Ready when you are.
Talk to a trainer about your state, your timeline and enrolment. Straight answers, no pressure.
Driving instructor course: TLI41225 Certificate IVTurn your driving into a career.
Earn the nationally recognised Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training (TLI41225) with one-to-one training, theory you study online, and a trainer who comes to you, in every state and territory.
Free 30-minute callNo obligationInterest-free instalments
Why become a driving instructor?
- Be your own bossRun your own driving school, your way.
- Choose your hoursWork mornings, evenings or weekends.
- Set your own ratesAn income you control, full or part time.
- Do work that mattersHelp people drive with confidence.
★★★★★
“The support was exceptional… I highly recommend doing this course if you want to become a driving instructor.”
- 15+years training instructors
- 8states and territories
- 11languages spoken by our trainers
- 5★rated on Google
How do you become a driving instructor? The short answer
Quick answer: To become a driving instructor in Australia, you complete the TLI41225 Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training with a registered training organisation, then apply to your state or territory regulator for your instructor licence. In NSW you also need a Letter of Eligibility from Transport for NSW before you start. With 121 Driver Training, the course is one fixed fee and practical training is one-to-one in every state and territory.
Reviewed by Sina Bakhshalian, CEO of 121 Driver Training, training driving instructors since 2019. Last updated October 2026.
TLI41225 Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training is the qualification you need for a driving instructor licence in every Australian state and territory. It is nationally recognised and made up of 12 core units of competency.
121 Driver Training has trained driving instructors for over 15 years. We are a registered training organisation (RTO 70220) and a Transport for NSW-approved driving instructor training provider, with trainers in every state and territory.
Start with the full course overview, check the course fees, or go straight to the licensing pathway for your state.
How to become a driving instructorFive stops from where you are to licensed instructor.
Most people finish in a few months. You have up to six from enrolment, at your own pace.
- Stop 1
Check you’re eligible
Each state sets its own rules for licence history, checks and medicals. In NSW you’ll also need a Letter of Eligibility from Transport for NSW before you enrol. Our LoE Assist service can guide you through it.
- Stop 2
Enrol and start online
Your Student Portal opens with all twelve theory units. Each takes about 8–12 hours. Work through them whenever suits you and upload as you go.
- Stop 3
Train one-to-one
Practical training is just you and your trainer, in a real car, where you’ll work. Most trainees need 12–15 trainer hours. Male and female trainers, seven days a week.
- Stop 4
Final on-road assessment
At least two hours, covering lesson delivery, commentary driving and core manoeuvres. Not yet competent? Your second attempt is free.
- Arrive
Get your licence
You receive the nationally recognised TLI41225 certificate, then apply to your state or territory regulator for your driving instructor licence.
Why train with 121 Driver TrainingThe “121” is the whole point.
No shared cars, no crowded classrooms. Training that moves at your pace, in the place you’ll teach.
Just you and your trainer
Every practical hour is one-to-one. No waiting for your turn behind the wheel.
We come to you
Country NSW and interstate, your trainer travels to your area. No trip to Sydney.
Theory online, your hours
Twelve self-paced units through the Student Portal. A printed pack is available if you prefer paper.
Free second attempt
If the first final assessment doesn’t go your way, the second is on us.
Trainers who speak 11 languages
Support in your language while you study for an English-language qualification.
Transport for NSW-approved
A registered training organisation (RTO 70220), regulated by ASQA.
TLI41225 course feesOne fixed price.
No hourly rate.
Your fee covers manuals, assessment workbooks, practical training in a training vehicle, the final assessment and ongoing support after you qualify.
Flexible ways to pay
Start with a $1,500 deposit and pay the balance before your practical training. Need more flexibility? Choose up to 6 interest-free instalments instead, in every state and territory. Found the same accredited course cheaper with another RTO? We’ll match the price.
Your course fee
Fees are set by the state or territory you train in. See yours in one click, no sign-up needed.
What the work can earn
10 weekend lessons ≈ $850 a week
Example only, based on Sydney’s average one-hour lesson of about $85 (advertised driving school prices, October 2026). This is revenue before business costs such as your car, fuel, insurance and tax, and your earnings will vary.
Driving instructor course reviewsRated 5 stars on Google.
Read more reviews from our graduatesDriving instructor courses by stateWherever you’ll teach, we’ll train you there.
Licensing steps differ by state. Each guide covers the requirements, your local fee and how practical training works.
NSWSydney and regional NSW – driving instructor course in NSWVICMelbourne – driving instructor course in VictoriaQLDBrisbane and Gold Coast – driving instructor course in QueenslandWAPerth – driving instructor course in Western AustraliaSAAdelaide – driving instructor course in South AustraliaTASHobart – driving instructor course in TasmaniaACTCanberra – driving instructor course in the ACTNTDarwin – driving instructor course in the NT
More training from 121Already an instructor, or training a team?
See all our services
TLI41225 upgrade
Already an instructor in Victoria with an older qualification? Upgrade to TLI41225 online, with a practical assessment only if you need one.Learn more
Group training
Train with up to two friends or colleagues and save up to $500 each on the TLI41225 course. Available on request.Learn more
Corporate driver training
Low-risk driving training for staff who drive for work: theory, practical exercises and on-road assessments, anywhere in Australia.Learn more
Community transport training
Pre-employment, routine and post-incident driver assessments for community transport providers, with a full written report.Learn moreDriving instructor course FAQsCommon questions
How long does the course take?
You have up to 6 months from enrolment. The theory is 12 self-paced units of about 8–12 hours each, and most trainees need 12–15 hours of one-to-one practical training plus a final assessment of at least 2 hours.
What qualification do I need to become a driving instructor?
The TLI41225 Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training. It is the required qualification for a driving instructor licence in every Australian state and territory, and each state adds its own licensing checks.
How much does the driving instructor course cost?
From $2,650 in Sydney, $3,400 in Canberra and the rest of NSW, $3,750 in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Darwin, $3,950 in Hobart and $4,350 in Adelaide. If you find an identical accredited course offered by another RTO at a lower price, we’ll match it.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Our standard payment is a $1,500 deposit when you enrol, with the balance due before practical training starts. If you need more flexibility, you can pay in up to 6 interest-free instalments instead, at whatever frequency suits you. This option is available in every state and territory.
Do I have to travel to Sydney?
No. We train you where you’ll work, across NSW and in every state and territory capital. Regional locations outside NSW can be arranged for a quoted travel surcharge.
What do I need for a NSW driving instructor licence?
In NSW you need a Letter of Eligibility from Transport for NSW before you start your training. To get it, you must:
- hold a full licence for at least 3 of the last 4 years
- pass a medical assessment
- pass the instructor knowledge test and driving test
- hold an employee Working with Children Check
See our NSW course and pathway for every step.
Is 121 Driver Training approved by Transport for NSW?
Yes. We’re a Transport for NSW-approved driving instructor training provider and a registered training organisation (RTO 70220).
