Introduction

A restricted driving instructor licence allows you to train drivers who are already licensed – such as defensive driver training for police and ambulance officers.

You are not licensed to teach learner drivers.

You can submit your initial application online or at a service centre and have 6 months to meet all the requirements.

If you need more than 6 months you'll have to lodge another application. You will not require a new medical assessment, or to re-sit the theory and practical tests unless they were undertaken more than 18 months prior.

Note: There is a separate application procedure if you already hold an interstate licence. 

Eligibility

To be eligible you must:

  • be aged 21 years or older
  • hold a current full (unrestricted) Australian driver licence
  • have held an unrestricted licence in which you want to instruct, for a minimum of 3 of the last 4 years
  • be a fit and proper person – PDF
  • have a safe driving record (parking offences excluded)
  • hold a TAE or Diploma in Education (or equivalent higher qualification).

What you need

You'll need:

  • to have had a commercial medical assessment – PDF no more than 6 months prior
  • to successfully complete, for the class of licence you wish to instruct, the instructor knowledge test, in English and without interpreter assistance (there are 90 questions in this knowledge test)
  • to have paid the 5-year non-refundable licence fee at a service centre
  • your driver licence
  • a digital photo of yourself, or
  • 2 passport size photos (if applying at a service centre)
  • if you haven't held a NSW driver licence for more than 5 years, you'll need to provide a full driving record/history from the authority in the state or country where you previously held your driver licence
  • a secondary proof of identity document (if you hold an interstate driver licence)
  • a copy of completion of the following module from Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training (TLI41222):
    • TAEASS412 Assess competence
  • a copy of your TAE or Diploma in Education or equivalent higher qualification (as approved by TfNSW)
  • have passed a TfNSW assessment on the Driving Instructor Act and Regulation. This requires you signing a declaration stating your understanding and obligations to the requirements of the Driving Instructors Act 1992 and Driving Instructors Regulation.
  • the PDF form – 'Application for Licence under Driving Instructors Act 1992' (if applying at a service centre).

How to apply

Apply online

Browser requirements

  1. Check the eligibility requirements.
  2. Select the 'Apply online' button.
    Note: You cannot save and resume your application once you've started.
  3. Follow the prompts to submit your application.

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 (02) 8848 8700 and quote your reference number.

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

If you have not heard from Transport for NSW after 10 working days, call (02) 8848 8700.

Apply in person at a service centre

  1. Check the eligibility requirements.
  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. Visit a service centre and submit your application.

More information

  • Restricted driving instructor licence applicants do not need:

    • a Working with Children Check. The licence is issued with the condition 'Restricted licence - May not instruct a learner licence holder'.
    • Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training (formerly known as Certificate IV in Transport & Logistics), or

    • to complete the instructor driving test.

  • Restricted licences are only available for car and motorcycle driving/riding instructors. They're not available for any heavy vehicle classes.

Payment methods

You can review transaction payment options on our payment methods page.

Last updated: 10 November 2023