Are Traffic & Driving Offences Regarded As Firefighter Hiring Disqualifications?

In most states, having a traffic or driving offence will not automatically disqualify you from becoming a firefighter. Below, we discuss the firefighter hiring disqualifications for each fire service in relation to driving offences.

As long as your offence was more than 10 years ago, you should be fine to apply. If the offence was more recent, then you can have it assessed to see if you’re still eligible. Most recruitment teams will assess your case on an individual basis.

Rules For Driving Offences In Victoria

According to FRV, all applicants with traffic or driving offences will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Any past driving or traffic offences can be included in a Voluntary Disclosure form before submitting an application for further clarification.

Because firefighters are required to drive emergency vehicles under emergency response conditions, it’s important that they have a safe driving history.

But, it’s not all bad news if you have had a driving offence. It depends on how long ago the offence occurred. Here’s a list of time-frames for offences:

• If you’ve had a drunk driving offence with a blood alcohol level of 0.1%, you are eligible to apply if the offence was more than 10 years ago.

• If you’ve had a drunk driving offence with a blood alcohol level under 0.1%, you are eligible to apply if the offence was more than 5 years ago.

• For multiple offences of drunk driving, your application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

• If you’ve been found guilty of driving in a dangerous manner, a DUI, driving while drug-impaired or have refused to undergo an assessment, you may be eligible to apply if the offence was more than 10 years ago.

• If you’ve been convicted of driving without a licence (due to cancellation or disqualification), you can apply if the offence was over 10 years ago. However, if you were driving while your licence was suspended, you can apply if the offence was over 5 years ago.

• For anyone who has had their licence suspended, cancelled or disqualified without losing demerit points, the eligibility period for application is 2 years after the offence occurred. However, for multiple suspensions, your application will be assessed individually.

• For traffic infringements other than parking fines, you need to supply a copy of your full driving history record to the recruitment team. Your driving record will then be reviewed to assess your eligibility.

• Unfortunately, if you’ve incurred 8 or more demerit points at the time of your application, you will be disqualified from becoming a firefighter.

• Parking fines do not disqualify you from applying to become a firefighter.

Rules For Driving & Traffic Offences In South Australia

To apply to become a firefighter with SAMFS, you have to provide details of any driving offences or traffic infringements that you’ve incurred in the past 10 years. This includes offences for driving under the influence and speeding.

Your driving history will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Offences that may disqualify you if they occurred within the past 10 years include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or refusing to take an alcohol or drug test.

• Charged with driving while your licence was suspended, disqualified or cancelled.

• Charged with dangerous driving including speeding.

• Refusing to stop when asked to by a police officer.

Rules For Driving & Traffic Offences In Queensland

According to the QFES, any past offences will be considered case-by-case. Therefore, they may or may not affect your eligibility to apply.

QFES also requires you to complete an online referee report. If you have been charged with a driving or traffic offence in the past, it would be prudent to include a referee who is a pillar in the community and can vouch for your good character.

Rules For Driving & Traffic Offences In Western Australia

Having a traffic or driving offence doesn’t automatically disqualify you with DFES. However, if you’ve had multiple offences, you may be required to discuss your case with the recruitment team.

You also have to supply a National Police Certificate.

Rules For Traffic & Driving Offences In New South Wales

As with most other states, traffic and driving offences are assessed case-by-case. If the offence is serious, you may not be eligible to apply. Therefore, it’s best to get in touch with the FRNSW recruitment team first.

Rules For Traffic & Driving Offences In New Zealand

In New Zealand, speeding and parking offences should not disqualify you from becoming a firefighter. However, if you have unpaid fines, this could affect your eligibility.

For serious driving offences, you can be eligible to apply to become a firefighter if the offence occurred more than seven years ago.

Also, your Criminal Record Check has to come up with a “Clean Slate”. This generally means that it’s been 7 years since you committed an offence, you have no unpaid fines and you’ve never been indefinitely banned from driving.

Rules For Driving & Traffic Offences In Tasmania

Having a driving or traffic offence in Tasmania doesn’t automatically disqualify you from applying to become a firefighter. However, you will need to provide a “Record of Conviction” check to ensure that you have no criminal record.

Rules For Driving & Traffic Offences In The Northern Territory

According to the NTFRS, people do make mistakes. Therefore, all driving offences will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, if your offence is serious, it may disqualify you from applying to become a firefighter.

What Can You Do If You Have A Serious Driving Or Traffic Offence?

If the offence occurred more than 10 years ago, you should have no problem applying to become a firefighter. If the offence was more recent, you can have it assessed by the fire service you’re applying to.

It’s also important to demonstrate that you are not a repeat offender and are of good character. You can get a reference from a well-respected member of the community who can attest to this.

It’s also wise to engage in some volunteer activities in your community. This will demonstrate your good character and willingness to be helpful.

If you have any further questions, please contact us here at Fire Recruitment Australia and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Cheers,

Brent

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