The NSW Government has introduced new rules for learner drivers and driving instructors, making it easier to report alleged misconduct, while also strengthening accountability for driving schools.
The Government says the Driving Instructors Regulation 2026, released following public consultation, requires driving instructors and driving schools to clearly display information about how alleged misconduct by an instructor can be reported.
“Every learner driver deserves to feel safe and supported while they are gaining the skills they need to become safe road users,” said Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison.
“These changes strengthen protections for learner drivers by improving accountability and making it clearer how concerns about inappropriate behaviour or misconduct can be reported.
“The overwhelming majority of driving instructors provide a professional and valuable service to learners across NSW. These changes support that professionalism through clearer expectations and stronger safeguards.
“At the same time, we are cutting unnecessary red tape by removing outdated provisions and unused fees, helping create a more modern and efficient regulatory framework for driving instructors and driving schools.”
The new regulation also requires instructors and schools to complete lesson and vehicle hire records on the same day services are provided, helping ensure records are accurate, up to date and readily available if concerns are raised.
The changes reinforce the expectation that records are completed as close as possible to the time of the lesson, providing greater confidence that information is properly recorded and available when it is needed.
The regulation also removes outdated administrative provisions and unused fees, reducing the unnecessary burden on the driving instruction industry while maintaining strong licensing and safety standards.
