Using a firearm under supervision without a licence

Everyone who possesses or uses a firearm needs to have a firearms licence, although standard firearms can be possessed and used under the immediate supervision of a licence holder in most circumstances.

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When you can use a standard firearm without a licence

Shooting under the supervision of an experienced licence holder is how most people first learn how to safely use a firearm, before they apply for their own licence.

Immediate supervision means that the licence holder is:

  • physically present and actively supervising the shooter
  • close enough to be able to take control of the firearm being used by the shooter if necessary, and
  • not using another firearm while providing supervision.

Read more in the Arms Act 2026 about Requirement for possession of standard firearm

When this does not apply

There are situations where you cannot possess or shoot under immediate supervision, for example:

  • if it is contrary to specific bail conditions (which would still be a breach of bail) 
  • if it is contrary to a protection order (which would still be a breach of the protection order) 
  • if you are the subject of a firearms prohibition order (which would still be a breach of the firearms prohibition order). 

 

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