Explosives driver licences

A current Queensland Explosives Security Clearance (QESC) is required for anyone who has access to security sensitive explosives. You can apply for a QESC in the RSHQ Portal (the Portal).

From 24 May 2026, occupational authority applications move to the Portal. From 30 June 2026 all remaining explosive licences, notifications and reporting activities will also move to the Portal.

Who needs an explosives driver licence

If you drive a vehicle that's licensed to transport explosives, you'll need to obtain an explosives driver licence unless one of the exceptions applies.

Exceptions

You don't need an explosives driver licence if you:

  • have another licence that authorises the transport of the explosives (e.g. shotfirer licence, licence to use, licence to manufacture explosives for a mobile manufacturing unit, or fireworks operator licence)—refer to Part 9 of the Explosives Regulation 2017 for conditions
  • are transporting low-risk explosives such as marine flares—refer to Information Bulletin 51 – Transport of low risk loads of explosives (you may need a licence that authorises you to possess the explosives)
  • hold an interstate explosives driver licence (only if the driver is undertaking a single direct interstate journey)
  • are employed to work at a mine and are transporting the explosive at the mine in the course of your employment.

New employees must apply for an explosives driver licence before they begin driving.

Application requirements

Check the 'how to apply' section for a list of requirements. To obtain a licence, you'll need to:

  • be 21 years or older to apply
  • hold a current security clearance (QESC).

How to apply

From mid-May 2026, applications for occupational authorities are submitted via the RSHQ Portal (the Portal). If you do not already have a Portal account, you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Create an account on the Portal—visit the RSHQ Portal web page for more information on how to create an account, and to access help resources.
  2. Complete an identity verification in the Portal.
  3. Submit a QESC application in the Portal—you must hold a valid security clearance before you can apply for an occupational authority relating to security-sensitive explosives.
  4. Submit the occupational authority (licence) application in the Portal.

Your application includes the payment of the licence fee, and the following supporting documents:

  • Passport sized photo: A passport sized photo of the applicant must be provided. The requirements for the photo are listed in the application.
  • Medical certificate: A copy of a F3712 – Medical certificate for motor vehicle driver or an acceptable equivalent (i.e. any assessment form issued by a government agency assessing a person's fitness to drive) issued within the past 6 months and completed to commercial standards.
  • Statement of attainment: A copy of a statement of attainment from a registered training organisation with the relevant units of competency (PDF, 88KB) for the category of licence being applied for. The statement of attainment must be dated within the past 3 years.
  • Driver licence: A certified copy of your valid driver licence (front and back) for the class you are driving.
  • Driver history: The applicant must provide a certified copy of their traffic history issued by the same jurisdiction as issued the applicant's valid driver licence. The driver history report must be dated within 30 days from the date the application is submitted and include either
    • at least the last 5 years of driving history from the date the traffic history report is obtained (date printed on traffic history report)
      • or
    • if the person has a driving history that is less than 5 years, the period from when the licence was first issued to the date the traffic history report is obtained.

    If you have held a driver licence in more than 1 jurisdiction within the last 5 years, provide a report from each jurisdiction.

    Queensland drivers can apply for a transport history report online.

  • Written statement from current or previous employer (Class 1 Category 3 applicants only): The applicant must provide a written statement from a current or previous employer showing that the applicant has performed 50 hours under the direct supervision of a driver experienced in the transport of explosives as per the Australian Code For The Transport of Explosives By Road And Rail – Third Edition (AEC3) clause 8.4.3 (b) (PDF, 3.1MB).

*Note: If you apply for an occupational authority, your biometric data (digital photo and signature) will be retained while your licence remains current. It will be destroyed if your application is withdrawn or refused, or your licence expires.

Fees and payment options

For new, or renewal applications submitted via the RSHQ Portal or Smartform, payment is made using a credit card at the end of the application process.

Read more about payment of licence fees.

Fees for explosives driver licences

Licence class Licence fee and period

Explosives driver licence

1 year  $71.29 (excl. GST)
5 years  $356.45 (excl. GST)

Obligations of licence holders

As a holder of an explosives driver licence, your obligations include:

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