Do I Need a Driver’s Licence and Vehicle to Be a Disability Support Worker?
Yes, in most cases, holding a current Australian driver’s licence and having access to a reliable, roadworthy vehicle is essential for working as a Disability Support Worker.
The nature of the role often requires you to travel between multiple client locations, transport participants to appointments, or accompany them to social and community activities. This is especially important in areas where public transport is limited or during shifts that fall outside standard business hours.
Why a Vehicle Is Required
Support workers may:
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Drive participants to medical appointments, therapy sessions, or recreational outings.
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Travel between clients in the same shift, particularly in community-based roles.
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Respond to short-notice schedule changes that require quick transport options.
Having your own vehicle significantly increases your availability and flexibility — two factors that can improve your shift options and job security.
What Type of Vehicle Is Suitable?
To use your personal vehicle for disability support work, it must:
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Be roadworthy and reliable for frequent use.
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Be insured for work-related purposes, including at least third-party property insurance (comprehensive insurance is preferred).
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Have working air conditioning and heating to ensure client comfort.
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Have clean and safe seating, including seatbelts in all passenger positions.
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Be free from clutter, strong odours, or poor hygiene conditions.
Your vehicle may be subject to a driving history check, and you’ll be expected to follow all road safety laws. Booster seats must be used if you're supporting children or young people, and kilometres and travel costs are reimbursed in line with the SCHADS Award and NDIS guidelines.
Vehicles That Are Inappropriate for Disability Support Work
While many everyday vehicles are suitable for use, certain types of vehicles are not appropriate due to safety, legal, or practical concerns. Using an unsuitable vehicle could put your clients — and your job — at risk.
🚫 Vehicles Not Suitable for Support Work
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Two-Wheeled Vehicles
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Motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters are unsafe and generally prohibited for transporting clients or performing work duties.
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Unregistered or Uninsured Vehicles
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Legally, any car used for work must be registered and insured for work purposes. Without proper insurance, you’re not covered in the event of an accident.
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Vehicles Without Rear Seats
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Single-cab utes or panel vans cannot safely transport clients. If a participant is travelling with you, your vehicle must have accessible rear seating with seatbelts.
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Unroadworthy or Heavily Modified Vehicles
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Vehicles with broken lights, damaged seatbelts, worn tyres, or illegal modifications should never be used for support work.
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Extremely Small Cars
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While fuel-efficient, very compact cars (like Smart cars) may not be able to carry mobility aids, groceries, or clients comfortably and safely.
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Dirty or Cluttered Vehicles
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Poor hygiene, pet hair, clutter, or strong smells (like smoke) can cause discomfort or allergic reactions for participants.
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Vehicles Without Climate Control
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Air conditioning and heating aren’t just a luxury — for some clients, especially those with sensory or medical needs, temperature control is essential.
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✅ Best Practice Recommendations
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Use a well-maintained sedan, hatchback, or SUV.
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Keep the interior clean and comfortable for clients.
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Ensure your insurance covers business use or NDIS-related work.
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Be prepared for vehicle checks during onboarding or audits.
Hunter Community Hub is a great place to work. We believe that happy staff make happy clients.
Send your resume to employment@huntercommunityhub.org.au
We are always on the lookout for good staff. If you would like to work at HCH send us your resume at employment@huntercommunityhub.org.au
We are looking for staff to work throughout the lower Hunter areas of NSW, including Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland, and Port Stephens.