On this page

General information
Browser requirements
Photos
Driving and riding instructors
Application process
On completion of the instructor training course
Heavy vehicle upgrades
Recognised training providers
Replacement licence

The information on this page can be used for reference when applying for driving and riding instructor licences.

Applying online

Browser requirements

To apply online, use the current version of one of these web browsers:

  • Chrome (version 66 or above)
  • Safari (version 12.1.4 or above)
  • Firefox (version 66 or above)
  • Microsoft Edge (version 100).

Photos

Photos should:

  • be front-facing, with your head and shoulders visible
  • not show you wearing headgear unless it is worn for religious purposes.

Digital photos must be:

  • 246 pixels wide by 246 pixels high 
  • uploaded in one of the following formats: JPG, JPEG, PNG, BMP or GIF.

Passport size photographs (5cm by 4cm) must:

  • be a current photo of you, in colour
  • be front-facing, with your head and shoulders visible
  • not show you wearing headgear unless it is worn for religious purposes.

Driving and riding instructors

Application process

Interstate or international licence history

If your NSW driver or rider licence is less than 5 years old, you need to provide your driver licence and traffic record details from your original licensing state or country.

For International driver or rider licences and traffic record details, search online. Contact your local consulate if you cannot find the information you need.

If the driving or riding record and history are not in English, they must be accompanied by a certified copy of an official translation from:

On completion of the instructor training course

When you successfully complete your driving or riding instructor training course:

  • take a copy of your training certificate to a Service NSW Centre and
  • pay the 5-year non-refundable instructor fee.

Service NSW will forward a copy of your certificate and payment receipt to Transport for NSW who will assess all relevant documentation to determine if you are a suitable person to hold a driving or riding instructor licence.

Heavy vehicle upgrades

If you hold a driving instructor licence in:

  • a rigid class (LR, MR, HR) and you're wanting to upgrade within this class, you do not need to complete the rigid instructor knowledge test
  • a combination class (HC, MC) and you're wanting to upgrade within this class (HC to MC) you do not need to complete the combination driving instructor:
    • knowledge test, nor
    • MC vehicle driving test.

Recognised training providers

The approved bodies that conduct the training are Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). The RTO will need a copy of your Letter of Eligibility to enrol you into the course. If you cannot find your letter call 1800 642 452.

Approved driving instructor course RTOs are available on the Transport for NSW website for:

  • cars
  • heavy vehicles
  • motorcycles.

Note: Qualifications and/or certificates issued by non-approved course providers are not recognised by Transport for NSW.

Replacement licence

Before you apply for your driving instructor replacement licence you need to change the name on your driver licence and receive the replacement licence.

Details on the driver licence are required when you apply for your replacement instructor licence.

Last published: 31 July 2026