endorsement
You can apply for a D endorsement at your nearest driver licensing agent (participating offices of the Automobile Association, Vehicle Inspection New Zealand and Vehicle Testing New Zealand).
You need to:
- complete an Application for endorsement D, F, R, T, W (DL19) form
- present your New Zealand driver licence or two other forms of identification
- provide a certificate showing you’ve successfully completed an approved D endorsement course
- have your eyesight checked or show an eyesight certificate
- pay the application fee of $44 (per endorsement).
Where can I find out more?
Transporting dangerous goods for domestic or recreational purposes
Transporting dangerous goods as tools- of-trade, for agricultural use or for a commercial purpose, but not for hire or direct reward.
Transporting dangerous goods as a licensed transport service operator or if you transport dangerous goods for direct reward.