Commercial goods vehicle licence (CGVL)

Commercial goods vehicle licences (CGVLs) regulate the social, economic and commercial impact of long term and frequent use of road transport. It is not a licence to drive a particular vehicle, and, if required, will be additional to licence(s) you may already have.

Requirements

A commercial goods vehicle licence (CGVL) is required only if both of the following conditions are true:

• The vehicle is used for the carriage of iron ore or any mining product from which iron is to be extracted.
• The above is to be sourced from any mine or mine stockpile situated within a 100 km radius of Wubin, Pindar, Geraldton, Marchagee and South Mine 94 or within an area 100km on either side of:
  • The northern railway line between Wubin and Geraldton including the Pindar to Mullewa section,
  • The Midland railway line between Marchagee and Geraldton, or
  • The railway line between South Mine 94 and Dongara.

Commercial vehicles not involved in the transport of iron ore or related products and not operating in the above areas, are exempted.

For details on where a CGVL may be required, please download 'Overview of commercial goods vehicle licences (CGVL) for product owners'.

The Western Australian Government prefers to move commercial freight by rail wherever possible, as it has less negative impacts on road users and local residents, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions,

As a product owner (i.e. mining company), you should investigate the different transport modes available to move iron ore for export before selecting road transport.

Whilst road transport may be more readily available than rail transport, increasing use of rail reduces the negative impact on other road users and residential amenities.

The requirement for commercial goods vehicle licences (CGVLs) helps to ensure that product owners consider all transport options available to it.

Product owners should determine if a CGVL is needed to move your product and coordinate directly with the vehicle owners.

For more information, please visit the Chain of responsibility page on the Main Roads WA website.

You can also download the document below for more information on CGVLs.

Note:

Processing of a commercial goods vehicle licence may take up to 14 working days. Please ensure all new applications are submitted 21 days prior to the required commencement date.

Please download the application form below. You can also download the guidance notes, which include a summary sheet and step-by-step instructions to assist you with completing the application form. 

The Transport Co-ordination Act 1966 (WA) introduced commercial goods vehicle licences (CGVL) to optimise the use of rail and road transport.

The Minister for Transport has the authority to grant or refuse a CGVL (with or without variation), based on his or her assessment of the impact of the use of road transport on the community.

The Transport (Commercial Goods Vehicles Exemption) Order 1992, and its various amendments, specifies circumstances requiring commercial goods vehicles to be licensed, while the Transport Co-ordination Regulations 1985 set out the requirements to obtain a CGVL.

Do I need a commercial goods vehicle licence?

A commercial goods vehicle licence (CGVL) is only required for vehicles in a particular area in the Mid West that transport iron ore or mining products from which iron is to be extracted.

All other vehicles are exempted.

How is the commercial goods vehicle licence different to the licence(s) I already have?

Licences you may already hold for your vehicle(s) take into account the vehicle's size, safety and impact on road infrastructure.

The commercial goods vehicle licence (CGVL) allows the Minister of Transport to take into account the social, economic and commercial impact of long term and frequent product movements by road compared to rail and other options.

The CGVL is therefore additional to your vehicle licence.

Why restrict vehicle owners from transporting iron ore in this area?

Vehicle owners generally operate on behalf of a product owner (i.e. mining company), who may not have considered alternative modes of transport. The requirement for commercial goods vehicle licences (CGVLs) ensures that product owners consider all transport options available.

If you have any queries regarding your application for a commercial goods vehicle licence, please email us