The Minns Labor Government has introduced new rules giving learner drivers across NSW stronger protections when taking driving lessons, by 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, who may be young people navigating their first experiences behind the wheel, knowing how and where to report an alleged incident can give them the confidence and tools to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
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The regulation also removes outdated administrative provisions and unused fees, reducing the unnecessary burden on the driving instruction industry while maintaining strong licensing and safety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.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:
“Every learner driver deserves to feel safe and supported while they are gaining the skills they need to become safe road users.
“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“At the same time, we are cutting unnecessary red tape by removing outdated provisions and unused fees, helping create a more modern and efficient regulatory framework for driving instructors and driving schools.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison:
“Learning to drive is a rite of passage for many of our young people, and they have 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.
“With these new rules, the Minns Labor Government is prioritising women’s safety and making sure instructors and schools are held accountable.”
