Requirements for getting a driving instructor's licence

Overview of requirements

To become a driving instructor you must have completed all of the following requirements:

1. Documents and checks
2. Tests
3. Letter of eligibility
4. Instructor training course
5. Impart knowledge test or Final assessment

Requirements in detail

Documents and checks

• Driving instructor application (RTA form 239).
• Pass a medical check (RTA form 239).
• Pass Police and criminal checks; (RTA forms 1183 & 1184 office use only).
• Two specimen signatures.
• Four passport size photographs.

Theory test

• Pass an extended driver knowledge test on road rules (90 questions).

Letter of eligibility

After all the above documents, checks and theory tests have been completed the RTA will issue you a letter of eligibility. You can not enrol in an instructor-training course unless you hold a current letter of eligibility.

Practical test

• Pass a Driving Test with a 95% pass. The driving test must be passed before booking the Impart knowledge test or Final assessment
• A Motorcycle Operator Skill Test (MOST)  with a 100% pass.

Instructor-training course

The instructor training standards are nationally agreed and are included in the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF).

Car driving instructors must pass the Certificate IV in Transport and Logistics (Road Transport - Car Driving Instruction) TL141207.

Heavy vehicle driving instructors must pass the Certificate IV in Transport and Logistics (Road Transport - Heavy Vehicle Driving Instruction) TL141309. HVDI courses equivalent to the Certificate IV in Driving Instruction NSW 91000 will continue to be accepted until 31 December 2009.

Motorcycle riding instructors must pass the RTA Pre-learner rider-training course as a student prior to commencing the instructor training with an approved course provider.

Generally most new driving instructors will take at least six months to complete the required qualifications.

Impart knowledge test / Final assessment

After you have passed the instructor-training course you are required to pass an Impart knowledge test / Final assessment in the type of vehicle you want to be licensed to instruct in. During the tests you are required to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and driving behaviours expected of a professional driving instructor. The test includes: presenting lessons; demonstration of safe driving; a commentary drive and various manoeuvres.

Motorcycle instructors are not required to undertake an Impart knowledge test; however, motorcycle instructors require RTA accreditation to instruct in the NSW rider training scheme.

After you have passed the iImpart knowledge test and paid the licence fee you will be issued with a driving instructor licence, which is valid for 5 years.

Fees

Fees are payable to the RTA for the:

• DKT (driver knowledge test).
• Driving Test / MOST (motorcycle operator skill test).
• Pre-learner rider training course (motorcycle instructors only).
• Impart knowledge test (N/A for motorcycle instructors).
• Issuing of a 5 year driving instructor licence.

Fees for the instructor-training course are determined by the course providers and are paid directly to them.

Other fees such as those payable to medical practitioners for the medical check are the responsibility of the licence applicant.

Applicants are required to supply the vehicle for all driving tests and assessments.