How to become a bus driver

Interested in becoming a bus driver? Find out if you are elibigle and the steps you must take to become a driver.

A smiling bus driver with grey hair sits at the driver’s seat wearing a blue uniform shirt and seatbelt, with the steering wheel and console in front of her.
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Waived fees for new drivers

The fee waiver for new Bus Driver Authority applications has been extended for a further 12 months, until 31 July 2026.

Eligibility

To be eligible to become a bus driver in NSW you must: 

  • hold a current Australian driver licence
  • be at least 20 years of age, and
  • have held a full (unrestricted) Australian driver licence for more than 12 months in the last two years,

Or, 

For interstate or New Zealand bus drivers

If you hold an interstate bus driver authority, you may be able to:

Holders of a New Zealand (NZ) bus driver authority may be able to apply for a Bus Driver Authority under Mutual Recognition.

What you need to apply 

  • An email address
  • Passed a commercial medical assessment
  • A Bus Driver Training Certificate
  • A current Police check issued within the last 3 months
  • If you have held an interstate or overseas driver licence in the last 5 years, you will need to get a copy of your licence history and traffic record. Documents not in English must be translated.
     

If you hold an interstate driver licence, you will also need:
 

How to apply 

Once you have everything you need, you must apply online. It only takes 30 minutes to complete. For more, see
Frequently asked questions. 

Apply for a Bus Driver Authority

After you apply

A smiling bus driver in a blue shirt sits at the wheel and looks at a passenger standing outside the bus. Text on the image reads: “Work more and earn more. That’s why I drive a bus.”

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