Driving for the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is a highly responsible and critical role. RFS drivers aren’t just getting from A to B — they’re transporting people, equipment, and often operating heavy firefighting appliances in dangerous and dynamic environments. Here’s a detailed overview:
To drive an RFS vehicle, members must meet the following:
Hold the appropriate NSW driver’s licence for the class of vehicle:
C class: standard light vehicles (some light tankers)
MR class: larger tankers (e.g., Cat 1 or Cat 2 appliances)
Be an active, trained member of the NSW RFS
Be authorised by the Brigade Captain or District Office
Complete the NSW RFS Driver and Vehicle Induction (may include practical assessments)
Some districts require additional driver authorisation processes such as medical checks, driving logs, or internal driver assessments.
Cat 1 Tanker – Heavy bushfire tanker (MR licence + RFD + ORD)
Cat 7 Tanker – Light bushfire tanker (LR licence+ RFD + ORD)
Cat 9 – Very light unit, often used for patrol (C licence + RFD + ORD)
Personnel Carrier (PC) – For crew transport (C licence+ RFD + ORD)
Command Vehicles / Trailers – For incident support roles
Driving in the RFS can mean navigating:
Rough bush tracks
Smoke-obscured roads
Blacked-out areas post-fire
High-speed highway responses
Convoys and emergency zones
Drivers must be confident and situationally aware, especially during fatigue-inducing shifts or under pressure.
Perform pre-departure vehicle checks (fluids, tyres, radios, lights)
Drive in accordance with road rules and RFS operating procedures
Ensure crew safety (seatbelts, briefings, safe driving)
Use radios to communicate with control or other appliances
Maintain situational awareness – terrain, weather, fire behaviour
Respond calmly in emergency or sudden hazard situations
Some RFS vehicles are fitted with red/blue lights and sirens. Using these:
Must comply with NSW Road Rules – Rule 306 (Emergency vehicles)
Drivers must be trained and authorised to use them
Lights/sirens allow some exemptions (e.g., passing red lights with caution), but do not guarantee right of way
Common training includes:
VF (Village Firefighter) or higher
Crew Leader / Driver Courses
Emergency Driver Training (RFD) – for those operating with lights and sirens
Local driving assessments or scenario drills
Fatigue management is crucial – long shifts, hot weather, and stress are real risks
Drivers are expected to know and follow District SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)
You are responsible for the vehicle, your crew, and yourself
Driving for the NSW RFS is more than handling a truck – it’s being a key part of an emergency team. It takes skill, discipline, and focus. The service trains and supports drivers because getting safely to and from an incident is just as important as the job on the ground.