Apply for a NSW driving instructor licence under mutual recognition

Introduction

If you're a permanent resident of NSW and hold a current driving instructor licence issued in another Australian state/territory or New Zealand, you can apply for a NSW driving instructor licence under mutual recognition.

You can submit your application online or at a Service NSW Centre.

Note: If you want to work in NSW on a temporary basis only and your instructor licence is from another state/territory (excluding Queensland) you need to apply for Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR).

Eligibility

To be eligible you must:

• hold a current driving instructor licence issued in either Australia or New Zealand
• hold a current full Australian driver licence
• hold, or have evidence you are applying for, an employee Working With Children Check (WWCC) number (if wanting to instruct Class C or R licence applicants)
• have a safe driving record (parking offences excluded)
• be medically fit to drive.

What you need

To apply for a NSW driving instructor licence under mutual recognition you need:

• proof of identity documents
• copies of your current interstate or New Zealand driving instructor licence or equivalent
• your interstate or New Zealand driver licence
• your traffic record details for the last 5 years
• the PDF form 'Notice for Registration of Equivalent Occupation Driving Instructor's Licence'
• a digital photo of yourself (if applying online)
• your payment.

If applying at a service centre you also need:

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

Note: While you will not need to provide a commercial medical assessment from your doctor when applying for a new driving instructor licence under mutual recognition, Transport for NSW will continue to assess your fitness to drive. After being issued a driving instructor licence, you may be required to undertake medical assessments at regular intervals.

Transport for NSW will also continue to assess your suitability to hold a driving instructor licence against the Driving Instructor and Assessors Fit and Proper Policy.

How to apply

Apply online

1. Check the eligibility requirements.
2. Download and complete the Notice for Registration of Equivalent Occupation Driving Instructor's Licence – PDF.
3. Select the 'Apply online' button.
   Note: You cannot save and resume your application once you've started.
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.

If your application is successful a driving instructor licence will be posted to you.

If you have not heard from Transport for NSW after 10 working days, call 1800 642 452. 

Apply in person at a service centre

1. Check the eligibility requirements.
2. Download and complete:
   • Notice for Registration of Equivalent Occupation Driving Instructor's Licence – PDF
   • Application for Licence under Driving Instructors Act 1992 – PDF.
     Note: Do not sign it – your signature must be witnessed at the service centre.
3. To submit your application go to a Service NSW Centre.

Payment methods

More information

• Heavy vehicle driving instructors do not need a Working with Children Check. Their instructor licence is endorsed with the condition 'May not instruct C licences'.
• You can apply for more than one driving instructor licence type (such as car, light rigid, heavy rigid).