Apply for a driving instructor licence

Introduction

Driving instructors teach another person to drive in return for money or reward.

About the process

Before you can get an instructor licence, Transport for NSW needs to be assured that:

• you meet the eligibility criteria
• you've passed the driving instructor theory and practical tests.

After this is confirmed you can apply online and Transport for NSW will send you a 'Letter of Eligibility'.

Complete a driving instructor training course

You need to enrol in a driving instructor training course with a recognised training provider. You have 6 months from your application date to complete the course.

If you need more time

If you need more than 6 months you'll have to lodge another application. You will not need to:

• have a new medical assessment, or
• re-sit the theory and practical tests,

unless they were undertaken more than 18 months prior.

Confirmation from Transport for NSW

Transport for NSW will make their final determination as to your suitability to hold an instructor licence when you successfully complete the training course.

Eligibility

To be eligible you must:

• be aged 21 or over
• hold a current full (unrestricted) Australian driver licence
• have held the equivalent class of unrestricted licence in which you want to instruct, for a minimum of 3 of the last 4 years
• hold, or have evidence you are applying for, an employee Working With Children Check number (if wanting to instruct Class C licence applicants)
• be a fit and proper person – PDF
• have a safe driving record (parking offences excluded)
• be medically fit to drive.

What you need

To apply for a driving instructor licence you need:

• evidence of your commercial medical assessment – PDF from no more than 6 months prior
• evidence of having successfully completed (at a Service NSW Centre):
  • the instructor knowledge test for the class of licence you wish to instruct, in English and without interpreter assistance (there are 90 questions in this knowledge test)
  • the instructor driving test for the class of licence you wish to instruct (either manual or automatic) with 95% pass rate
    Note: If you complete your instructor driving test in an automatic vehicle you can only instruct in an automatic vehicle.
• your driver licence
• a secondary proof of identity document (if you hold an interstate driver licence)
• a digital photo of yourself (if applying online)

If applying at a service centre you also need:

• 2 passport size photos
• the PDF form – 'Application for Licence under Driving Instructors Act 1992'

How to apply

Apply online

1. Check:
   • the browser requirements
   • the eligibility requirements
   • what you need.
2. Gather the required supporting documents for uploading.
3. Select the 'Apply online' button.
   Note: You cannot save and resume your application once you start.
4. Follow the steps to submit your application.

What happens next

You'll receive a confirmation message with a reference number and a copy of your application via email. If you do not receive the email within 30 minutes call 1800 642 452 and quote your reference number.

Apply in person at a service centre

1. Check:
   • the eligibility requirements
   • what you need.
2. Download and complete the Application for Licence under Driving Instructors Act 1992 – PDF.
   Note: Do not sign it – your signature must be witnessed at the service centre.
3. Gather the required supporting documents.
4. To submit your application go to a Service NSW Centre.

Fees and payments

You need to pay the fees for the:

• instructor knowledge test
• instructor driving test
• non-refundable 5-year driving instructor licence

More information

• You can apply for more than one driving instructor licence type (such as car, light rigid, heavy rigid) if you've held an unrestricted equivalent class of licence for at least 3 of the last 4 years.
• Heavy vehicle driving instructors will not need a Working With Children Check if their instructor licence is to be endorsed with the condition 'May not instruct C licences'.