FAQs on the Club Permit Scheme

Q1. May I use my Club Permit Vehicle for a family wedding?
A. Yes, with a Special Use Authorisation Voucher. Note that a Club Permit Vehicle must not be used for hire or reward hence a regular business of weddings is not permitted.

Q2 Can I tow a trailer with a Club Permit Vehicle?
A. Yes, subject to normal rules for towing a trailer eg. weight, coupling, lighting, speed limits etc. Note that VicRoads does not issue a "third" number plate for a trailer, hence the trailer should be registered in its own right.

Q3. Can a learner driver operate a Club Permit Vehicle?
A. Yes, subject to the normal rules for learner drivers.

Q4. Why have I not received a renewal notice for my Club Permit vehicle?
A. It is permit holder's responsibility to ensure a permit is renewed. The Club Permit Scheme is stored on a separate computer system to the general VicRoads data files and hence if you should change your address for a fully registered vehicle, or a Driver's Licence, then a separate advice is still required for a Club Permit vehicle.

Q5. Can a modified vehicle be used under the Club Permit scheme?
A. Yes, provided the vehicle is in a safe condition. In some cases an Engineer's Certificate might be required. Note that the CPS must not be considered a method of driving an unsafe or unroadworthy vehicle.

Q6. Under what conditions may I test my Club Permit Vehicle?
A. To maintain, test, repair or prepare the vehicle for an authorised event. It is the owner/driver's responsibility to maintain the vehicle in a safe condition, but "exercising" the vehicle to achieve this is not an excuse for regular or daily use. Such use remains an abuse of the Scheme. In practice, a trip "around the block" to test the brakes for a club event in a couple of days time would be acceptable. A trip 10 km from home or to perhaps pick up the groceries from the supermarket would be clearly unacceptable!

Q7. May I drive my Club Permit Vehicle to a mechanic's repair garage?
A. Yes, but note that driving to a parts store to purchase the required parts for fitting at home is not acceptable.

Q8. May I drive my Club Permit Vehicle interstate.
A. Yes, provided the event is on your club's calendar. But note that at this stage Western Australia still requires a separate WA permit for travel in that state. (This anomaly occurs because the WA Legislation does not clearly recognise interstate "Permits".)

Q9. I am attending an interstate event shown in my club's calendar, however because of the large distance involved it will take me 2 days to get there and 2 days to return, may I operate my Club Permit Vehicle during these 4 days?
A. Yes, provided Special Use Vouchers are obtained for the extra two 2 day periods.

Q10. How many Special Use Vouchers may be issued to a club member?
A. There is no direct answer - however once a week is out of the question. Each club must make its own decisions - publicise them to its members and then follow those rules.

Q11. I have a Special Use Voucher for my wedding is it reasonable to have a SUV to use my Club Permit Vehicle for my honeymoon?
A. It is NOT reasonable to use a SUV for such an event.

Q12. Our club has a display day at a Swap Meet. The event is shown on our calendar. May I carry a load of spare parts in my Club Permit Vehicle to sell at the Swap Meet?
A. No, as Club Permit Vehicles must not be used for carrying goods for hire or reward.

Q13. I live some distance from our club's Permit Officer. Is it allowable for me to use a facsimile copy of the Special Use Voucher sent to me.
A. You are required to carry the Special Use Voucher and a copy might NOT be considered acceptable to some police officers. Other police officers might accept a fax copy (therefore carrying the original should avoid any argument). It would appear most uncommon that a SUV might be required in such urgency that normal postal service could not be used. Clubs should ensure that their Club Permit Officer is readily accessible to all their members. (Answer revised 9.3.04)

Q14. My CH number plate has been damaged. How can I replace it?
A. You should present the damaged plate to the local office of VicRoads for further guidance. (Answer revised 11.7.06)

Q15. Can I have two garage addresses listed for my CH plated vehicle?
A. Legislation and VicRoads rules stipulate only one address however you may have the vehicle garage address different from your residential address (and for service of notices).

Q16. I want to put my bike rack on my CH vehicle, can I get another small bike plate for the rack?
A. No.

Q17. Can a Club get a list of owners of CH vehicles in their club from VicRoads?
A. No, as this would be a breach of privacy. Note however that if a club submits a list of known members with CH vehicles to VicRoads then VicRoads will confirm whether the listing is correct.

Q18. What are the limits to modifications permitted to CH vehicles?
A. Vehicle Standards Information publication (VSI 8), available from the VicRoads book shop, provides guidance. Heavily modified vehicles may need an Engineer's Certificate.

Q19. Can I sell my vehicle with CH plate and can the CH plate be transferred to the new owner?
A. Yes provided the new owner is entitled to have a CH plated vehicle. Note, in practice this maybe difficult without both parties being present at the VicRoads Office. Also smaller VicRoads Offices may not be able to process the transfer in real time.

Q20. Does the driver of the CH plated vehicle need to be the permit holder?
A. No.

Q21. Can L plate or P plate drivers operate a RHD CH plated vehicle?
A. Yes, but note that the vehicle insurers may impose restrictions on drivers of vehicles less than 30 years old.

Q22. Can L plate or P plate drivers operate a LHD CH plated vehicle?
A. No. Only a fully licenced driver may drive a LHD CH Plated vehicle. (All LHD vehicles may only be driven by only a fully licenced driver).

Q23. I belong to two clubs authorised to operate the Club Permit Scheme. My CH plated vehicle is recorded by one club. Can the other club issue a Special Use Voucher for this vehicle?
A. No, only that club recording and managing that vehicle should issue a Special Use Voucher. Each Authorised Club is responsible for managing the members and the Club Permit vehicles in their club.

Q24. Our club is authorised to operate the Club Permit Scheme. We have original vehicles over 25 years old on the scheme. We also have members with replicas of these vehicles that were made only 5 years ago. Can these replicas operate under the CPS?
A. Yes, provided the replica is of a vehicle orginally manufactured at least 25 years ago.

Q25. We publish our events calendar on the WWW. Can members download a copy of the calendar and use it as evidence of a Club Permit Scheme authorised event?
A. Yes, it is reasonable to use a downloaded hardcopy printout of the events calendar provided that the relevant information is included. That is, the name of the authorised Club, the date and details of the authorised event. Note that a club may choose to NOT declare every event on its club calendar to be an "authorised event" eg. a Committee Meeting.

Q26. I don't have off street parking. Can I park my CH plated vehicle in the street on any day when it is not used for a Club Permit Event?
A. No, Club permit plated vehicles cannot be parked on the street or any public land on days when the club permit is NOT exercised or scheduled.

Q27. The Club Permit Scheme Handbook (Blue Book) shows the Sample Authorisation for Special Use (Appendix B) with provision for the name of the applicant in two places yet the actual Authorisation for Special Use has provision for the name and the Signature of the Applicant. If the Voucher is posted to the applicant then the signature would not appear on the club copy of the voucher. Is it necessary that the voucher be signed by the applicant?
A. It is reasonable that the Voucher need not be signed by the applicant. If the applicant is subsequently challenged by the authorities (Police / VicRoads) then identification can be produced. (New item 5.9.06)

Q28. I purchased my vehicle unregistered and in pieces. What paperwork is needed to put my vehicle on the Club Perrmit Scheme?
A. Firstly, refer to the Club Permit Scheme handbook for the general requirements of the CPS. Recent experience suggest that the Customer Service staff at different VicRoads Offices may apply different criteria! At least, you must have:
- the CPS Application Form completed and endorsed by the duly authorised officer of your club confirming that you are a current member.
- personal ID and evidence and that you own the vehicle.
- a current Roadworthiness Certificate or Club Statement of Safety.

You should also have:
- proof that the vehicle was previously registered in Victoria eg. registration certificate. Or if registered interstate, the registration details from that state or territory. If the vehicle has been imported, then a Bill of Lading and/or Customs Import documents identifying the vehicle.

If you cannot supply the previous registration details but are certain that the vehicle was registered in Australia then it is recommended you provide a formal Statutory Declaration attesting to the information (including registration, engine and chassis numbers where possible). The results of an Engine Number search of the AOMC Engine Number Records for Victoria might be useful.

Generally, as with other VicRoads permits, there should be no need to present the vehicle for inspection at the time of applying for the Club Permit but in the event of dispute you should be able to have the vehicle available. (New item 24.5.07)

Q29. I have a bus on the CPS. May I use it to carry passengers to a CPS authorised event?
A. Commercial vehicles (including trucks & buses) are not permitted to carry goods for hire or reward. It is permissible to carry club member vehicles to authorised events free of charge. Note that a bus is classed as a vehicle capable of carrying 12 passengers plus driver. The owner of the vehicle should be aware of "The Duty of Care". (Revised 23.11.07)

Q30. I attend various car shows and displays on behalf of my employer. My vehicle is on the CPS and is displayed with advertising at the Trade Stall of my employer. It is not used to carry any goods for sale. I have a Special Use Voucher from my club for those shows that are not run by an Authorised Club. Is this allowed under the CPS rules?
A. It would appear that the vehicle is (indirectly) used to promote the activities of the employer by drawing attention to the Trade Stall and is therefore effectively used for hire or reward. The use of the vehicle in this manner would appear to contravene the CPS rules. (New item 20.11.07)

Q31. I have purchased an unregistered 26 year old LHD vehicle from overseas. What paperwork is needed to put my vehicle on the Club Permit Scheme?
A. See answer to Q28. above. Also, if there is no evidence of the vehicle previously being registered in Australia, then you may be required to supply an Engineer's Report attesting that it meets the relevant Australian standards. The vehicle may need to be presented for inspection at VicRoads. (New item 24.2.09 revised 9.12.09)