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From 1 December 2026, new driver accreditation requirements will take effect, including:
- reintroducing an annual driver accreditation fee and card issuing fee for each renewal period
- increasing the maximum duration accreditation may be held from three to five years.
Before you can drive a small passenger vehicle for hire, fare or reward in South Australia you need to be accredited.
Small passenger vehicles have a seating capacity of 12 or less (including the driver) and include rideshare vehicles, chauffeur vehicles and country taxis.
If driving taxis in the Adelaide metropolitan area or in both the Adelaide metropolitan area and in the country, apply for TX - Taxi accreditation.
What you'll need
SP - Small Passenger Vehicles
A completed application for driver accreditation.
Application for driver accreditation (PDF 318.1 KB)
Small passenger vehicle driver accreditation is valid for 3 years or in line with your Working with children check or South Austrlian driver’s licence expiry, whichever is sooner.
You may want to renew these documents first:
Requirements
Before submitting your application you'll need to meet these requirements:
- hold a current unrestricted South Australian driver's licence not subject to any of these conditions:
- probationary
- provisional
- suspended
- have held a full Australian driver’s licence for a minimum of 6 months
- be sufficiently competent in speaking, reading and writing English
- get a completed certificate of fitness - commercial vehicle drivers that is dated by your medical practitioner within the last 3 months, unless you already provide a certificate of fitness for the purpose of holding a heavy vehicle driver’s licence and your certificate of fitness is not due - certain medical conditions may also require a report from your treating specialist
Documentation
Before submitting your application you'll need the following supporting documentation:
- a copy of your Working with Children Check issued by the South Australian Department of Human Services - important information
- a copy of your National Criminal History Check:
- issued by a provider with accreditation
- issued for the purpose of 'driver accreditation/licensing'
- not more than 3 months old on the date of application
- a copy of your certificate of fitness - commercial vehicle drivers
- if applicable an interstate driving and offence history
Cost
There is no cost to apply for driver accreditation.
Fees apply for:
- Driver's licence
- Working with Children Check
- National Criminal History Check
- Certificate of fitness - commercial vehicle drivers - check with your medical practitioner.
Rideshare only - there is no cost to apply for driver accreditation but annual instalment payments are required.
Submitting your application
Lodge your completed application with supporting documentation to Accreditation and Licensing.
Email: dit.alconline@sa.gov.au
Phone: 7109 8117
In person: at any Service SA Centre
Post:
GPO Box 1533
Adelaide SA 5001
What happens next
Your application for driver accreditation is assessed by Accreditation and Licensing.
If your application is approved you'll need to have your photo taken. Your photo accreditation card is then manufactured and posted to you.
In some cases an application may require a more detailed assessment or further clarification. If your application is declined or you need to attend an interview, you'll be contacted by Accreditation and Licensing.
Driver obligations
While working, accredited drivers:
- must have zero blood alcohol levels and be drug free
- must display their photo ID accreditation
- cannot refuse a passenger with an assistance dog
- cannot discriminate against a person because of the person’s sex, race, disability, age, marital status, sexuality or pregnancy
- cannot drive a public passenger vehicle if their driver’s licence is expired, suspended or disqualified, or has been cancelled.
Drivers who disregard these requirements may face either temporary or permanent disqualification of their accreditation.
The information provided relates to the requirements of the South Australian government. It is recommended that drivers also ensure that they are aware of any policies of their associated booking service or operator accreditation.
