Driver of pilot vehicles
Drivers of pilot vehicles are trained and certified to accompany oversize vehicles and control traffic where necessary.
In Victoria, as is the case nationally, there are two levels of pilot vehicle drivers - level 1 (Pilot) and level 2 (Certified Pilot Vehicle Driver or CPVD).
Download fact sheet: pilot vehicle driver fact sheet [PDF].
Apply online
Pilot vehicle drivers seeking to apply for, renew or replace their licence can apply online.
Level 1
Level 1 pilot vehicle driver in Victoria is required to hold a full driver's licence and drive a vehicle complying with the requirements of the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
Level 2
To qualify as a level 2 or CPVD applicants wishing to participate must have a minimum of 12 months comprehensive experience in piloting oversize loads (minimum of 20 oversize load movements during the last 12 months).
Level 2 pilot vehicle drivers or CPVD are required to hold a full driver's licence (not probationary), drive a vehicle complying with the Heavy Vehicle National Law and have successfully completed the following training through a registered training organisation (RTO).
- TLIF 3060 Control Traffic as a Pilot Vehicle Operator
- TLIC 3010 Pilot or Escort Oversized and /or Overmassed Loads
- TLIE 3009 Use Pilot and Escort Communication
- TLIF 3013 Coordinate Breakdowns in Emergencies
- TLIB 2002 Carry Out Vehicle Inspection
Training in traffic control enables CPVD to acquire appropriate training that is specifically tailored to meet your needs.
Additionally, in Victoria drivers are required to renew their CPVD Authority every three years, as traffic control training is refreshed. These arrangements ensure that drivers are always kept up to date with traffic control for their specific task.
An applicant for a CPVD authority must provide documented evidence of having refreshed their TLIF3060 competency through an RTO and provide documentary evidence of ongoing piloting work (minimum of 40 oversize load movements during the three years). Any traffic control competency attained more than three years prior to the certification date is deemed to have expired.
| Application fees: | |
|---|---|
| New application | $64.30 |
| Renewal application | $64.30 |
| Replacement card | $17.50 |
Please note: The fee charged is in relation to an application, the fee may be retained by Department of Transport and Planning, even if the application is ultimately deemed ineligible.
Western Australian, Queensland, Tasmanian and Northern Territory pilots recognised in Victoria
Pilots and traffic escort wardens registered in Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and Queensland are recognised in Victoria provided they:
- Hold a current qualification in their state of origin; and
- Provide evidence that they have successfully completed a refresher course of the traffic control competency within the past three years (Control traffic as a pilot vehicle operator- TLIF 3060) before they operate as a certified pilot in Victoria.
Additional information for Queensland level 2 pilots
Victoria recognises Queensland level 2 pilots who comply with the conditions and requirements set out in the Safe Movement Guideline - Pilot and Escort Operations in Queensland: September 2021. This includes any subsequent updates to the Guidelines published by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Please note that by July 2020 level 2 pilots will need to provide evidence that they have completed a refresher course of TLIF 3060 in the past three years to continue escorting loads in Victoria.
The relevant documentation can be sent to [email protected]