How to become a Oversize Vehicle Pilot/Escort

This page is designed to help those who wish to become Pilot/Escort Drivers in Australia. This page is a guide only, for accuracy, please check with the relevant State Authority.

The Pilot/Escort Industry is currently going through some big changes which will take a few years to fully implement. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR or The Regulator) came into effect on the 21st January 2014, their job is to Harmonise the Heavy Transport Industry and that is to bring into line all the regulations in every state who signs up to the agreement.

Currently every State has different requirements for Oversize Loads and Accreditation of Pilot/Escort Drivers, this is currently under consideration and a standardised Accreditation System will be put into place in the very near future.

There a Requirement for anyone who wishes to become a Pilot to do the following Training;

TLIB2004 Carry Out Vehicle Inspection

TLIC3010 Pilot or Escort Oversized and/or Overmassed Loads

TLIE3009 Use Pilot and Escort Communication

TLIF3013 Coordinate Breakdowns and Emergencies

TLIF3060 Control Traffic as a Pilot Vehicle Operator

Plus, there is extra Training Required to Operate within Western Australia (Authorised Person Status & Bridge Supervision)

Until Harmonisation happens, the current state regulations remain in force;

WA – All (one Level only) Pilot/Escort Drivers are required to be Accredited – WA does not recognise any other states Accreditation, Pilots cannot operate in WA without a WA Accreditation. There is now a new system for obtaining a WA Pilots Accreditation which requires Training and Licence being issued by WA Main Roads.

Qld – Level 1 (3.5 > 4.5m) & 2 (4.5m >) Pilot/Escort Drivers are required to be Accredited, other state Pilot/Escorts can operate.

VIC – No formal requirements for Level 1 (Unaccredited Pilot), however Level 2 Pilot/Escort requires Accreditation, recognises WA & Qld Pilot/Escort Accreditations (WA Traffic Control not recognised).

NSW – No formal requirements for Pilot/Escort Accreditation is required, cannot operate outside of state.

ACT – No formal requirements for Pilot/Escort Accreditation is required, cannot operate out of state.

SA – No formal requirements for Pilot/Escort Accreditation is required, cannot operate out of state.

NT – No formal requirements for Level 1, However Level 2 Pilot/Escort requires Accreditation, recognises WA & Qld Accreditations.

Tasmania – No formal requirements for Pilot/Escort Accreditation is required, Hs accepted only Victorian Accreditation only, for loads over 4.5m wide.

If you intend to operate all over Australia as a Pilot/Escort Driver, at the moment (2017) it is best to obtain a WA Accreditation or for east coast operations only – QLD or Vic (Level 2) Accreditation.

To find out more requirements to becoming a Pilot/Escort Driver,

Please send an email to jack.brooks@gjtranstraining.com.au or Mobile 0419 951 315.