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 Certified Pilot Guidelines document (PDF)
Download the Record of Movement template (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
Probationary Certified Pilot
A Probationary Certified Pilot is a Level 2 pilot who holds a full driver's licence and is working towards becoming a Certified Pilot Vehicle Driver (CPVD). Applicants may apply as a new pilot and, if approved, will be issued with a Probationary Certified Pilot Licence to gain the required skills and experience.
Permitted Operating Limits
Probationary Certified Pilots may pilot vehicles with:
- Overall width (including the load): 3.51 m to 5.5 m
- Overall length: 26.01 m to 35.0 m
These dimensions do not apply to loads travelling in mountainous areas and are subject to the conditions outlined in these Guidelines.
Certified Pilot Vehicle Driver (CPVD)
A Certified Pilot Vehicle Driver (CPVD) is a qualified pilot authorised to undertake oversize load piloting operations in accordance with the Certified Pilot Guidelines.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify as a CPVD, applicants must:
- Hold a Probationary Certified Pilot Licence.
- Have at least 12 months of oversize load piloting experience, including a minimum of 20 oversize load movements completed within the previous 12 months.
- Drive a vehicle that complies with the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
- Successfully complete the required training through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Required Training
Applicants must successfully complete the following units of competency:
- TLIF3060 - Control Traffic as a Pilot Vehicle Operator
- TLIC3010 - Pilot or Escort Oversized and/or Overmassed Loads
- TLIE3009 - Use Pilot and Escort Communication
- TLIF3013 - Coordinate Breakdowns in Emergencies
- TLIB2002 - Carry Out Vehicle Inspection
CPVD Renewal
Renewal Period
In Victoria, a CPVD Authority must be renewed every five (5) years to ensure drivers remain current with traffic control requirements.
Renewal Requirements
To renew a CPVD Authority, applicants must:
- Complete a TLIF3060 refresher course through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
- Provide evidence of at least 40 oversize load movements completed within the previous five (5) years, recorded in accordance with the Section 7 Record of Movement requirements in these Guidelines.
Expired Competencies
Any traffic control competency that is more than five (5) years old at the time of renewal is considered expired and must be renewed before a CPVD Licence can be reissued.
| Application | Fee |
|---|---|
| New application | $68.00 |
| Renewal application | $68.00 |
| Replacement card | $18.45 |
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]