Apply for a driving instructor licence

Introduction

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

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

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

Once this is confirmed, you can apply online, and TfNSW will send you a 'Letter of Eligibility'. 

You then 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 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.

When you successfully complete the training course TfNSW will make their final determination as to  your suitability to hold an instructor licence.

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 WWCC 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

You need:

• evidence of your commercial medical assessment – PDF from no more than 6 months prior
• evidence of having successfully completed (at a service 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)

If applying at a service centre you also need:

• a digital photo of yourself or 2 passport size photos 
• the PDF form – 'Application for Licence under Driving Instructors Act 1992'

How to apply

Apply online

Browser requirements

1. Check:
   • the eligibility requirements
   • what you need.
2. Gather the required supporting documentation for uploading.
3. Select the 'Apply online' button.
   Note: You cannot save and resume your application once you've started.
4. 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.

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 documentation.
4. Visit a service centre and submit your application.

More information

• Fees are payable for the:
  • instructor knowledge test
  • instructor driving test 
  • non-refundable 5-year driving instructor licence
• You can apply for more than one driving instructor licence type (car, light rigid, heavy rigid, etc), as long as 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 WWCC if their instructor licence is to be endorsed with the condition 'May not instruct C licences'.

Payment methods