Learner drivers across NSW, many of them young people navigating their first experiences behind the wheel, will get stronger protections when taking driving lessons under new rules making it easier to report alleged misconduct, while also strengthening accountability for driving instructors and schools.
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. For many learner drivers navigating their first experiences behind the wheel, knowing how and where to report an incident can give them the confidence to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
The 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 available if concerns are raised. The changes reinforce the expectation that records are completed as close as possible to the time of the lesson, giving 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The regulation also removes outdated administrative provisions and unused fees, reducing the unnecessary burden on the driving instruction industry while maintaining strong licensing and safety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.
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said every learner driver deserved to feel safe and supported while gaining the skills to become a safe road user.
“These changes strengthen protections for learner drivers by improving accountability and making it clearer how concerns about inappropriate behaviour or misconduct can be reported,” Ms Aitchison said.
“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“At the same time, we are cutting unnecessary red tape by removing outdated provisions and unused fees, helping create a more modern and efficient regulatory framework for driving instructors and driving schools.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said learning to drive was a rite of passage for many young people, who had the right to feel safe with their instructor.
“While the industry as a whole are professionals committed to road safety in their community, it is important that young people know that there is somewhere to report any alleged misconduct, so they feel comfortable speaking up,” Ms Harrison said.
“With these new rules, the Minns Labor Government is prioritising women’s safety and making sure instructors and schools are held accountable.”
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