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Driver Authority Application Information - Bus, Motorcycle, 4WD Tour Vehicle

How to Apply

To obtain a driver authority for a bus, motor cycle or 4-wheel drive tour vehicle you must lodge the following items either in person, or by mail, to a Ministry of Transport Operations Division office listed at the bottom of the page. Driver authorities are issued for a period of three years.

  • A completed and signed the Application for an Authority to Drive Bus or Tourist Vehicle (Motorcycle or 4WD).
  • A completed a Medical Assessment Public Passenger Vehicle Driver Form
  • If a further medical referral is required, a completed Medical Specialist Assessment Report Form
  • A photocopy of your driver's licence.
  • A non refundable cheque or money order payable to the NSW Ministry of Transport of $70 per authority for consideration and processing of your application. Please do not send cash in the mail.
  • Two recent colour photographs (65mm x 65mm) that comply with the requirements on the application.
  • Evidence of completion of training (Bus Authority only). This may be provided with your initial application or after you have been advised that your application has been approved.
  • Birth Certificate, Passport or Citizenship Certificate.

All forms required can be obtained from bus trainers, the Ministry of Transport by request, or from our website at www.transport.nsw.gov.au.

How Are Applications Processed?

  • On receipt of all the above requirements (other than the Evidence of Training Certificate for bus drivers), the Ministry of Transport will request any criminal history from Australian police services and a driving history from the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority. You may also be asked to provide details of any driving history in other Australian States and/or Territories and country of previous residence.
  • This information, as well as the information on your Application Form and Health Assessment Form, will be used to assess whether you meet the appropriate requirements for the authority you have applied for. The conditions of driver authorities are included in this package. You should ensure you read and understand the conditions of the authority you are applying for.
  • Approved applicants for a motor cycle or four wheel drive tour authority will usually receive their authority with two weeks of receipt of the application by Ministry of Transport. Where additional inquiries are made regarding criminal or driving history, the authority may take up to six weeks to issue. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by mail.
  • Approved bus applicants who PROVIDE an Evidence of Training Certificate with their initial application will usually receive their driver authority within two weeks of receipt of the application. Where additional inquiries are made regarding criminal or driving history, the authority may take up to six weeks to issue. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by mail.
  • Applicants for a Bus authority who have NOT provided an Evidence of Training Certificate will usually receive a letter within two weeks of receipt of the application advising of the outcome of the assessment. Where additional inquiries are made regarding criminal or driving history, this may take up to six weeks.
  • Approved applicants for a Bus authority will then be required to provide the Ministry of Transport with an Evidence of Training Certificate. Once received, applicants will usually receive a driver authority within two weeks.

Training Information

In order to receive your Bus driver authority you must provide the Ministry of Transport with evidence that you have undergone a training course provided by a trainer authorised by the NSW Bus and Coach Association (BCA). Details of these trainers can be obtained by contacting the BCA on (02) 8839 9500 or at the Ministry of Transport website at www.tranport.nsw.gov.au. This evidence may be provided with your initial application or after you have received advice from the Ministry of Transport that your application has been approved.

Renewals and Medicals

Drivers authorities are valid for a period of three years. The Ministry of Transport will send you a renewal form prior to the renewal date on your authority. Renewals cost $70 per authority. The Ministry of Transport will send drivers a letter advising when they need to supply a new medical assessment form (usually every three years). Drivers over the age of 60 and drivers with specific medical conditions e.g.: diabetes, cardiac or neurological conditions will need to provide annual health assessments.

Any approvals granted in relation to an application will lapse 6 months from the date of receipt of your application. Evidence of completion of driver training must be provided within this time. If this information is not received, a fresh application must be submitted and a new fee will be charged.

More Information

If you require any further information, please contact one of our offices below between 8.30am - 4.30pm.

Transport Operations Division Offices

Newcastle

Ground Floor
239 King St
PO Box 871
Newcastle NSW 2300
Telephone: (02) 4929 7006
Toll Free: 1800 049 983
Facsimile: (02) 4929 6288

Parramatta

Level 4
16-18 Wentworth Street
Locked Bag 5085
Parramatta NSW 2124
Telephone: (02) 9689 8888
Toll Free: 1800 227 774
Facsimile: (02) 9689 8813

Wollongong

Level 6, NRMA Building
221-229 Crown St
PO Box 5215
Wollongong NSW 2500
Telephone: (02) 4224 3333
Toll Free: 1800 049 961
Facsimile: (02) 4226 4117