Permits

Authority to drive in hazardous areas such as alpine areas

A hazardous area authority is required for drivers of vehicles that have 13 or more seats (including the driver) and who wish to drive in declared 'hazardous areas' during the snow season.

Holders of a hazardous area authority (HAA) are only permitted to drive a vehicle for which they have undertaken hazardous area training for.

You must carry a current HAA and your current Victorian or interstate driver licence when driving in a hazardous area.

A HAA does not allow the holder to drive a vehicle if they do not have the appropriate driver licence.

View:

Where are hazardous areas in Victoria?

Hazardous areas, and the period within which they are to be regarded as hazardous are determined by Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) and published in the Victorian Government Gazette (PDF).

The following specific areas are proclaimed as hazardous during the period 1 June to 7 October each year.

  • Falls Creek
  • Licola Area
  • Marysville-Woods Point Road
  • Mt Buffalo
  • Mt Donna Buang
  • Mt Saint Gwinear
  • Mt Tamboritha
  • Lake Mountain
  • Mt Baw Baw
  • Mt Buller
  • Mt Hotham
  • Mt Stirling
  • Mt Torbreck

Hazardous areas are also defined in this DTP information bulletin (PDF).

What are the types of HAA?

There are two types of HAA:

  • Mt Hotham - this allows the holder to drive in any proclaimed hazardous area including Mt Hotham and
  • Defined areas other than Mt Hotham - this allows the holder to drive in any proclaimed hazardous area except Mt Hotham

What vehicles need a HAA?

If you are driving in a defined hazardous area, a HAA is required for the following vehicles.

1.  Vehicles that have 13 or more seats (including the driver) that are operated by a person who is either accredited or registered to provide bus services under the Bus Safety Act 2009:

  • for hire or reward
  • as part of a courtesy service, or
  • for, or in connection with, the activities of a religious, philanthropic, educational, sporting or social body

2.  Vehicles that seat more than 30 people (including the driver).

It doesn't include vehicles that move on caterpillar tracks, which are designed for use on the snow.

How do I get a HAA?

To get a HAA, you must successfully complete a four-day training course during the snow season.

You'll be issued with a HAA that lasts for six years once DTP receives confirmation from your training provider that you've passed the training course. Your HAA will expire on 31 December of the expiry year.

There are no fees for issuing a HAA (or for replacing one).

How do I renew a HAA?

Renewal information is sent to all HAA holders in February/March of the year the authority is due to expire. This allows for assessment during the snow season.

There are no fees for renewing a HAA.

Renewal requirements

The following renewal requirements are necessary for a HAA, which is due to expire or one that has not expired by more than five years.

Driving on Mt Hotham

You must complete a one-and-a-half day reassessment of skills associated with bus operations in hazardous areas.

Driving in all other areas

You must either:

  • complete a one-and-a-half day reassessment of skills associated with bus operations in hazardous areas. This course is conducted by a training course provider during the snow season, or
  • complete a statutory declaration which states that the driver has driven a bus in a hazardous area at least five times during the last two snow seasons. National driver work diary pages or other proof may be requested


For further information regarding renewal requirements contact your course provider.

Training courses

Training courses are conducted by a training provider in a declared hazardous area during the snow season. Training may commence the Monday before the Queen's Birthday holiday in Victoria.

For further information regarding training and refresher courses contact your course provider.

After successful completion of the course the training provider will forward your details to DTP.

Test vehicles

You need to discuss the test vehicle with the training provider. You may be able to undertake the training/course using in your own vehicle.

Training course providers

1 Stop Driving School
Yarrawonga
Call: (03) 5721 5307

Wangaratta
Call: (03) 5721 5307 

Wodonga TAFE
Shepparton
Call: 02 6055 6672

Integral Training
Shepparton
Call: (03) 5821 9607

Mountain-Top Experience
Morwell
Call: 0429 121 952

Where do I send my application?

Completed applications can be emailed to [email protected].

Alternatively you can mail it to:
VicRoads
Demerit Points and Offence Management
Locked Bag 7000
Kew VIC 3101