If you permanently live in NSW, and want to drive a bus in NSW, and hold a BDA in another state or territory, you must apply through mutual recognition for a new BDA.
If you live interstate and primarily work interstate but want to work in NSW temporarily, then you can notify Transport for NSW (Transport) of your intent to work under Automatic Mutual Recognition.
Automatic Mutual Recognition (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.
To be eligible to work in NSW under AMR, you must hold a current BDA in your home state or territory (excluding Queensland). For most people, this is where they live and carry out most of their work.
Under AMR, there is no need to obtain a local licence in a second state or territory or pay any licensing fees, as long as there is a home state licence in force.
Go to NSW Government website to notify Transport of your intention to work in NSW under AMR.
Information about AMR including, notification requirements, compliance advice and how to notify NSW, is available on the NSW Government website.
If you hold an interstate BDA, but reside in NSW, you still need to apply for a NSW Bus Driver Authority under mutual recognition.
Transport will recognise all AMR-participating state and territory BDA. They will also recognise a NSW BDA.
While working in NSW, workers must:
All states and territories are participating in AMR except for Queensland.
Bus drivers working under AMR in NSW will need to:
Bus drivers working under AMR in NSW will be able to use their home state driver authority card (or equivalent) for this purpose.
If you meet certain conditions, Transport will accept your BDA (or equivalent) from another Australian state, territory or New Zealand under an arrangement called Mutual Recognition.
This means Transport may not need you to:
To convert to a NSW BDA you must:
Complete the Application for an authority to drive a bus.
Transport requires information to thoroughly assess your application when you apply to be issued with a BDA in NSW. To ensure your application is processed without delay, it is recommended to take the steps below before you apply online:
Note: Ask your doctor to submit your assessment online directly to Transport and select the option to indicate the assessment is for the purpose of driving public passenger vehicles. This is to ensure your medical assessment can be prioritised. This must be recorded on the Transport system as a pre-requisite before you submit your online application. You can enter your personal information into the online form to check if your medical has been recorded on Transport systems. If it has you will automatically be able to proceed with your application. More information can be found here.
If you are unable to arrange a National Police Check (NPC), Transport can send you a one-time link that is valid for 7 days to apply for your NPC online when you submit your application. This will enable Transport to complete the NPC on your behalf. Note: This option will slow down the processing of your application.
The specific documentation you're advised to get before you apply includes:
A Certificate of Particulars and criminal offence history can be obtained from the New Zealand Ministry of Justice by emailing: certificate.ofparticulars@nzta.govt.nz
From 1 August 2023, the NSW Government has introduced a $70 fee waiver for those applying for a new BDA as part of efforts to boost driver numbers in NSW. The fee waiver will be available for 12 months.
The online application process takes about 30 minutes, and you cannot save your progress.
Do not click on the back button, refresh the web page or close the window. If you do, you will go back to the start of the application and need to resubmit.
Once Transport for NSW receives your application, they will respond within 10 days.
If you have not had a response after 10 working days, please phone 02 8848 8700 or email: busapplications@transport.nsw.gov.au.
No. You must complete a Commercial Medical Assessment with your doctor (and any necessary specialists) before you can apply. It is a pre-requisite to be deemed medically fit to apply for a BDA.
You will not be able to drive a point to point transport service if you are assessed and deemed not fit and proper to hold a BDA (including commercial medical). Drivers have specific obligations and safety standards that must be met under the point to point transport law. Please see the Point to Point Transport Commissioner’s website for more information.
No. You cannot start and go back to finish your application on another day. The application needs to be completed in one session.
You need to have a valid email address to submit an online application.
You must provide all your supporting documents. This includes a digital copy of your driver licence.
You will not be able to submit an application online without attaching all mandatory documents.
You should not submit your application at this time as it will delay the processing of your application. Your application will not be assessed without all of the supporting documentation.
The best format for your documents is PDF. If your supporting documentation is not in the correct format, you should not submit your application as this will increase processing times.
If you do not hold a valid NSW driver licence you will need to provide a digital photo to be used for your BDA card.
A digital photograph can be obtained from any Australia Post or camera retailer that provides this service.
You will need one of the following browsers for the online application to work:
Your bus driver application expires after 6 months. This starts from the time you apply to the time you are approved to become a bus driver.
Your BDA will be posted within 10 working days, provided your application meets all mandatory requirements. Where Transport is requested to apply for a National Criminal History check on your behalf this will delay the processing of your application.
This is a requirement of your application. You can create an account online (e.g. - Gmail, Hotmail, Outlook or Yahoo).
No, it does not matter how you enter the information.
Yes. You need to provide secondary identification to prove who you are. Take a look at the Secondary ID List for more help.
No. If you are unsure of the exact date you can apply for a copy of your traffic record and licence details at any Service NSW Service Centre or you can apply online. The information will be contained on the licence details provided.
You can apply for a copy of your traffic record and licence details at any Service NSW Service Centre or you can apply online. This will be a complete history of your traffic record and driver licence details.
This is the number that will be displayed in the confirmation email you will be sent.
You will need to contact the relevant state or territory government office:
If you are from New Zealand and are applying for mutual recognition you can obtain your record from the New Zealand – NZ Transport Agency.
For International driver licences and traffic record details, search online. Contact your local consulate if you're having difficulty finding the information you need.
If the driving record and history are not in English, they must be accompanied by a certified copy of an official translation from Multicultural NSW or the Translating and Interpreting Service of the Department of Home Affairs.
If you need to check your medical assessment, you can contact Service NSW on 13 22 13 or for all other enquiries phone Transport on (02) 8848 4700.
