Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR)

If you hold an interstate Bus Driver Authority, you may be able to work temporarily in NSW under Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR).

If you hold an interstate or New Zealand Bus Driver Authority, but reside in NSW, you still need to apply for a NSW Bus Driver Authority under Mutual Recognition.

What is Automatic Mutual Recognition?

From 1 December 2022 all states and territories will participate in the Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme except for Queensland.

AMR enables holders of occupational licences, including a bus driver authority, to work in a second state or territory without having to get a licence, or pay fees, in that second state or territory.

Information about AMR including, notification requirements, compliance advice and how to notify NSW, is available on the NSW Government website.

If a worker is eligible for AMR, they work under an Automatic Deemed Registration (ADR).

To work in a second state under an ADR, workers must hold a valid and current licence in their home jurisdiction. For most people, this is where they live and carry out most of their work.

Transport for NSW (Transport) will recognise all AMR-participating state and territory bus driver authorities. They will also recognise a NSW bus driver authority.

While working in NSW, workers must:

  • only undertake activities they are allowed to perform under their home state driver authority, and
  • comply with local regulations.

How interstate bus drivers notify Transport

  1. From the AMR page on nsw.gov.au, bus drivers will access a list of all the occupations included in the AMR scheme.
  2. Bus drivers can find their occupation on the list and notify Transport using the link to the notification platform.
  3. The bus driver will begin a notification by creating a MyServiceNSW account.
  4. Bus drivers need to provide basic information such as name, address, home state and occupational number and expiry date. They also need to confirm they are not subject to criminal, civil or disciplinary proceedings in any state in relation to the occupation that they are notifying for.
  5. Transport will verify the information the bus driver has provided with their home state.

Regulating bus drivers working under ADR

Bus drivers working under ADR in NSW will need to:

  • be able to hand over a driver authority card for inspection at the request of an authorised officer (e.g. a NSW Police officer), and
  • display a driver authority card, in a holder affixed to the interior of NSW buses, so that it can be easily seen by any passenger in the bus.

Bus drivers working under ADR in NSW will be able to use their home state driver authority card (or equivalent) for this purpose.

Frequently asked questions

Is a driver who is under the age of 21 years with an interstate or territory bus driver authority be eligible for AMR in NSW?

Yes. Any person authorised by their home state to drive a bus will be entitled to work under ADR to drive a bus in NSW.

Is a driver with an interstate bus authority eligible for AMR if they reside in NSW (including for more than three months)?

No, they will not be eligible for AMR. If a bus driver is a primary resident in NSW and their primary place of work is also in NSW, then they must apply for a substantive NSW bus driver authority under Mutual Recognition.

When can an interstate bus driver authority holder work in NSW?

A bus driver working under ADR would be allowed to drive a bus in NSW while their home state driver authority is current. A driver will be required to notify NSW as soon as they renew their home state driver authority.

What happens if a driver using their home state bus driver authority in NSW is the subject of a complaint, or commits an offence while driving a public passenger vehicle in NSW?

A bus driver working under ADR will be subject of the same level of compliance monitoring and enforcement as a substantive NSW bus driver. Home and second states are required to share information regarding any compliance or disciplinary activities undertaken in relation to a bus driver working under ADR.

Criminal, civil or disciplinary action taken in one state or territory could impact the status of their driver authority in any other state or territory; e.g., the person's ADR status could be cancelled in the other state or territory. A home state could also cancel or suspend a substantive driver authority.

Any bus driver working under ADR in NSW must comply with NSW legislation and regulation.
 

What records are operators required to keep for Bus Operator Accreditation Scheme independent audits relating to drivers working in NSW with ADR?

Just like for NSW bus drivers, operators must ensure the bus driver is authorised. For drivers with ADR this means the operator will record their home state licence number.

How will an operator check the status of a driver working in NSW with ADR?

Any bus driver working under ADR in NSW can use their home state licence as evidence and their ADR through their MyServiceNSW account. This is the same process for other ADR workers such as driving instructors.

Will a driver working in NSW with ADR require a Working With Children Check in NSW?

Yes. As per current requirements, bus operators should request a NSW Working With Children Check as part of their employee checking/vetting process if this is required.

Any bus driver working under ADR in NSW must comply with NSW legislation and regulation.

Will a driver working in NSW with ADR be required to notify Transport of an alleged offence?

Yes. Any bus driver working under ADR in NSW must comply with NSW legislation and regulation.

Will a driver working in NSW with ADR be required to notify Transport, within 48 hours, of any change to their physical or mental condition?

Yes. Any bus driver working under ADR in NSW must comply with NSW legislation and regulation. 

For more information about AMR, visit the NSW Government website.