The Department for Planning and Infrastructure is the regulator of the omnibus (a passenger vehicle operating for hire and rewards that is not a taxi) industry, which operates a range of different vehicles. These include luxury vehicles undertaking high end charters, coach services linking regional centres, winery tours, limousines, 4WDs conveying tourists in the outback, through to buses undertaking everything from nightclub crawls, the airport shuttles and private chartering.
An omnibus licence is only required when the vehicle is operated for hire and reward. Courtesy services do not need an omnibus licence
There are several different licence plates issued for omnibus vehicles. These plates help distinguish the different categories of vehicles when they are on the road. See below for more information on the different types of licences we issue.
This form of licence is available for vehicles that operate a regular passenger transport service on an identified route with established pick-up and drop-off points. This service is operated in accordance with a regular timetable. Applications will be assessed against established government provided or supported services
This form of licence is available to vehicles that have 12 or more passenger seats that provide a regular service with either a pre-defined origin or destination and a general geographical area of coverage for the opposite end of the service. They may also undertake the reverse trip.
Tourism Transfer is a passenger tour that uses a vehicle with fewer than 12 passenger seats and where the transport provided is part of a tourism business, but is not the primary focus of the business
A Speciality/Novelty licence is issued to passenger tours and/or charters using specialised novelty vehicles with particular limitations or requirements, such as motorbikes
Small Charter Vehicles (SCVs) are usually luxury passenger cars that are capable of carrying fewer than 12 passengers. They must be used solely for charter, with journeys commencing within the Perth metropolitan area.
Private taxis are usually luxury passenger cars that are capable of carrying fewer than 12 passengers. They must be used solely for charter, with journeys commencing outside the Perth metropolitan area.
An operator or individual vehicle can hold more than one licence.
Operators or owners who would like to operate under an omnibus licence but do not feel they fit within the nominated categories should contact us to discuss their proposal:
Passenger Services Business Unit Department for Planning and Infrastructure Tel: 1300 660 147
In general, vehicles driven under these licences may not operate from taxi ranks or be used to ply for hire or tout on roads or other public places.
In order to drive a vehicle with fare paying passengers an F or T endorsement on their motor driver licence endorsement is required. Please see the Want to become a taxi driver section for more information.
