A Hazardous Area Authority is required for drivers of buses with more than 12 seats (including the driver) who wish to drive in areas of the Victorian Alpine region, which in the interests of public safety have been proclaimed as 'hazardous areas' for a pre determined period within the snow season.

The Hazardous Area Authority only allows drivers to drive in a hazardous area in the category (size) of the vehicle in which a training course has been undertaken.  The Hazardous Area Authority does not allow the holder to drive a vehicle if an appropriate driver licence class is not held.

There are two types of Hazardous Area Authorities:

• 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 area except Mt Hotham.

A current Hazardous Area Authority must be carried by the driver when driving in a hazardous area.

Vehicles requiring an Authority to Drive
When driving in a defined hazardous area, a Hazardous Area Authority is required for drivers of all the following vehicles:

1. Vehicles that seat more than 12 people (including the driver) that are operated by a person who is accredited under the Public Transport Competition Act 1995, that are being used for the carrying of passengers:

• 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; and

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

It does not include vehicles that move on caterpillar tracks, which are designed for use on or over the snow.

Hazardous areas
The areas to be regarded as hazardous, and the period within which they are to be regarded as hazardous are determined by VicRoads and published in the Victorian Government Gazette.  The Hazardous period applies from 1 June to 10 October each year.

The following specific areas have in the past been proclaimed as hazardous:

The above may vary.  A copy of the Victorian Government Gazette should be obtained to ensure accurate information about the period and areas which are proclaimed hazardous for the upcoming season.

Hazardous areas are also defined in the VicRoads information bulletin Bus Travel in Hazardous Areas (Snowfields) [PDF 200 KB, 2pp]

Duration
A Hazardous Area Authority is issued for six years. Hazardous Area Authorities expire on 31 December of the expiry year.

Fees
No fees are payable for the issue or replacement of a Hazardous Area Authority.

Obtaining a Hazardous Area Authority
In order to obtain a Hazardous Area Authority, a 4 day training course must be successfully completed.  The course is only conducted during the snow season.

Renewing a Hazardous Area Authority
Renewal information is sent to all Hazardous Area Authority holders in February/March of the year the Authority is due to expire.  This is to allow assessment in the snow season.

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

Driving on Mt Hotham
Drivers/applicants must satisfactorily complete a 1 ½ day re assessment of skills associated with bus operations in hazardous areas.

Driving in all other areas
Drivers must either:

• Satisfactorily complete a 1 ½ day re assessment of skills associated with bus operations in hazardous areas.  This course is conducted by 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.

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

After successful completion of the course the provider will forward details of successful applicants to VicRoads.

Test vehicles
Applicants need to discuss the vehicles in which they will be tested with the training course provider.  Drivers may also be able to undertake the training/course using their own vehicles.

Training course providers
Driver Education Centre of Australia (DECA)
T/As Deca Training
Melbourne and Shepparton
Tel:   03 5821 1099
        1800 809 413 (Shepparton)
        1800 802 087 (Melbourne)
Web: www.deca.com.au

National Industrial Skills Training Centre
Wodonga TAFE
Tel:   02 6055 6673
Fax:  02 6055 6666
Web: www.wodongatafe.edu.au

TIDE Training Pty Ltd
T/As Transport Industry Driver Education
Somerton
Tel:   1300 84 33 87
Fax:  1300 84 33 32
Mob:  0417 362 469
Web: www.tide.com.au

Transport Driver Training Pty Ltd
T/As TDT Training Australia
Dandenong, Bendigo, Sale and Carrum Downs
Tel:   03 5448 5515
Fax:  03 5448 5520
Web: www.transportdrivertraining.com.au

VicRoads contacts
Issue and Renewal
Licence Customer Services Team
Ground Floor
North Building
60 Denmark Street
Kew  Vic  3101

Tel:   03 9854 2332
Fax:  03 9854 2399

Determining Hazardous Periods / Areas
Vehicle Management and Safety
2nd Floor
60 Denmark St
Kew  Vic  3101

Tel:   03 9854 2597
Fax:  03 9854 2918