We Cover Wellington Region, Porirua, Kapiti & Masterton
Dangerous Goods Endorsement (D) - Porirua
If you transport fuel, chemicals or any hazardous materials by road in New Zealand, you need a Dangerous Goods (D) endorsement (also known as a DG course) on your driver licence. And it’s not just tanker drivers. Couriers making deliveries that include cleaning products, aerosols or even certain beauty products can be caught out too.
Our NZTA-approved course covers everything you need to know to get your D endorsement and stay legal on the road.
What Is a Dangerous Goods (D) Endorsement?
A D endorsement is a licence add-on that proves you have the knowledge to transport dangerous goods safely by road. Dangerous goods are substances or articles with explosive, flammable, toxic, infectious, corrosive or environmentally hazardous properties. That also includes empty containers that previously held dangerous goods.
Without this endorsement, you cannot legally carry dangerous goods for hire or reward. This applies on all roads, car parks, wharves and any public spaces. The rules sit under the Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005, and the consequences of being caught without the right endorsement are not worth the risk.
Who Needs a D Endorsement?
More people than you might think. Here are some common examples:
- Class 5 tanker drivers transporting petrol, diesel or LPG
- Courier drivers carrying cleaning products, health and beauty products, batteries or aerosols
- Transport operators moving industrial chemicals, gases or flammable liquids
- Anyone carrying tools-of-trade dangerous goods above the limits set out in Schedule 1 of the Dangerous Goods Rule
If you’re being paid to carry it and it’s hazardous, chances are you need the D endorsement. Not sure if your situation requires one? Give us a call and we’ll help you figure it out. You can also check the NZTA dangerous goods endorsement page for the full breakdown.
What Does the Dangerous Goods Course Cover?
Our one-day course covers Unit Standard 16718 (Demonstrate and apply knowledge of law and practice for the transport of dangerous goods by road). You’ll learn about:
- Driver and loader responsibilities under the Dangerous Goods Rule
- Documentation requirements for transporting dangerous goods
- How to handle packages, limited quantities and consumer commodities
- Placarding requirements for vehicles and freight containers
- What to do in the event of an incident or emergency
It’s a full day of in-class theory, and you’ll sit an assessment at the end. No practical driving component is required for this endorsement.
- Location: Porirua (our Porirua training facility)
- Duration: Up to one day
- What's covered: In-class theory
- Pre-reading: We'll send you the study material before your course date so you can come prepared
- On completion: You'll receive an NZTA certificate. Take this to your nearest licensing agent (AA or VTNZ) to get the endorsement added to your licence. You cannot legally operate on a road until the endorsement appears on your licence.
What Happens After the D Course?
Once you pass the assessment, we’ll issue you with an NZTA certificate. You then need to take that certificate to your nearest licensing agent (AA or VTNZ) to have the D endorsement added to your licence.
Important: You must do this within 60 days of receiving your certificate. If you miss that window, you’ll need to repeat the full course at your own cost. The licensing agent will charge a separate fee to apply the endorsement to your licence (this is not included in our course fee).
You are NOT legally allowed to carry dangerous goods until the endorsement is showing on your licence. The certificate alone is not enough.
Dangerous Goods Renewals
The D endorsement expires every five years. The expiry date will be printed on the back of your photo driver licence. NZTA will send you a reminder about six weeks before it’s due, but don’t rely on that. Keep track of it yourself.
When it’s time to renew, you’ll need to complete a refresher course and have it re-endorsed on your licence.
Dangerous Goods Renewals
The D endorsement expires every five years. The expiry date will be printed on the back of your photo driver licence. NZTA will send you a reminder about six weeks before it’s due, but don’t rely on that. Keep track of it yourself.
When it’s time to renew, you’ll need to complete a refresher course and have it re-endorsed on your licence.
Prerequisites
- You must hold at least a Class 1 Learner NZ driver licence
- You must be able to read, write and understand spoken English fully
- No interpreters are permitted on this course
This English language requirement is strict and non-negotiable. The course material and assessment must be completed independently in English. If you have concerns about this, contact us before booking so we can discuss your options.
Pricing
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$400 incl. GST for the full D endorsement course.
This does not include the licensing agent fee to apply the endorsement to your licence (paid separately at AA or VTNZ).
Ready to Book?
Get in touch to lock in your spot. We’ll send through your pre-course reading so you’re set up for the day.
Or call us on 027 287 3748 if you’ve got questions.
FAQ
Here are some common questions and answers that may help you.
How long does the Dangerous Goods course take?
It’s a one-day in-class theory course. You’ll complete both the learning and the assessment on the same day.
Do I need a full licence to do the D course?
No. You only need a minimum of a Class 1 Learner NZ driver licence.
How much does the D endorsement cost?
Our course fee is $400 incl. GST. There’s also a separate fee at the licensing agent (AA or VTNZ) to have the endorsement applied to your licence.
What happens if I don't get my certificate endorsed within 60 days?
You’ll need to redo the entire course at full cost to get a new certificate. Don’t wait.
Do I need the D endorsement as a courier?
In many cases, yes. If you’re carrying items that count as dangerous goods (cleaning products, aerosols, certain chemicals), you’ll need the D endorsement. If you’re not sure, get in touch and we can help.
How often do I need to renew the D endorsement?
Every five years. You’ll need to complete a refresher course and have it re-endorsed.
$400
incl. GST
Included in Your Training
- 1 day training
- Includes free Pen, Mini Torch
Start Your Training
Start your stress free journey with 2Fathers Dangerous Goods (D) training by clicking the button below.