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Applying for a Taxi Driver Authority

What do I need to do to become a taxi driver?

The application process

The criteria for taxi driver authorisation are the requirements that applicants must meet before a taxi driver authority can be issued by the Ministry, and are contained in the driver authorisation information package.

For applicants who wish to work outside the Sydney metropolitan area, some of the requirements for becoming a driver are different. Use the country driver requirements link above for more information.

To apply an applicant must be at least 20 years of age and must:

  • Hold a NSW driver licence (fully unrestricted)
  • Have read and understood the criteria, conditions and procedures for authorisation as outlined in the authorisation package
  • Have attended and successfully completed an assessment of English Language, applicable to taxi drivers at the Adult Migrant English Service (AMES)
  • Have had a medical practitioner complete a Medical Assessment Public Passenger Vehicle Driver Form
  • If a further medical referral is required, have had a medical specialist complete a Medical Specialist Assessment Report Form
  • Have completed and signed the application form and declaration, and attached all of the documents requested
  • Have satisfied the Director General that they:
    • are of good repute and in all other respects a fit and proper person to be the driver of a taxi, and
    • have sufficient responsibility to drive a taxi in accordance with law and custom

You should then contact an approved taxi driver training school to discuss your enrolment fees, training program and the application process.

The training school will deliver the application form you have completed, all the documents and a cheque for $100 which is for the application fee (non refundable) to the Ministry of Transport.

Country Taxi Driver Requirements

New taxi drivers in the Wollongong and Newcastle Transport Districts are required to complete a training course specific to their region. New drivers who wish to drive in an area outside a recognised transport district (Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong) do not need to complete a formal course at present.

NSW Country

Requirements for new drivers:

  • Applicants must be at least 20 years of age and must have a fully unrestricted NSW driver's licence
  • Completed the Taxi application form including 2 photos
  • Completed a medical form (no older than 6 months)
  • Paid the fee of - $100.00
Type Period of Issue Fee Payable Requirements
Original Issue 1 year $100.00 Driver must have completed the taxi application form fully
All Renewals 3 years $120.00 Driver must have completed the renewal form fully

Newcastle

Requirements for new drivers:

  • Applicants must be at least 20 years of age and must have a fully unrestricted NSW driver's licence
  • Completed the Taxi application form including 2 photos
  • Completed a medical form (no older than 6 months)
  • Paid the fee of - $100.00
Type Period of Issue Fee Payable Requirements
Original Issue 1 year $100.00 Driver must have completed training with the Newcastle Taxi Network.
All Renewals 3 years $120.00 Driver must have completed the renewal form fully

Wollongong

Requirements for new drivers:

  • Applicants must be at least 20 years of age and must have a fully unrestricted NSW driver's licence
  • Completed the Taxi application form including 2 photos
  • Completed a medical form (no older than 6 months)
  • Paid the fee of - $100.00
Type Period of Issue Fee Payable Requirements
Original Issue 1 year $100.00 Driver must have completed training with a taxi training school
All Renewals 3 years $120.00 Driver must have completed the renewal form fully