Apply for a restricted riding instructor licence

Introduction

A restricted riding instructor licence allows you to instruct riders who are already licensed – such as defensive rider training for police and ambulance officers.

You are not licensed to teach learner riders.

Note: You can submit your initial application online or at a Service NSW Centre and you have 6 months to meet all the requirements.

Eligibility

To be eligible you must:

• be aged 21 years or older
• hold a current full (unrestricted) Australian rider licence (Class R)
• have held the unrestricted licence for a minimum of 3 of the last 4 years
• be a fit and proper person – PDF
• have a safe riding 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 have successfully completed the rider 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 rider licence
• a secondary proof of identity document (if you hold an interstate rider licence)
• if you haven't held a NSW rider licence for more than 5 years, you'll need to provide a full riding record/history from the authority in the state or country where you previously held your rider licence
• a digital photo of yourself, or
• 2 passport size photos (if applying at a service centre)
• a copy of completion of the following modules from Certificate IV in Training and Assessment:
  • TAEASS401 Plan assessment activities and processes
  • TAEASS402 Assess competence
• a copy of your TAE or Diploma in Education or equivalent higher qualification (as approved by Transport for NSW (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 riding instructor licence will be posted to you.

If you have not heard from TfNSW 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 riding 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'.
  • to attend the course conducted by the external recognised training organisation equivalent to the Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training (formerly known as Certificate IV in Transport & Logistics), or 
  • to complete the instructor skills and pre-learner tests.

Payment methods