DRIVE Lite August- Driving instructors

Dear driving instructors,
Welcome to the August edition of DRIVE Lite – Driving Instructors. In this edition we will discuss the requirements for older driver licence holders and provide information on how to apply for and renew your driving instructor licence online.

Road Rules Awareness Week will be held from 21 – 27 August, giving all road users the chance to improve their knowledge of the NSW road rules especially the Top 10 misunderstood road rules in NSW.

Translated fact sheets for overseas drivers
To help educate overseas drivers on the licence changes announced on 1 July 2023, a fact sheet is now available in 17 community languages on the nsw.gov.au website. Please promote this resource with your students so they can learn more about what these changes mean for them.

Older Driver Licensing
It is mandatory for all licence holders in NSW over 75 years of age to undertake a medical examination on an annual basis in order to maintain a driver licence. An on-road driving assessment is required every two years from 85 years of age to maintain an unrestricted licence.
Heavy vehicle (MC) licence holders need an annual Driving Test from age 70.

Studies show that many older drivers compensate for their age-related decline in driving competency by self-restricting and limiting their driving, for example, by driving in local areas or avoiding complex, difficult situations.

If an older driver no longer requires a full driver licence, they can opt for a modified licence without the need for a practical driving assessment. A modified licence allows the holder to drive in their local area where they are familiar with the traffic conditions. The limits on the modified licence are negotiated with the local service centre manager, based on the driver’s essential weekly journeys.

A modified licence cannot be issued if a general practitioner has requested the licence holder to undertake an aged driving test.
A fully licensed NSW driving instructor with a minimum of three years’ experience can submit an application to become an older driver assessor. For further information and an application form see our website: Older Driver Assessment | Transport for NSW.

Our guide to older driver licensing explains the licensing system, options and assessments. These are available at nsw.gov.au, by calling 13 22 13 or from a service centre.

Online Applications for Driving Instructor Licences
Did you know you can apply, renew, upgrade and replace your Driving Instructor licence online? All the information you’ll need can be accessed via the links below:

Apply: apply-for-a-driving-instructor-licence
Renew: renew-a-driving-instructor-licence
Replace: apply-for-a-replacement-driving-instructor-licence
Upgrade: apply-to-upgrade-a-driving-instructor-licence

We’d love to hear about what’s working well and where we can improve. Your feedback will help us shape future editions of DRIVE Lite and bring you topics and information that’s important to you.

Tell us how we can help!

Need more information about the Driving Instructor program? Click below to get in touch with the team.

Transport for NSW