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Practical training in Sydney
TLI41225 Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver TrainingDriving instructor course in NSW.
The nationally recognised qualification you need for a driving instructor licence in NSW. Study the theory online, then train one-to-one in Sydney.
Free 30-minute callNo obligationInterest-free instalments
Course at a glance
- Qualification
- TLI41225 Certificate IV
- Course fee
- From $2,650
- Payment
- $1,500 deposit, or instalments
- Theory
- 12 units, online
- Practical
- One-to-one in Sydney
- Time to complete
- Up to 6 months
Delivered by 121 Driver Training, RTO 70220.
★★★★★
“Sean was very detailed and made me feel confident to become a successful driving instructor.”
- 15+years training instructors
- 8states and territories
- 11languages spoken by our trainers
- 5★rated on Google
Becoming a driving instructor in NSW: the short answer
Quick answer: To become a driving instructor in NSW, you need a Letter of Eligibility from Transport for NSW before you enrol, then you complete the TLI41225 Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training to get your driving instructor licence. With 121 Driver Training, the course costs from $2,650, a $1,500 deposit secures your place (with up to 6 interest-free instalments if you need help spreading the cost), and you can qualify in as little as 8 weeks.
Reviewed by Sina Bakhshalian, CEO of 121 Driver Training, training driving instructors since 2019. Last updated October 2026.
Welcome to the Driving Instructor Course in NSW (Sydney): TLI41225 – Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training (Specialisation Group A – Car). This certificate is a nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
This qualification defines the skills and knowledge required for road transport trainers who will be training individuals or groups in cars, heavy vehicles or motorcycles. It is not a course for getting your own driver licence.
Job roles
Job roles and titles vary across different sectors. Possible job roles relevant to this qualification include:
- car driving trainer
This qualification meets the training requirement for a NSW driving instructor licence from Transport for NSW. See the licensing steps below for other requirements.
The following information pertains to New South Wales only. If you are looking for something other than the Driving Instructor Course in NSW, please choose your state or territory.
How the course worksTheory at home. Practical training where you’ll teach.
You have up to six months from enrolment. Most people finish in a few months, around their current job.
Theory
Study online, at your pace
Twelve units in the Student Portal, about 8–12 hours each. A printed pack is available if you prefer paper.
Practical
Train one-to-one in Sydney
Just you and your trainer, in a real car. Most trainees need 12–15 trainer hours, with sessions available seven days a week.
Assessment
Final on-road assessment
At least two hours, covering lesson delivery, commentary driving and core manoeuvres. A second attempt is free.
Practical training in SydneyLearn on the roads you’ll teach on.
Practical training is delivered one-to-one by a fully qualified, experienced trainer/assessor, 7 days a week, 8 am to 8 pm. You practise on the streets your learners will drive.
- One-to-one, just you and your trainer
- Seven days a week, 8 am to 8 pm
- Sessions booked around your current job
Licensing in NSWHow to apply for your driving instructor licence in NSW
In NSW, you need a driving instructor licence from Transport for NSW to teach someone to drive for payment. Unlike other states, you apply first and receive a Letter of Eligibility before you start your training.
- Step 1
Check you’re eligible
Check you meet the eligibility criteria:
- Aged 21 or over
- A current full (unrestricted) Australian driver licence, with the equivalent unrestricted licence held for at least 3 of the last 4 years
- A safe driving record (parking offences are excluded)
- Medically fit to drive, with a commercial medical assessment completed no more than 6 months before you apply
- Being a fit and proper person
- An employee Working with Children Check number, or an application in progress, to instruct car (Class C) learners
- Step 2
Pass the instructor tests
Pass the instructor knowledge test (90 questions, taken in English without an interpreter) and the instructor driving test at a Service NSW Centre. If you take the driving test in an automatic, you can only instruct in automatic vehicles.
- Step 3
Apply to Transport for NSW
Apply online through Service NSW, or in person at a Service NSW Centre.
- Step 4
Get your Letter of Eligibility
Receive your Letter of Eligibility from Transport for NSW once your eligibility is confirmed.
- Step 5
Earn your Certificate IV
Enrol in and complete the TLI41225 – Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training within 12 months of submitting your application. Transport for NSW then makes its final decision. Your licence lasts five years.
Before you apply
If you don’t finish your training within 12 months, you need to submit a new application with your training certificate. Test and licence fees are set by Transport for NSW; check the current fees with Service NSW.
This information is accurate at the time of publication (October 2026) and can change at any time without notice by the regulator. Check the latest requirements on the regulator’s website using the link below.
More details from Transport for NSWWhat you’ll need in NSW
- Aged 21 or over
- A full Australian licence, held for at least 3 of the last 4 years
- A safe driving record and a commercial medical assessment
- An employee Working with Children Check
- TLI41225, completed within 12 months of applying
Still weighing up the career?
See what driving instructors earn in Sydney, whether the job suits you, and the steps from enrolment to your licence.
How to become an instructor in NSWTLI41225 course fee in NSWFrom $2,650 in Sydney.
Pay a $1,500 deposit when you enrol and the balance before your practical training starts. Need help spreading the cost? You can choose up to 6 interest-free instalments instead, at whatever frequency suits you, in every state and territory.
Price match. If you find an identical accredited course offered by another Registered Training Organisation (RTO) at a lower price, we’ll match it. See our Terms and Conditions.
See all course fees.
- Sydney$2,650At one of our delivery locations, or add $100 for your trainer to come to you
- Central Coast and Illawarra$2,950Training in your region
- Rest of NSW$3,400Training at your preferred location
Driving instructor course reviewsRated 5 stars on Google.
Read more reviews from our graduatesDriving instructor course FAQsCommon questions
How do I become a driving instructor in NSW?
- Check you meet the eligibility rules: aged 21 or over, a full licence held for at least 3 of the last 4 years, a safe driving record, a commercial medical assessment and an employee Working with Children Check.
- Pass the instructor knowledge test and instructor driving test at a Service NSW Centre.
- Apply to Transport for NSW and receive your Letter of Eligibility.
- Complete the TLI41225 Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training within 12 months of applying.
How much is the course in NSW?
From $2,650 in Sydney ($2,950 on the Central Coast and Illawarra, and $3,400 in the rest of NSW), with a $1,500 deposit when you enrol and the balance before practical training starts. If you need help spreading the cost, you can pay in up to 6 interest-free instalments instead. If you find an identical accredited course offered by another RTO at a lower price, we’ll match it.
How long does the course take?
You can qualify in as little as 8 weeks. Theory is online and self-paced, and practical training is one-to-one with a qualified trainer, available 7 days a week from 8 am to 8 pm, so you can fit it around your job.
Is TLI41225 recognised in other states?
Yes. TLI41225 Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training is a nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework. Each state and territory sets its own licensing requirements, so check the pathway for the place you plan to teach.
Can I talk to someone before I enrol?
Yes. Book a free consultation to talk through where you are now, where you want to be and whether this career is right for you.
Is driving instruction a good career in NSW?
It suits people who want flexible hours, the option to run their own business and work that helps others gain independence. Our guide to becoming a driving instructor in Sydney covers potential earnings, flexibility and what the job involves.
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 help spreading the cost, 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.
What if I don’t pass the final assessment?
Your second attempt is free. Your trainer will tell you exactly what to work on first.
Where is the practical training?
One-to-one with your trainer at one of our delivery locations across Sydney, or your trainer can come to you for an extra $100. We also train on the Central Coast and in the Illawarra, and across the rest of NSW at your preferred location.
Driving instructor courses by stateTeaching somewhere else?
VICMelbourne – 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
Thinking about the career first? Read our guide to becoming a driving instructor in Sydney, compare every state on our state pathways page, or see the full TLI41225 course overview.
