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 NSW 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
- Check the eligibility requirements.
- Select the 'Apply online' button.
Note: You cannot save and resume your application once you've started. - 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
- Check the eligibility requirements.
- 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. - 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'.
- a 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.