Bus Driver Authority Course Frequently Asked Questions

To drive a public bus or coach in NSW, you need a bus driver authority from TfNSW. Eligibility requires being 20+ years old with a full Australian driver license for 12 months in the past 2 years, or 25+ years old with a current Australian license for at least 3 of the past 4 years or a recognized overseas license.

If you are concerned about your Drivers Licence I suggest Apply for your traffic record and license details at any Service NSW Service Centre or online. This comprehensive report will include your entire traffic record and driver license information. RMS may not grant your Bus Authority if your previous driving record is worrisome.

• National Police Check (NPC) (if available, scanned as a PDF).
  • Visit the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commissionand click on one of the authorised providers.
  • Ensure the check has been completed within 3 months of submitting your Bus Driver Authority application.
  • Note: Your criminal check must include all of your current names and also any and all previous names that you have been known by.
  • If the criminal check does not have a verification code it will need to be certified.
  • Attaching the criminal check to your Bus Driver Authority application will reduce the processing time.
  • If you are unable to arrange a National Police Check (NPC), Transport for NSW (TfNSW) will send you a one-time link to apply for your (NPC) online. This will enable TfNSW to complete the National Police Check (NPC) on your behalf.
  • A certified copy of your Evidence of Training Certificate (if you have completed the Bus Authority Training course scanned as a PDF)
  • You have 6 months from the date you submit your application to complete training and provide the training certificate.

How to submit your application

• Refer to this Help Guide while navigating the online form to ensure you have all relevant documents ready
• Click on the link below to complete the online application form (attaching ALL supporting documentation and digital photo).
• Answer pre-screening questions
• Answer all questions that apply to you
• Click on the ADD+ button to enter more information
• Upload your supporting documentation (PDF) and photos (JPG/JPEG/PNG/BMP/GIF)
• Pay the non-refundable application fee by MasterCard or Visa only, payment is required at time of submitting your application.
• If payment is made by EFT, your payment must be made within 5 working days from the date you submit your application.

Please click here to Submit your Application

If you want to drive a public passenger bus or coach that seats 13 or more people, you need to be aged 20 years or over

Mutual recognition of drivers

Do you hold a current interstate or New Zealand Bus Driver Authority?

You may be eligible to apply for a Bus Driver Authority under Mutual Recognition.

You will need to complete a Mutual Recognition Statutory Declaration and submit it with your Bus Driver Authority application.

Applicant requirements

To apply for mutual recognition of your interstate or New Zealand Bus Driver Authority in NSW, you must meet the following requirements.

• Hold a current driver licence issued in Australia.
• Hold a current bus driver authority issued in either Australia or New Zealand.

If you hold a New Zealand bus driver authority you will also need to provide a

• Certificate of Particulars
• Traffic Offence History
• Letter from the Ministry of Justice

If your application for mutual recognition is approved you will not need to complete the Bus Driver Authority training course.

Both your Bus Driver Authority and mutual recognition application are only valid for six months from the date of lodgement.

For information about where to obtain a record of your driving history go to Frequently Asked Questions.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible you must:

• be 20 years of age
• hold an Australian driver licence that is an unrestricted licence
• have held your Australian driver licence for a total of at least 12 months in the 2 years immediately preceding the date of your application
• pass a medical examination for a commercial driver
• be of good repute and in all other respects a fit and proper person

If you want to drive a public passenger bus or coach that seats 13 or more people, you need to have passed a medical examination for a commercial driver

Connect Coaches suggests that you click on the link below and print the Medical form out and book an appointment with your Doctor to complete the medical prior to booking your Bus Authority Course

Bus Authority Medical Form