Apply for a riding instructor licence

Introduction

If you want to teach an unlicensed person to ride a motorcycle in return for money or reward, you need to hold a riding instructor licence.

To get a rider instructor licence you need to:

1. meet the eligibility criteria
2. submit an application (following the instructions on this page)
3. complete a rider instructor training course with an approved course provider. You must get a Letter of Eligibility from Transport for NSW before enrolling in a course.

When you successfully complete the course Transport for NSW will determine your suitability to hold an instructor licence.

Eligibility

To be eligible you must:

• be aged 21 or over
• 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
• hold, or have evidence you are applying for, an employee working with children check (WWCC) number
• be a fit and proper person – PDF
• have a safe riding record (parking offences excluded)
• be medically fit to ride.

What you need

You'll need:

• to have had a commercial medical assessment – PDF no more than 6 months prior
• to successfully complete the rider instructor knowledge test
  • The test is in English. Interpreter assistance is not allowed.
  • You need to take the test at a Service NSW Centre.
  • See how to book a test.
• 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.

If you apply at a service centre you'll need:

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

How to apply

Apply online

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 get a confirmation email with a reference number and a copy of your application. If you do not get the email within 30 minutes call (02) 8848 8700  and quote your reference number.

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 the application until you get to the service centre – your signature must be witnessed at the service centre.
3. Visit a service centre and submit your application.

Fees and payments

Fees are payable for the:

• riding instructor knowledge test
• pre-learner rider training course and Motorcycle Operator Skills Test (MOST). These are undertaken as part of the instructor training course and you must pass with a 100% result.
• non-refundable 5-year driving instructor licence.

Payment options

Application expiry

You must meet all the requirements within 6 months of submitting your initial instructor licence application.

If you need more than 6 months you'll have to lodge another application. 

If you had a medical assessment and did the theory test no more than 18 months prior you will not have to do them again for your new application.

More information

Motorcycle instructors must be accredited by Transport for NSW to instruct in the NSW Rider Training Scheme.