DG Licence Course – What to Expect on the Day

Walking into a dangerous goods licence course for the first time can feel daunting — especially if you have never done formal safety training before. The good news: most drivers who do their preparation find the two-day course straightforward, practical, and directly relevant to what they do on the road every day. Here is exactly what you can expect from the moment you arrive.

Before You Arrive: What to Bring

On the morning of your first day, you need:

• Photo ID — current driver’s licence is standard
• Any pre-course reading materials provided by the RTO at enrolment
• Pen and notepad — you will take notes throughout
• Your phone — some RTOs allow reference to electronic resources during open-book components
• Comfortable clothing — some practical sessions may involve moving between a classroom and a vehicle area

The course location will be confirmed by the RTO at enrolment. Kells Safety Centre delivers at Wetherill Park (Western Sydney) and Wollongong — check the course schedule for upcoming dates at your preferred location.

Day One: Knowledge and ADG Code Foundations

Day one is primarily classroom-based. You will cover the theoretical framework that underpins all dangerous goods transport in Australia:

Morning Session

• Introduction to the ADG Code — what the Australian Dangerous Goods Code is, how it is structured, and why it exists
• Dangerous goods classifications — the 9 classes of dangerous goods (explosives, gases, flammables, etc.) and what each means for transport
• UN numbers and proper shipping names — how to read and use the Dangerous Goods List
• Packing groups — what they indicate about hazard severity

Afternoon Session

• Labels, marks, and placards — when to use each, correct application to vehicles and packages
• Emergency Information Panels (EIP) — when required, what information they contain, placement standards
• Consignment notes — how to read, check, and carry correct transport documentation
• Segregation requirements — what goods cannot be carried together and why

By the end of day one, you will have a thorough working understanding of the ADG Code and how it applies to your specific load type. Most trainers keep sessions interactive — you will be working through real examples from the Dangerous Goods List, not just listening to slides.

Day Two: Practical Application and Assessment

Day two moves from theory into practical application — this is where the learning becomes tangible, and where the formal assessment takes place.

Morning Session

• Emergency procedures — what to do in the event of a spill, leak, fire, or accident involving dangerous goods. This is a major component of the assessment.
• Driver obligations — your legal responsibilities under the Dangerous Goods Act, Chain of Responsibility, and the NHVR framework
• Tunnel restrictions — how to apply tunnel category codes to route planning (critical for Sydney metro operations)
• Load securing and containment — relevant to your specific transport type

Afternoon Session: Assessment

The TLILIC0001 assessment is competency-based — there is no pass/fail percentage score. You are assessed as Competent or Not Yet Competent against the unit’s performance criteria. The assessment typically includes:

• Written knowledge questions — covering ADG Code classifications, documentation, and obligations
• Practical observation — demonstrating correct placarding, documentation checks, and emergency response knowledge
• Scenario-based questions — applying your knowledge to a realistic transport situation

If you have prepared and paid attention over both days, the assessment reflects what you have just covered. It is not designed to trick you — it is designed to confirm you can do the job safely.

What Happens After You Pass?

Once your trainer marks you as Competent, the RTO issues you a Statement of Attainment for TLILIC0001. You then use this to apply for your NSW EPA Dangerous Goods Driver Licence. The EPA processes your application and issues the physical licence card — this typically takes one to two weeks.

Until your card arrives, you may be able to transport dangerous goods with your Statement of Attainment as evidence of current training — check with your employer and the EPA about your specific situation and load type.

What If You Don’t Pass?

If you are assessed as Not Yet Competent in any component, your trainer will explain what you need to demonstrate. Most RTOs allow you to resubmit or be reassessed without repeating the entire two-day course. Kells Safety Centre trainers work with each student individually — the goal is to get every driver to competency, not to fail people.

How to Prepare: The Night Before

You do not need to memorise the entire ADG Code. But you will benefit from:

• Reading the overview material your RTO sends at enrolment
• Familiarising yourself with the 9 dangerous goods classes and their hazard symbols
• Understanding the difference between labels, marks, and placards (common area of confusion)
• Getting a good night’s sleep — two full days of practical learning is mentally demanding

Key Takeaways

• The course runs over two full days — day one is theory, day two is practical application and assessment
• Assessment is competency-based — you are marked Competent or Not Yet Competent, not a percentage score
• After passing, you receive a Statement of Attainment and then apply to the NSW EPA for your physical licence card
• Trainers are experienced industry practitioners — the content is practically relevant, not just textbook theory
• Most drivers who prepare the night before find the course straightforward and directly applicable to their work

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the dangerous goods licence course?

The TLILIC0001 Dangerous Goods Driver Licence course runs over two consecutive days — typically 7:30am to 4:00pm or similar, depending on the RTO. By the end of day two, you complete the competency assessment. The physical NSW EPA licence card then follows within one to two weeks of your application being processed.

Is the DG licence course hard?

Most drivers with a practical transport background find the course manageable. The ADG Code is comprehensive but logical — it is built around safety principles that make sense in context. Trainers at accredited RTOs like Kells Safety Centre explain the material in plain language, using real transport examples. Preparation the night before makes a significant difference.

What is the pass rate for the DG licence course?

Pass rates vary by provider. At quality RTOs with experienced trainers, the vast majority of students are assessed as Competent by the end of day two. If you are Not Yet Competent in any component, you can typically be reassessed without repeating the full course.

Do I need to bring my truck or vehicle to the course?

No. The TLILIC0001 course is delivered in a classroom/training facility environment. You do not need to bring a vehicle. Practical components are demonstrated using placards, labels, documentation, and training materials — not live vehicles with dangerous goods on board.

When will I get my DG licence card after the course?

After passing the assessment, your RTO issues a Statement of Attainment. You then apply to the NSW EPA for your physical Dangerous Goods Driver Licence card. EPA processing typically takes one to two weeks. Your Statement of Attainment documents your completed training in the interim.

Can I do the DG licence course and renewal in one go?

If your existing licence has expired, you are effectively starting fresh — the renewal process involves completing a refresher course and re-applying through the EPA, not just a quick refresher session. Read the full guide on DG licence renewal in NSW.

What is the difference between a DG licence and DG awareness training?

The DG Driver Licence (TLILIC0001) is a legal requirement to drive a vehicle transporting regulated dangerous goods. DG Awareness training is a lower-level qualification for people who handle or work near dangerous goods but are not the driver of the transport vehicle. See the full breakdown: DG licence vs DG awareness training.

For regulatory guidance, refer to Safe Work NSW and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).