Things to know before applying

An applicant may be any of the following:

  • An accredited or registered bus operator seeking a new exemption
  • An accredited or registered bus operator seeking a variation to an existing exemption, condition or restriction
  • A new applicant for bus operator accreditation or registration seeking an exemption.

Before completing this application you should:

  • Read the exemption guidelines published by the Safety Director on the Safe Transport Victoria website
  • Determine whether the exemption/s you are seeking are in accordance with the Bus Safety Act 2009 (Vic) and the Bus Safety Regulations 2020 (Vic)
  • Determine that the requirement/s for which an exemption/s is/are sought impose a regulatory burden that is excessively onerous or unreasonable having regard to the purpose and objects of the Bus Safety Act and the principles of bus safety in the circumstances
  • Prepare and provide supporting documentation required as part of the application from the document checklist provided on page 5.

If, after reading the guidelines, you are unsure how exemptions relate to your bus service and circumstances, you should contact Safe Transport Victoria on 1800 638 802 for advice.

There is no application fee.

Individual applicants can use the online form below.

Alternatively, they can use the printable form here and send the completed application, along with relevant attachments, to PO Box 2392 Melbourne VIC 3001.

If you are applying for an exemption as:

  • A body corporate (which is a company within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).)
  • A a body corporate other than a company within the meaning of the Corporations Act
  • An unincorporated association or body
  • A partnership

You must send this completed form, along with the relevant business documents to PO Box 2392 Melbourne VIC 3001.

Supporting documents:

For a body corporate which is a company within the meaning of the Corporations Act

  • A copy of the certificate of incorporation
  • A list of the names of all directors of the company, current as at the date of application.

For a body corporate other than a company within the meaning of the Corporations Act

  • A copy of the certificate of incorporation or registration or a copy of the document creating or evidencing the existence of the body corporate or, for Government authorities or organisations incorporated under legislation, a letter on a letterhead stating the name of the legislation under which they are incorporated)
  • A list of the names of all directors and/or office bearers of the body corporate, current as at the date of application.

For an unincorporated association or body

  • A copy of the certificate of business name or other document creating or evidencing the existence of the unincorporated body or association. For example a certificate of registration, a printed extract from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission website.
  • A list of the names of all members of the committee of management of the unincorporated association or body, current as at the date of application.

For a partnership

  • A copy of the partnership agreement
  • A list of the names of each of the partners of the partnership, current as at the date of application.