Introduction
Upgrading a driving instructor licence may be:
- upgrading the transmission condition, for example automatic to manual
- upgrading or adding an additional class.
Before you can get your upgraded driving instructor licence, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) needs to confirm that:
- you meet the eligibility criteria
- you've passed the required practical and theory tests.
You can submit your initial application online or at a Service NSW Centre.
Eligibility
To be eligible to upgrade you must:
- hold a current NSW driving instructor licence
- hold a current full (unrestricted) driver licence
- have held an unrestricted driver licence in the class you wish to upgrade to, for a minimum of 3 of the last 4 years (if applicable)
- hold, or have evidence you are applying for, an employee WWCC number (if wanting to instruct Class C or Class R licence applicants).
What you need
For all upgrades you'll need:
- to have paid the non-refundable upgrade fee at a service centre
- your driver licence
- your driving instructor licence
- your current NSW employee Working With Children Check (WWCC) number (Class C and R applicants only)
- a secondary proof of identity document (if you hold an interstate driver licence)
- the PDF form – 'Application for Licence under Driving Instructors Act 1992' (if applying at a service centre).
In addition:
- if upgrading from automatic to manual transmission, you'll need to have passed an instructor driving practical test with a 95% pass rate in a manual transmission vehicle.
- if adding a class, you'll need to successfully complete, for the class of licence you're adding:
- the instructor driving test (either manual or automatic) with 95% pass rate
- the instructor knowledge test, in English and without interpreter assistance (there are 90 questions in this knowledge test)
If you're applying to upgrade within the heavy vehicle classes, you may not be required to complete the driving instructor knowledge test and/or the instructor driving test.
How to upgrade
Apply online
- Check the eligibility requirements.
- Select the 'Apply to upgrade' button.
Note: You cannot save and resume your upgrade 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 to upgrade is confirmed and further training is required with a recognised training provider, you'll receive a 'Letter of Eligibility' within 10 working days.
If no additional training is required, an upgraded driving instructor licence will be posted to you with instructions on how to surrender your original driving instructor licence.
If you have not heard from TfNSW 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
You'll need to return your original driving instructor licence to TfNSW. The instructions for this will be in the letter accompanying your new upgraded driving instructor licence.