Part 1 Preliminary

1   Name of Regulation

This Regulation is the Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Regulation 1999.

2   Commencement

This Regulation commences on 1 March 1999.

3   Object

The object of this Regulation is to assist in providing for the consistent administration and enforcement of a driver licensing system throughout Australia.

4   Definitions

Expressions used in this Regulation (or in any particular provision of this Regulation) that are defined in the Dictionary at the end of this Regulation have the meanings set out in the Dictionary.

Note. The following expressions are defined in the Dictionary to the Act:

Australian driver licence

Authority

class of a driver licence

conditional licence

corresponding law

demerit points register

drive

driver licence

driver licence receipt

driver licence register

exercise of a function

function

jurisdiction

learner licence

Ministerial Council

motor vehicle

national schedule of demerit points

penalty notice

photograph

probationary licence

provisional licence

restricted licence

road

road related area

5   Notes

The explanatory note, table of contents and notes in the text of this Regulation do not form part of this Regulation.

Part 2 Application for issue or variation of driver licence

Division 1 Eligibility to apply for licences

6   Eligibility to apply for issue or variation of driver licence

(1)  A person is eligible to apply for a car licence if he or she is 17 years of age or over.

(2)  A person is eligible to apply for a driver licence (not being a motorcycle licence, a car licence, a learner licence or a provisional licence) if he or she meets the relevant eligibility requirements set out in this clause for the class of licence sought, or is exempted by the Authority (in accordance with clause 8) from being required to do so.

Note. Clause 7 sets out requirements to obtain motorcycle licences. Clause 10 sets out requirements to obtain learner licences.

(3)  A person is eligible to apply for variation of his or her driver licence to include an additional licence class if he or she:

(a)  meets the relevant eligibility requirements for that class, or

(b)  is exempted by the Authority (in accordance with clause 8) from meeting those requirements.

(4)  The relevant eligibility requirements are:

(a)  for a light rigid vehicle licence or medium rigid vehicle licence—that the person has, at any time, held an Australian driver licence (including a provisional licence) of the class C for a period of, or periods totalling, at least 12 months, and

(b)  for a heavy rigid vehicle licence—that the person has, at any time, held an Australian driver licence (including a provisional licence) of the class C for a period of, or periods totalling, at least 24 months, and

(c)  for a heavy combination vehicle licence—that the person has, at any time, held an Australian driver licence of the class MR or HR for a period of, or periods totalling, at least 12 months, and

(d)  for a multi-combination vehicle licence—that the person has, at any time, held an Australian driver licence of the class HR or HC for a period of, or periods totalling, at least 12 months, and the Authority is satisfied that the person has passed a training course, or has satisfied any other assessment, approved by the Authority.

(5)  In determining the periods for which a person has held a licence specified in a paragraph of subclause (4), the Authority must exclude any period for which the person’s driver licence has been suspended (other than a suspension on medical grounds) or the person has been disqualified from driving.

(6)  A person who holds a provisional P1 licence is not eligible for a light rigid vehicle licence, medium rigid vehicle licence, heavy rigid vehicle licence, heavy combination vehicle licence or multi-combination vehicle licence.

Note. A provisional P1 licence is issued to a person who is licensed under the first provisional licence stage, and a provisional P2 licence is issued to a driver who is licensed under the second provisional licence stage—see clauses 15 and 15A.

(7)  A person who holds a provisional P2 licence is not eligible to apply for a heavy combination vehicle licence or multi-combination vehicle licence unless the Authority, in its discretion, being satisfied that special circumstances exist in the particular case, determines that such a person is eligible to apply for one or the other of those unrestricted licences.

Note. Details of licence classes, names and codes are set out in clauses 26 and 27.

6A   Special eligibility criteria for temporary overseas visitors

(1)  A temporary overseas visitor is not eligible to be issued a driver licence until the person has been a resident of Australia as a temporary overseas visitor for a continuous period of at least 6 months immediately prior to applying for the licence.

(2)  A temporary overseas visitor is not eligible to be issued a driver licence that will be in force for a period of more than 12 months and is not eligible to have a driver licence held by the person renewed for a period of more than 12 months. A driver licence renewed before its expiry may be renewed for a period of up to 12 months beyond the expiry of the licence being renewed.

(3)  This clause is subject to the following exceptions:

(a)  this clause does not apply to a person who holds, or has ever held, a NSW driver licence issued before the commencement of this clause,

(b)  this clause does not apply to the issue of a driver licence to a person who holds, or held within the previous 2 years, an interstate driver licence, unless the person is already recorded as a temporary overseas visitor on a driver licence register maintained by the Authority,

(c)  this clause does not apply to the renewal of a NSW driver licence issued under the exemption provided by paragraph (b),

(d)  subclause (1) does not apply to a person who holds, or held within the previous 5 years, a driver licence issued in New Zealand,

(e)  the Authority may exempt a person from the operation of a provision of this clause in such circumstances as the Authority considers appropriate.

(4)  In this clause:

interstate driver licence means an Australian driver licence issued in another jurisdiction.

NSW driver licence means an Australian driver licence issued in New South Wales.

temporary overseas visitor means a person who:

(a)  is not an Australian citizen, and

(b)  is not a permanent resident of Australia.

7   Eligibility to apply for issue of motorcycle licence

(1)  A person is eligible to apply for a motorcycle licence if he or she:

(a)  is 17 years of age or over, and

(b)  meets the relevant eligibility requirements set out in this clause, or is exempted by the Authority (in accordance with clause 8) from being required to do so.

(2)  The relevant eligibility requirements are:

(a)  that the person has, at any time, held an Australian driver licence of the class R, or

(b)  that the person:

(i)  is the holder of a current learner licence, and has held the licence for not less than 3 months (or such shorter period as the Authority may determine in respect of applicants over 30 years of age), and

(ii)  has demonstrated to the Authority riding competence, and

(iii)  holds, or is eligible to hold, a gold driver licence (as referred to in clause 22 (2)), or

(c)  that the person meets the relevant eligibility requirements related to training.

(3)  The relevant eligibility requirements related to training are:

(a)  that the person is the holder of a certificate of satisfactory completion of a provisional licence rider training course under Part 6 (being a certificate that is not more than 3 months old when the person applies for the licence), or

(b)  that the person is, under this clause, or any other provision of this Regulation, exempt from the requirement to hold such a certificate.

(4)  Despite any other provision of this clause, the Authority may, in a particular case or class of cases, require a person applying for a motorcycle licence:

(a)  to undertake an appropriate authorised rider training course referred to in Part 6 even if the person has previously undertaken such a course, and

(b)  to be the holder of a certificate of satisfactory completion of that course (being a certificate that is not more than 3 months old when the person applies for the licence).

8   General provisions relating to issue or variation of driver licences

(1)  The Authority must exempt a person from a relevant eligibility requirement for a driver licence (including a learner licence or a provisional licence) if the person holds an Australian driver licence of an equivalent class.

(2)  The Authority may exempt a person from a relevant eligibility requirement for any such licence if the person satisfies the Authority that, because of age, experience, occupation or special circumstances, the person is fit to be granted the licence or variation sought.

(3)  If a person has held a licence to drive a motor vehicle in an external Territory or another country, the Authority may take into account some or all of that period for the purposes of determining the period for which a person has previously held a licence.

9   Suspended or disqualified persons not eligible

(1)  A person whose Australian driver licence has been suspended is not eligible to apply for a driver licence for the duration of the suspension.

(2)  A person is not eligible to apply for a driver licence if:

(a)  the person is, at the time of application, disqualified from driving in any part of Australia or another country, and

(b)  in the case of a disqualification imposed in another jurisdiction or another country, the offence giving rise to the disqualification, if committed in this State, would have resulted in the person being disqualified from driving.

(3)  This clause does not apply to an application for renewal of an interlock driver licence by a person whose interlock driver licence is suspended (unless the licence is suspended under Division 3 of Part 4 of the Fines Act 1996).

Division 2 Learner licences and provisional licences

10   Eligibility to apply for learner licence

(1)  A person is eligible to apply for a learner licence if he or she meets the relevant eligibility requirements set out in this clause, or is exempted by the Authority (in accordance with clause 8) from being required to do so.

(2)  The relevant eligibility requirement for a learner licence for a motor vehicle of a type to which a driver licence of class C relates is that the person is at least 16 years of age.

(3)  The relevant eligibility requirements for a learner licence for a motorcycle are:

(a)  that the person is at least 16 years and 9 months of age, and

(b)  that the person is the holder of a certificate of satisfactory completion of a learner licence rider training course under Part 6 (being a certificate that is not more than 3 months old when the person applies for the licence) or is exempted by the Authority from the requirement to hold such a certificate.

(4)  The Authority may grant a learner licence to an applicant who is under the required age, but only if the Authority is satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the granting of a learner licence to the person.

(5)  Despite any other provision of this clause, a learner licence may be granted for any period to a person whose provisional licence, not being a motorcycle licence, has been cancelled.

11   Conditions of learner licences

A learner licence may be subject to any of the following conditions:

(a)  a condition specifying the minimum period for which a learner licence must be held before a provisional licence will be issued to the holder,

(b)  a condition limiting the hours during which and locality in which the learner may drive a motor vehicle.

12   Learner driver requirements

(1)  The holder of a learner licence must not drive a motor vehicle (other than a motor bike or motor trike) on a road or road related area unless:

(a)  the seat next to the learner is occupied by a person who holds an Australian driver licence (not being an Australian learner licence or provisional licence) authorising the holder to drive such a vehicle, or by a police officer or a person authorised by the Authority to test drivers who is submitting the learner to a driving test for the purposes of this Regulation, and

(b)  a sign, issued or authorised by the Authority and displaying the letter “L” in black on a yellow background, is displayed:

(i)  on the exterior of the vehicle in a conspicuous position at the front and the rear of the vehicle, or a conspicuous position on the roof of the vehicle, and

(ii)  in such a manner as to be clearly visible and not to in any way obscure the letter “L” on the sign when viewed from ahead of or behind the vehicle.

(2)  The holder of a learner licence must not ride a motor bike or motor trike on a road or road related area:

(a)  if the motor bike or motor trike is being used for the carriage of any person except the learner, and

(b)  unless a sign, issued or authorised by the Authority and displaying the letter “L” in black on a yellow background, is displayed:

(i)  in a conspicuous position at the rear of the motor bike or motor trike, and

(ii)  in such a manner as to be clearly visible and not to in any way obscure the letter “L” on the sign when viewed from behind the motor bike or motor trike.

(2A)  The Authority may exempt a person from a requirement in subclause (1) (b) or (2) (b) if the person, having held a licence other than a learner licence, currently holds a learner licence because of failing a test of driving or riding ability that the Authority required the person to take.

(3)  The holder of a learner licence must not ride a motor bike or motor trike on a road or road related area unless, at the time it is ridden, the motor bike or motor trike:

(a)  is of a kind included in the list Approved Motorcycles for Novice Riders published by the Authority from time to time on its Internet website and also available from motor registries, and

(b)  has an engine capacity that is not greater than 660 ml and a power to weight ratio that is not greater than 150 kilowatts per tonne.

(4)  Without limiting the liability of any other person, the owner or person in charge of a motor vehicle is guilty of an offence if he or she causes, permits or allows, or fails to take reasonable precautions to prevent, a contravention of this clause.

(5)  A person accompanying a learner in a vehicle being driven by the learner on a road or road related area must:

(a)  supervise the learner with respect to the driving of the vehicle, and

(b)  take all reasonable precautions to prevent a contravention of the road transport legislation within the meaning of the Road Transport (General) Act 2005.

(6)  Subclause (5) does not apply to a person submitting the learner to a driving test for any of the purposes of this Regulation.

Maximum penalty (subclauses (1)–(5)): 20 penalty units.

12A   Suspension or cancellation of learner licence

In addition to any other ground on which a learner licence may be cancelled or suspended by the Authority, a learner licence may be immediately cancelled or suspended by the Authority in the event of any of the following:

(a)  the holder of the learner licence is convicted of an offence under the Act or this Regulation, or of another offence set out in Schedule 1,

(b)  the holder of the learner licence pays a penalty pursuant to section 183 of the Road Transport (General) Act 2005 in respect of any such offence,

(c)  an order under Division 4 of Part 3 of the Fines Act 1996 has been made, or is taken to have been made, against the holder of the learner licence in respect of any such offence.

Note. Clause 39 contains requirements relating to the giving of notice of the suspension or cancellation of a licence.

13   Towed vehicles

The holder of a learner licence must not drive a motor vehicle on a road or road related area if the vehicle is towing any other vehicle (whether or not a trailer).

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

14   Heavy vehicle learners

(1)  The holder of an Australian driver licence (other than a learner licence) for a motor vehicle (other than a motor bike or motor trike) may drive a motor vehicle for which a higher class of driver licence is required if:

(a)  the higher class is one the person would be eligible to apply for in accordance with this Regulation, and

(b)  the person is receiving tuition from, and is accompanied by, a person who has held that higher class of driver licence (other than a provisional licence of that class) for a period of, or periods totalling, at least 12 months and is providing tuition in accordance with the laws of this State concerning driver instruction.

(2)  (Repealed)

15   First-stage provisional licences (provisional P1)

(1)  A licence issued to an applicant who has not previously held, for a continuous period of at least 12 months (not including any period of suspension), any of the following, namely:

(a)  a car licence or motorcycle licence, or

(b)  an Australian driver licence of a class considered appropriate by the Authority, or

(c)  a foreign driver licence of a type considered appropriate by the Authority,

      must be a provisional licence of class C or class R, to be known as a provisional P1 licence.

(2)  A provisional P1 licence is to be issued for a period of up to 18 months.

(3)  However, the period for which a provisional P1 licence is to be issued to a licence holder transferring from being a licence holder in another State, Territory or country may be reduced by the Authority by the amount of time that the person held the licence in the other State, Territory or country.

(4)  In addition to any other conditions that may be attached to the licence, a provisional P1 licence is subject to the following conditions:

(a)  in the case of a provisional P1 licence of class C, the holder must not drive any motor vehicle unless a sign, issued or authorised by the Authority and displaying the letter “P” in red on a white background, is displayed:

(i)  in a case where the vehicle is not towing a trailer, on the exterior of the vehicle in a conspicuous position at the front and the rear of the vehicle, or a conspicuous position on the roof of the vehicle, and

(ii)  in a case where the vehicle is towing a trailer, on the exterior of the vehicle and trailer in a conspicuous position at the front of the vehicle and the rear of the trailer, or a conspicuous position on the roof of the vehicle, and

(iii)  in such a manner as to be clearly visible and not to in any way obscure the letter “P” on the sign when viewed from ahead of or behind the vehicle,

(a1)  in the case of a provisional P1 licence of class C, the holder must not drive a car-based motor tricycle,

(b)  in the case of a provisional P1 licence of class R, the holder must not drive any motor bike or motor trike unless a sign, issued or authorised by the Authority and displaying the letter “P” in red on a white background, is displayed:

(i)  in a conspicuous position at the rear of the motor bike or motor trike, and

(ii)  in such a manner as to be clearly visible and not to in any way obscure the letter “P” on the sign when viewed from behind the motor bike or motor trike,

(c)  in the case of a provisional P1 licence of class R, the holder must not drive a motor bike or motor trike on a road or road related area unless, at the time it is driven, the motor bike or motor trike:

(i)  is of a kind included in the list Approved Motorcycles for Novice Riders published by the Authority from time to time on its Internet website and also available from motor registries, and

(ii)  has an engine capacity that is not greater than 660 ml and a power to weight ratio that is not greater than 150 kilowatts per tonne.

(5)  In addition to any other ground on which a licence may be cancelled or suspended by the Authority, a provisional P1 licence may be cancelled or suspended immediately by the Authority in the event of any of the following:

(a)  the holder of the licence is convicted of an offence under the Act or this Regulation or of an offence set out in Schedule 1,

(b)  the holder of the licence pays a penalty pursuant to section 183 of the Road Transport (General) Act 2005 in respect of any such offence,

(c)  an order under Division 4 of Part 3 of the Fines Act 1996 has been made, or is taken to be made, against the licence holder in respect of any such offence,

(d)  the holder of the licence fails to observe any term or condition of the licence.

(6)  The holder of a provisional P1 licence must not drive a motor vehicle on a road or road related area if:

(a)  in the case of a provisional P1 licence of class C, the motor vehicle is towing any other motor vehicle (whether or not a trailer) having an unladen mass in excess of 250 kg, or

(b)  in the case of a provisional P1 licence of class R, the motor bike or motor trike is towing any other vehicle (whether or not a trailer).

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(7)  A person who holds a provisional P1 licence is not eligible to apply for a provisional P2 licence of class C (where the provisional P1 licence is of class C) or for an unrestricted licence of class R (where the provisional P1 licence is of class R), if:

(a)  the person has incurred 4 or more demerit points while holding the licence, and action under section 17 of the Act to cancel or suspend the licence as a consequence has not been taken or completed, or

(b)  the person has committed speeding offences, within the meaning of section 33 of the Act, while holding the licence, and action under that section to cancel or suspend the licence as a consequence has not been taken or completed.

(8)  If a provisional P1 licence held by a person is cancelled by the operation of section 189 of the Road Transport (General) Act 2005, the Authority may issue another provisional P1 licence to the person and require the person to hold the licence for a period of 12 months before being eligible to apply for a provisional P2 licence or an unrestricted licence of any class.

(9)  On the issue to a person of a provisional P2 licence of class C, LR, MR of HR, any P1 licence of the same class previously issued to the person ceases to be in force.

(10)  On the issue to a person of an unrestricted licence of class R, any P1 licence of the same class previously issued to the person ceases to be in force.

15A   Second-stage provisional licences (provisional P2)

(1)  A licence (other than a motorcycle licence) that is issued to an applicant who has not previously held, for a period or periods totalling at least 36 months (not including any period of suspension), any of the following, namely:

(a)  a car licence, or

(b)  an Australian driver licence of a class considered appropriate by the Authority, or

(c)  a foreign driver licence of a type considered appropriate by the Authority,

      must (unless clause 15 applies) be a provisional P2 licence of class C, class LR, class MR or class HR.

(2)  A provisional P2 licence is to be issued for a period of up to 30 months.

(3)  However, the period for which a provisional P2 licence must be issued to a licence holder from another State, Territory or country may be reduced by the Authority by the amount of time that the person held the licence in the other State, Territory or country.

(4)  In addition to any other conditions that may be attached to the licence, a provisional P2 licence is subject to the condition that the holder must not drive any motor vehicle unless a sign, issued or authorised by the Authority and displaying the letter “P” in green on a white background, is displayed:

(a)  in a case where the vehicle is not towing a trailer, on the exterior of the vehicle in a conspicuous position at the front and the rear of the vehicle, or a conspicuous position on the roof of the vehicle, and

(b)  in a case where the vehicle is towing a trailer, on the exterior of the vehicle and trailer in a conspicuous position at the front of the vehicle and the rear of the trailer, or a conspicuous position on the roof of the vehicle, and

(c)  in such a manner as to be clearly visible and not to in any way obscure the letter “P” on the sign when viewed from ahead of or behind the vehicle.

(4A)  In addition to any other conditions that may be attached to the licence, a provisional P2 licence is subject to the condition that the holder must not drive a car-based motor tricycle.

(5)  The driver of an emergency vehicle, as defined in the Road Rules 2008 is exempt from the provisions of subclause (4) while driving the vehicle in the performance of his or her duty.

(6)  In addition to any other ground on which a licence may be cancelled or suspended by the Authority, a provisional P2 licence may be cancelled or suspended immediately by the Authority on any of the following grounds:

(a)  the holder of the licence is convicted of an offence under the Act or this Regulation or of an offence set out in Schedule 1,

(b)  the holder of the licence pays a penalty pursuant to section 183 of the Road Transport (General) Act 2005 in respect of any such offence,

(c)  an order under Division 4 of Part 3 of the Fines Act 1996 has been made, or is taken to be made, against the licence holder in respect of any such offence,

(d)  the holder of the licence fails to observe any term or condition of the licence.

(7)  A person who holds a provisional P2 license is not eligible to apply for an unrestricted licence of the same class if:

(a)  the person has incurred 7 or more demerit points while holding the licence, and action under section 17 of the Act to cancel or suspend the licence as a consequence has not been taken or completed, or

(b)  the person has committed speeding offences, within the meaning of section 33 of the Act, while holding the licence, and action under that section to cancel or suspend the licence as a consequence has not been taken or completed.

(8)  If a provisional P2 licence held by a person is cancelled by the operation of section 189 of the Road Transport (General) Act 2005, the Authority may issue another provisional P2 licence to the person and require the person to hold the licence for a period of 24 months before being eligible to apply for an unrestricted licence of any class.

(9)  On the issue to a person of an unrestricted licence (other than a licence of class R), any provisional P2 licence previously issued to the person ceases to be in force.

15B   Provisional P1 and P2 licences—high performance vehicle restrictions

(1)  In addition to any other conditions that may be attached to the licence, a provisional licence issued by the Authority (other than a class R licence) is subject to the condition that the holder must not drive a high performance vehicle.

(2)  For the purposes of this clause, a high performance vehicle is a vehicle:

(a)  with an engine having 8 or more cylinders, or

(b)  the engine of which is turbocharged or supercharged (other than a diesel powered vehicle), or

(c)  that has had any substantial modification made to the engine of the vehicle to increase the performance of the vehicle (not being a modification made by the manufacturer of the vehicle in the course of manufacture of the vehicle), or

(d)  that has had any modification made to the vehicle that is listed for the time being in the Authority’s publication Novice Drivers—High Performance Vehicle Restrictions as a high performance modification for the purposes of this clause, or

(e)  that is for the time being listed in the Authority’s publication Novice Drivers—High Performance Vehicle Restrictions as a high performance vehicle for the purposes of this clause.

(3)  A vehicle is not a high performance vehicle for the purposes of this clause if it is for the time being listed in the Authority’s publication Novice Drivers—High Performance Vehicle Restrictions as a vehicle that is not a high performance vehicle for the purposes of this clause.

(4)  This clause applies only to a provisional licence issued after the commencement of this subclause and so applies if:

(a)  the person to whom the licence is issued had not held a provisional licence at any time before that commencement, or

(b)  the person to whom the licence is issued had held a provisional licence at a time before that commencement and the licence issued after that commencement is issued after a disqualification for an offence committed on or after 11 July 2005.

(4A)  Nothing in the Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Licence Penalties) Regulation 2005 affects a condition imposed on a licence under this clause before the commencement of that Regulation.

(5)  The Authority’s publication Novice Drivers—High Performance Vehicle Restrictions is to be published on the Authority’s website and is to be available for perusal free of charge at each motor registry.

15C   Provisional P1 and P2 licences—12-month passenger restrictions after licence disqualification

(1)  In addition to any other conditions that may be attached to the licence, a provisional licence (other than a class R licence) that is issued to a person by the Authority after a licence disqualification is subject to the condition that the holder must not drive a vehicle with more than one passenger in or on the vehicle.

(2)  The condition applies only:

(a)  for the first 12 months of the term of the first provisional licence issued to the person after the licence disqualification or (if that licence is issued for a term of less than 12 months) for the term of that first provisional licence, or

(b)  (if that first provisional licence is issued for a term of less than 12 months) for the term of that first provisional licence and for such part of the term of any provisional licence issued subsequently or by way of renewal of that first provisional licence as will result in the condition applying for a total period of 12 months.

(3)  This clause applies only to a provisional licence issued after the commencement of this clause and applies only if the licence disqualification concerned relates to a conviction for an offence committed after the commencement of this clause.

(4)  In this clause:

licence disqualification means disqualification of a person from holding a driver licence (whether or not by an order of a court) as a consequence of the person being convicted of an offence by a court under the road transport legislation (within the meaning of the Road Transport (General) Act 2005).

passenger means any person in or on a vehicle other than the driver.

15CA   Provisional P1 licences—restrictions on passengers under 21

(1)  In addition to any other conditions that may be attached to the licence, a provisional P1 licence (other than a class R licence) is subject to the condition that, if the holder is less than 25 years of age, he or she must not drive a vehicle at any time between 11 pm on one day and 5 am on the following day with more than one passenger in or on the vehicle who is less than 21 years of age.

(2)  The driver of an emergency vehicle, as defined in the Road Rules 2008, is exempt from the provisions of subclause (1) while driving the vehicle in the performance of his or her duty.

(3)  In this clause, passenger means any person in or on a vehicle other than the driver.

(4)  This clause has no effect until 1 July 2007.

15D   Exemptions from P1 and P2 vehicle and passenger restrictions

(1)  The Authority may exempt the holder of a provisional licence from the operation of clause 15B, 15C or 15CA if the Authority is satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist that justify the exemption.

(2)  An exemption under this clause is to be granted by the issue of an instrument in writing (which is referred to in this clause as an exemption letter).

(3)  An exemption may be granted subject to conditions or unconditionally. Any conditions of an exemption have effect as conditions of the licence to which the exemption relates.

(4)  The Authority may revoke a person’s exemption at any time by notice in writing sent to the person.

(5)  An exemption under this clause ceases to be in force:

(a)  when notice of revocation of the exemption is served on the person or on such later date as the Authority may specify in the notice, or

(b)  when the person ceases to be the holder of a provisional licence that would (were it not for the exemption) be subject to the condition to which the exemption relates.

(6)  The driver of a vehicle who has an exemption under this clause must produce the driver’s exemption letter on demand by a police officer acting in the execution of his or her functions under the road transport legislation (within the meaning of the Road Transport (General) Act 2005).

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(7)  A person must not:

(a)  by any false statement, misrepresentation or other dishonest means, obtain or attempt to obtain an exemption under this clause or an exemption letter, or

(b)  by any statement made to a police officer falsely claim to have been granted an exemption under this clause, or

(c)  forge or fraudulently alter an exemption letter, or

(d)  be in possession of an exemption letter knowing it to have been forged or fraudulently altered or knowing it to have been obtained by any false statement, misrepresentation or other dishonest means, or

(e)  without lawful authority or reasonable excuse be in possession of an exemption letter or an article resembling an exemption letter, or

(f)  give or lend an exemption letter to another person knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that the exemption letter may be fraudulently used by that person or another person as evidence of the grant of an exemption under this clause, or

(g)  fraudulently use or allow another person to fraudulently use an exemption letter or article resembling an exemption letter as evidence of the grant of an exemption under this clause.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(8)  A person to whom an exemption is granted under this clause must surrender the exemption letter to the Authority within 14 days after the exemption ceases to be in force.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Division 3 Applications to obtain or vary driver licences

16   Procedure to obtain or vary driver licences

(1)  An applicant for issue or variation of a driver licence must give the Authority:

(a)  a completed application form in the form approved by the Authority, and

(b)  personal particulars necessary to identify the applicant and the applicant’s residential address, including any evidence that the Authority may reasonably require to verify those particulars (for example, evidence of the person’s address on the electoral roll), and

(c)  the applicable fee.

(2)  The Authority may not require the application form if it would be unreasonable or impracticable in the circumstances to do so.

(3)  The Authority may require an applicant for issue or variation of a driver licence:

(a)  to undergo tests or assessments, or provide other evidence of the applicant’s knowledge of road law, driving ability, training, experience or suitability to hold a driver licence, and

(b)  to provide evidence of the applicant’s compliance with the requirements of a law relating to the assessment of drivers convicted of offences involving alcohol or other drugs in force in the jurisdiction in which the person had last been disqualified from driving, and

(c)  to undergo, at his or her own cost, a medical examination, or produce evidence of compliance with the medical standards contained in the documents referred to in clause 31 (2), and

(d)  to attend a specified medical practitioner or allied professional practitioner for the purpose of that examination, and

(e)  to provide evidence that he or she is eligible to be granted the class of licence sought, and

(f)  to have his or her photograph taken, or to provide a photograph in a form specified by the Authority, and

(g)  to provide a specimen signature.

(4)  The Authority may accept evidence of compliance with a requirement in subclause (3) (a), (b) or (c) obtained by an applicant in another jurisdiction.

(5)  If the Authority is satisfied that it is not practicable for the applicant to comply with the requirements in subclause (3) (b) of another jurisdiction, the Authority may require the person to comply with the requirements of an equivalent assessment.

(6)  In addition to any other requirement of this clause, an applicant for issue of an interlock driver licence who is a person referred to in section 194 (1) of the Road Transport (General) Act 2005 must:

(a)  undergo, at the applicant’s own cost, a consultation with a medical practitioner nominated by the Authority for the purpose of discussing and giving brief advice to the applicant about the risks of alcohol consumption (a drink less brief alcohol intervention consultation), and

(b)  provide to the Authority a certificate from that medical practitioner confirming that the applicant has undergone the drink less brief alcohol intervention consultation, and

(c)  provide to the Authority a certificate, in a form approved by the Authority, from an approved interlock installer certifying that, at the request of the applicant, the installer has installed an approved interlock device (identified in the certificate) in a vehicle (identified in the certificate), and

(d)  give authority in writing for the collection, use and disclosure by an approved interlock installer, approved interlock service provider, the Authority or any person on behalf of the Authority of information obtained as a result of the applicant’s participation in the alcohol interlock program.

17   Surrender of current driver licence

(1)  If an applicant for a driver licence, or a variation of a driver licence, holds a current Australian driver licence, or a current licence to drive a motor vehicle issued in another country, the applicant must surrender that licence to the Authority before the issue of a driver licence or amended driver licence.

(2)  Despite subclause (1), the Authority may exempt a person from surrendering a licence issued in another country if the Authority is satisfied that it would be unreasonable, in the circumstances, to require that licence to be surrendered.

18   When application for driver licence can be refused

(1)  The Authority may refuse an application for issue or variation of a driver licence if the Authority is satisfied that:

(a)  the applicant is not eligible for the licence or variation, or

(b)  the applicant does not have sufficient driving ability or knowledge of road law, or

(c)  the applicant is not a fit and proper person to hold a driver licence, or

(d)  the applicant does not have sufficient knowledge of safe driving practices, or

(e)  the applicant does not meet the medical standards contained in the documents referred to in clause 31 (2) applicable to the driver licence, or

(f)  the applicant has not complied with the requirements of a law applying to licence applicants and relating to the assessment of drivers convicted of offences involving alcohol or other drugs in force in the jurisdiction in which the person had last been disqualified from driving, or

(g)  a provision of the Act or this Regulation prevents approval of the application, or

(h)  the applicant has not complied with a requirement of the Act or this Regulation relating to the application.

(2)  The Authority may refuse an application for issue or variation of a driver licence:

(a)  in accordance with an order made by a court in Australia, or

(b)  in accordance with a law in force in this State relating to the non-payment of fines, or

(c)  if the applicant is a person who, if already licensed, would be liable to have his or her licence cancelled under section 33 of the Act, or

(d)  if the applicant is a person who, if already licensed, would be liable to have action taken against the person under section 16 (9) or 16A (8) of the Act.

19   Issue and variation of driver licence

(1)  If the Authority approves an application, it must issue a driver licence of the class or kind applied for by the applicant (except as provided by clause 19AA).

(2)  The driver licence may be issued subject to conditions.

(3)  In determining whether to issue a driver licence subject to a condition, the Authority must have regard to the objects of the Act in relation to the regulation of drivers of motor vehicles in the interests of road safety.

(4)  Without limiting subclause (2), the driver licence may also be subject to any of the conditions to which a provisional licence is subject.

(5)  If the Authority approves an application for variation of a driver licence, it may vary the licence either conditionally or unconditionally.

19AA   Issue of driver licence to holder of Photo Card

If an applicant for a driver licence holds a current Photo Card issued under the Photo Card Act 2005, the Authority must not issue a driver licence unless the applicant surrenders that Photo Card in accordance with clause 7 of the Photo Card Regulation 2005.

19A   Interlock driver licences

(1)  Without limiting clause 19, the Authority may approve an application for, and issue, a conditional licence (an interlock driver licence) that authorises the holder of the licence to drive a motor vehicle on a road or road related area subject to the condition that the vehicle must be fitted with an approved interlock device that has been installed by an approved interlock installer in accordance with this Regulation.

Note. Section 194 of the Road Transport (General) Act 2005 entitles a person in respect of whom an order suspending a disqualification to hold a licence is made to participate in an interlock program if the person is issued with an interlock driver licence and the relevant disqualification compliance period has expired.

(2)  An interlock driver licence is subject to the following additional conditions:

(a)  the holder of the licence must not drive a motor vehicle with a breath or blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 or more grams of alcohol per 210 litres of breath or 100 millilitres of blood,

(b)  the holder of the licence may drive only a motor vehicle with a GVM that is not greater than 4.5 tonnes and that is constructed or equipped to seat not more than 12 adults (including the driver),

(c)  the holder of the licence must not drive a public passenger vehicle (as defined in the Passenger Transport Act 1990) or a motor vehicle loaded or partly loaded with any dangerous goods (within the meaning of the Dangerous Goods Act 1975 or the Road and Rail Transport (Dangerous Goods) Act 1997) and that is required by the Road Transport Reform (Dangerous Goods) (New South Wales) Regulations to have signs exhibited on it,

(d)  for the purpose of counselling the holder of the licence with respect to the consumption of alcohol, the holder must (at his or her own cost) undergo such medical consultations, with such medical practitioners and at such times, as may be required by the Authority,

(e)  the holder of the licence must ensure that maintenance is carried out as and when required by the Authority (at the holder’s own cost) on the interlock device identified in the certificate the holder provided to the Authority under clause 16 (6) (c),

(f)  the holder of the licence must not, without the approval of the Authority, remove or cause or permit to be removed the approved interlock device from the motor vehicle specified in that certificate or from any other motor vehicle in which it is subsequently installed,

(g)  the holder of the licence must not drive any motor vehicle in which the approved interlock device is installed if the holder knows, or could reasonably be expected to know, that the approved interlock device installed is not functioning properly,

(h)  the holder of the licence must use the approved interlock device in accordance with the instructions (if any) for the proper use of the device supplied to the holder by its manufacturer and the Authority,

(i)  the holder of the licence must not interfere, or cause or permit any person (other than an approved interlock installer or approved interlock service provider installing, maintaining or removing the approved interlock device) to interfere with the proper operation of the device,

(j)  the holder of the licence must, if required to do so by the Authority, authorise the Authority in writing (or any persons nominated by the Authority) to provide any data or other information collected by the approved interlock device to persons carrying out functions for the purposes of the alcohol interlock program during the period the licence is in force,

(k)  the holder of the licence must permit a police officer to inspect the approved interlock device if the police officer asks to inspect the device.

(3)  The Authority may, by notice in writing given to the holder of an interlock driver licence, impose such other conditions relating to the use of an interlock device installed in a motor vehicle driven by the holder as the Authority considers appropriate.

(4)  The Authority may, by notice in writing to the holder of the licence, vary or revoke any condition imposed by it under subclause (3).

(5)  The holder of a converted interlock driver licence (within the meaning of clause 19B) is not required to observe any of the conditions to which the interlock driver licence was subject under this clause.

Note. Under clause 56, the holder of an interlock driver licence who fails to comply with a condition of the licence is guilty of an offence.

19B   Conversion of interlock driver licences

(1)  An interlock driver licence is deemed, at the end of the day on which its holder ceases to participate in the alcohol interlock program because the holder has completed the interlock participation period applicable to the holder under section 192 of the Road Transport (General) Act 2005, to be a car licence other than an interlock driver licence (in this clause referred to as a converted interlock driver licence).

Note. This provision will enable a person who has been issued with an interlock driver licence for a period that is longer than the period the person is required to participate in an alcohol interlock program under section 192 of the Road Transport (General) Act 2005 to continue to drive under the authority of the licence for the duration of the licence. The person will be able to drive any vehicle that the holder of a car licence other than an interlock driver licence may drive under clause 26 (3) of this Regulation. The conditions applicable to the interlock driver licence will no longer apply (see clause 19A (5)). The provision does not apply to a person referred to in section 196 (2) of that Act (early cessation of participation).

(2)  The converted interlock driver licence expires on the day recorded in the driver licence register as the licence expiry date for the interlock driver licence.

20   Issue of driver licence receipt as interim measure

(1)  As an interim measure, the Authority may issue a driver licence receipt.

(2)  A driver licence receipt has the same force and effect as a driver licence except that a driver licence receipt ceases to be in force on the expiry date indicated on it, or the day on which a driver licence in respect of the same licence class is given to the holder, whichever is the sooner.

(3)  A driver licence receipt must comply with the requirements of clause 22 (1), except clause 22 (1) (c).

21   Competency based assessment

(1)  The Authority may approve a scheme (to be known as competency based assessment) under which a person’s competency may be assessed for the purposes of a determination in relation to a licence held or to be held by a person. The scheme applies to the extent approved by the Authority.

(2)  The Authority may request the person’s participation in the scheme as a prerequisite to the making of the determination, or may instead offer participation in the scheme as an alternative to other means of testing (or provision of information) for the purposes of the determination.

(3)  The Authority may, on application by a person requesting entry into the scheme, issue to the person the log book appropriate to the class of driver licence in which the person is interested together with documentation explaining the operation of the scheme and its relationship to the issue of driver licences.

(4)  An applicant for entry into the scheme must give the Authority:

(a)  a completed application form in the form approved by the Authority, and

(b)  personal particulars necessary to identify the applicant and the applicant’s residential address, including any evidence that the Authority may reasonably require to verify those particulars, and

(c)  the applicable fee.

(5)  An applicant for entry into the scheme must hold a driver licence of the class required by the Authority, or satisfy such other requirements as the Authority may impose, with regard to the purpose for which the applicant desires entry into the scheme.

(6)  The Authority may issue a replacement log book, on payment of the appropriate administrative fee, if it is satisfied that a log book has been lost, stolen or damaged.

(7)  In this clause:

log book means a book, in a form approved by the Authority in relation to a particular class of driver licence:

(a)  listing the driving competencies to be achieved in order to obtain a licence of that class, and

(b)  providing for the recording and authentication, in space provided in the book, of particulars of assessment, in relation to those competencies, of the person to whom the book is issued.

Part 3 Driver licences

22   Form of driver licence

(1)  A driver licence must show:

(a)  a licence number for the person to whom it is issued, and

(b)  the full name of the person, and

(c)  a photograph of the person, and

(d)  the person’s date of birth, and

(e)  the person’s residential address, and

(f)  the person’s signature (or a reproduction of that signature), and

(g)  the class or classes of licence held by the person, as set out in clause 26, and

(h)  the expiry date of the licence, and

(i)  the code of any condition to which the licence is subject, in accordance with clause 28.

(2)  A driver licence may be colour coded as follows:

learner licence—green

provisional licence—red

1-year licence—silver

3-year licence—silver

5-year licence—gold

Alternatively, if the driver licence is a class HR, class HC or class MC licence, it may be coloured magenta.

(3)  The Authority may include on a driver licence issued subject to clause 6A (Special eligibility criteria for temporary overseas visitors) a code or symbol, together with a statement, to indicate that the licensee has not provided the Authority with evidence of permanent resident status.

23   Issue of replacement driver licence

(1)  The Authority may, on payment by the holder of a driver licence of the applicable fee, issue a driver licence to replace a driver licence that:

(a)  has been stolen, lost, damaged or destroyed, or

(b)  has been cancelled under clause 38 (1) (i) or (j).

(2)  A licence holder who seeks a replacement driver licence must provide to the Authority personal particulars necessary to identify the applicant, including any evidence that the Authority may reasonably require to verify those particulars.

(3)  The Authority may require a licence holder who seeks a replacement driver licence to comply with any of the requirements of clause 16 (3) in addition to the requirements of this clause.

(4)  On the issue of a replacement licence, the licence it replaces is of no effect.

24   Driver licence register

Note. The Authority has the function of maintaining the driver licence register (see section 8 (b) of the Act).

(1)  The Authority must record the following matters in the driver licence register, in respect of each driver licence:

(a)  the identification number allocated to the person to whom the licence was issued,

(b)  the full name of the person,

(c)  the person’s gender and date of birth,

(d)  the person’s residential address and address for service of notices (if any),

(e)  the class or classes of the licence,

(f)  the commencement and expiry dates of the licence,

(g)  any conditions to which the licence is subject.

(2)  The Authority may record, in the driver licence register, other information for:

(a)  the purposes of the Act and this Regulation, or

(b)  the purposes of another Act, or

(c)  other purposes, as the Authority considers appropriate.

(3)  The holder of a driver licence is entitled to request a search of the driver licence register, and to obtain a certificate as to any matter appearing in the register in relation to him or her, on payment of the applicable fee.

(4)  The Authority may correct any mistake or error in, or omission of, matter recorded in the driver licence register, subject to any requirements of the Act or this Regulation.

25   Release of information to the Australian Electoral Commission

(1)  The Authority may provide to the Australian Electoral Commission any information recorded in the driver licence register for the purpose of assisting the Australian Electoral Commission to carry out its functions under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 of the Commonwealth.

Note. The disclosure of personal information by the Authority is regulated by the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998. Section 25 of that Act allows personal information to be disclosed if the disclosure is permitted (or is necessarily implied or reasonably contemplated) under an Act or any other law.

(2)  The Authority may provide the information to the Australian Electoral Commission on such conditions as are agreed between the Authority and the Commission, or if there is no agreement, as are determined by the Authority.

25A   Release of certain information for publication by RTA

The Authority may cause the following information recorded in the driver licence register to be published:

(a)  the name of any driving school (within the meaning of the Driving Instructors Act 1992) that has presented persons to the Authority for submission to a driving test for a learner licence of class C, being a driving test:

(i)  conducted in a vehicle of the driving school, and

(ii)  to which the student has not previously submitted, and

(b)  the percentage of those persons who passed the driving test on their first attempt.

Note. The disclosure of personal information by the Authority is regulated by the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998. Section 25 of that Act allows personal information to be disclosed if the disclosure is permitted (or is necessarily implied or reasonably contemplated) under an Act or any other law.

25B   Release of information relating to alcohol interlock program

The Authority may, for the purpose of enabling the Authority to perform functions conferred or imposed on the Authority by or under the Act in relation to the alcohol interlock program, disclose to the following persons data or information recorded in the driver licence register:

(a)  a person approved under section 21B of the Act as an approved interlock installer or an approved interlock service provider,

(b)  a person who has entered into an agreement with the Authority under clause 53I,

(c)  a person who provides any services to a person referred to in paragraph (b) in connection with the alcohol interlock program.

26   Licence classes

(1)  The holder of a driver licence of a particular class may drive a motor vehicle of a particular kind, as set out in this clause. The classes of driver licence are car licence (being a car licence other than an interlock driver licence or a car licence that is an interlock driver licence), motorcycle licence, light rigid vehicle licence, medium rigid vehicle licence, heavy rigid vehicle licence, heavy combination vehicle licence or multi-combination vehicle licence.

(2)  The holder of a motorcycle licence may drive a motor bike or motor trike, other than a motor trike that has a body type commonly known as, or similar to, a sedan, station wagon, coupe, convertible, roadster, utility, tray top or van.

(3)  The holder of a car licence (other than an interlock driver licence) may drive any of the following:

(a)  a motor vehicle with a GVM that is not greater than 4.5 tonnes and that is constructed or equipped to seat not more than 12 adults (including the driver),

(b)  a car-based motor tricycle,

(c)  any tractor or implement.

(3A)  However, the authority conferred by a car licence (other than an interlock driver licence) does not entitle the holder to drive:

(a)  a motor bike, or

(b)  a motor trike (other than a car-based motor tricycle) that does not have a body type commonly known as, or similar to, a sedan, station wagon, coupe, convertible, roadster, utility, tray top or van.

(3B)  The holder of a car licence that is an interlock driver licence may drive a motor vehicle with a GVM that is not greater than 4.5 tonnes and that is constructed or equipped to seat not more than 12 adults (including the driver).

(4)  The holder of a light rigid vehicle licence may drive a motor vehicle that:

(a)  has a GVM greater than 4.5 tonnes but not greater than 8 tonnes, or

(b)  seats more than 12 adults (including the driver) and has a GVM not greater than 8 tonnes.

(5)  The holder of a medium rigid vehicle licence may drive a motor vehicle that has:

(a)  2 axles, and

(b)  a GVM greater than 8 tonnes.

(6)  The holder of a heavy rigid vehicle licence may drive a motor vehicle (including an articulated bus, but not including any other articulated vehicle) that has:

(a)  3 or more axles, and

(b)  a GVM greater than 8 tonnes.

(7)  The holder of a heavy combination vehicle licence may drive:

(a)  a prime mover to which is attached a single semi-trailer plus any unladen converter dolly, or

(b)  a rigid motor vehicle to which is attached a trailer that has a GVM greater than 9 tonnes plus any unladen converter dolly.

(8)  The holder of a multi-combination vehicle licence may drive any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles other than a motor bike or motor trike described in subclause (3A) (b).

(9)  The holder of a licence of a particular class may, in addition to driving motor vehicles in that class, drive vehicles in any lower class according to the hierarchy set out in clause 27 (1).

(10)  The holder of a driver licence of class C or LR may drive a motor vehicle covered by that licence class that is towing a single trailer with a GVM not greater than 9 tonnes, provided that:

(a)  in the case of a motor vehicle that has a GVM of up to 4.5 tonnes, the requirements of any law in force in this State in relation to the mass limits for combinations of light vehicles are met, or

(b)  in the case of a motor vehicle that has a GVM greater than 4.5 tonnes, the mass limits for combinations specified in the Road Transport (Mass, Loading and Access) Regulation 2005 are met.

(11)  The holder of a driver licence of class MR or HR may drive a motor vehicle covered by that licence class that is towing a single trailer (other than a trailer commonly known as a semi-trailer) that has a GVM not greater than 9 tonnes, provided that the mass limits for combinations specified in the Road Transport (Mass, Loading and Access) Regulation 2005 are met.

(12)  The towing allowances of subclauses (10) and (11), other than the requirement that the driver of a vehicle towing a semi-trailer must hold a driver licence of class HC, apply irrespective of the type of connection between the trailer and the towing vehicle. Subclause (11) is not intended to prevent the holder of a medium rigid vehicle licence or heavy rigid vehicle licence from towing a car carrier, horse float or like trailer of a mass less than 9 tonnes.

(13)  A licence class may be shown on a driver licence by means of a code or symbol.

(14)  If a licence class is shown by way of a code, the code set out in the Table to this subclause must be used. In the Table, the code in Column 1 refers to the class of licence set out opposite that code in Column 2.

Table

Column 1	Column 2
Licence code	Licence class
R	motorcycle licence
C	car licence
LR	light rigid vehicle licence
MR	medium rigid vehicle licence
HR	heavy rigid vehicle licence
HC	heavy combination vehicle licence
MC	multi-combination vehicle licence

(15)  A licence class may be described by reference to the code set out in the Table to subclause (14).

27   Order and description of licence classes

(1)  For the purposes of this Regulation, the order of licence classes, from the lowest to the highest, is:

(a)  car licence,

(b)  light rigid vehicle licence,

(c)  medium rigid vehicle licence,

(d)  heavy rigid vehicle licence,

(e)  heavy combination vehicle licence,

(f)  multi-combination vehicle licence.

(2)  A motorcycle licence is not included in the licence class hierarchy set out in subclause (1).

28   Conditional licences

(1)  A condition to which a driver licence is subject may be shown on the driver licence by means of a code or symbol.

(2)  If a condition is shown by a code or symbol, the driver licence must bear a note to the effect that the condition can be found out by inquiry of the Authority.

(3)  The Authority may require the holder of a conditional licence to carry, when driving, any notice issued by the Authority containing a full explanation of the conditions to which the licence is subject.

(4)  Despite subclause (3), the holder of an Australian driver licence issued in another jurisdiction that is a conditional licence that bears the code X, and that refers to a condition imposed under a provision of a law of that jurisdiction corresponding to this clause or clause 38, must carry a notice issued by the Authority containing a full explanation of the conditions to which the licence is subject when driving in this State.

(5)  A code in Column 1 of the Table to this subclause may be used on a driver licence to indicate that the licence is subject to the condition set out in Column 2 opposite that code.

Table

Column 1	Column 2
Licence code	Licence condition
A	The holder must drive only a motor vehicle fitted with an automatic transmission.
B	If the holder drives a heavy vehicle, the vehicle must be fitted with a synchromesh transmission or automatic transmission.
E	If the holder is the rider of a motor bike or motor trike, the motor bike or motor trike must be of restricted engine capacity as notified in writing by the Authority to the holder on issue or variation of a licence.
I	The holder must drive only a motor vehicle fitted with an approved interlock device within the meaning of Part 2A of the Act.
S	The holder must wear corrective lenses at all times while driving.
V	The holder must drive only a motor vehicle fitted with specified driver aids, or modified as directed in writing by the Authority or printed on the driver licence.
X	The holder must comply with any condition of which he or she has been notified in writing by the Authority on issue or variation of a licence or that is printed on the driver licence.
Z	0.02 grams per 210 litres of breath or 100 millilitres of blood alcohol concentration restriction.

(6)  A short description of a licence condition may be printed on a driver licence.

28A   Application of prescribed conditions

If this Regulation is amended so as to impose a new condition on a driver licence (whether or not of a particular class) or to amend an existing condition applying to such a licence:

(a)  the new condition or amended condition applies to all such licences, regardless of when they were issued, unless this Regulation expressly or by necessary implication provides otherwise, and

(b)  the new condition or amended condition applies only in respect of conduct occurring after the new condition or amendment to the condition takes effect.

29   Damaged or lost licences

(1)  A licence is of no effect if it is damaged, or is in such a condition, that the particulars in the licence cannot be read.

(2)  The holder of a driver licence whose licence is damaged, stolen, lost or destroyed must notify the Authority as soon as practicable.

Part 4 Obligations of licence applicants and licensed drivers

30   Change of name, address or medical condition

(1)  The holder of a driver licence must tell the Authority, not more than 14 days after the change, about any change in his or her:

(a)  name, or

(b)  residential address, or address for service of notices.

(2)  Unless required by the Authority, the advice from the licence holder referred to in subclause (1) need not be in writing.

(3)  A new residential address must be an address in this State at which the Authority may ordinarily make personal contact with the person.

(4)  If there is no postal service to an applicant’s or licence holder’s residential address, the person must also provide an address for the service of notices.

(5)  The holder of a driver licence must, as soon as practicable, notify the Authority of any permanent or long term injury or illness that may impair his or her ability to drive safely.

31   Tests and medical examinations of licensed drivers

(1)  The Authority may, by notice in writing, require the holder of a driver licence, within a time specified in the notice:

(a)  to submit to tests of the holder’s knowledge of safe driving practices and road law, or

(b)  to submit to tests or assessments of driving ability, or

(c)  to undergo a medical examination by a medical practitioner or allied professional practitioner, or produce evidence of compliance with the medical standards referred to in subclause (2), to determine the person’s medical fitness to hold a driver licence, or a licence of a particular class, or

(d)  to attend a specified medical practitioner or allied professional practitioner for the purpose of that examination.

(2)  A medical examination required by a notice under this clause must be conducted in accordance with the medical standards for licensing and clinical management guidelines set out in the publication Assessing Fitness to Drive published by AUSTROADS Inc and approved by the Australian Transport Council, as in force from time to time.

(3)  The Authority may require the holder of a driver licence to provide to it any documents relevant to the holder’s medical fitness to hold a driver licence.

(4)  The Authority must accept, for the purposes of this clause, a certificate, in a form approved by the Authority, of the results of a medical examination conducted in another jurisdiction if that examination otherwise complies with this clause.

32   Verification of record and monitoring of compliance

(1)  If there are reasonable grounds for believing that information contained in the driver licence register is inaccurate or misleading, the Authority may by written notice require the holder of a driver licence to provide evidence to the Authority, in a form specified by the Authority, relating to anything relevant to the issuing, variation or continuation of the licence, including:

(a)  the holder’s personal details, and

(b)  the holder’s residential address.

(2)  For the purposes of this clause, the Authority may require the holder of a driver licence:

(a)  to provide specified documents for inspection, and

(b)  to attend at a time and place specified by the Authority for identification.

(3)  If a person who is required to attend for identification requests a change to the time or place specified in the notice, the Authority must give consideration to that request and may change the time or place in accordance with the request.

Part 5 Expiry, surrender and cancellation of driver licences

33   Licence expiry date

A driver licence expires at the end of the day that is recorded in the driver licence register as the licence expiry date.

Note. See also clause 19B.

34   Notice of renewal of driver licence

(1)  A notice of renewal of a driver licence is a notice:

(a)  addressed to the holder of the driver licence, and

(b)  stating that, if the driver licence is not renewed on or before a date specified in the notice, the driver licence will expire.

(2)  If the Authority fails to send a notice of renewal of a driver licence, or the notice is not received by a person, that failure or non receipt does not affect:

(a)  the expiry of the driver licence, and

(b)  the obligation of the holder of the driver licence to renew the licence if he or she wishes to continue to drive a motor vehicle on a road or road related area after the expiry of his or her existing licence.

35   Renewal of driver licence

(1)  A person may apply to the Authority to renew his or her driver licence at any time within 5 years after the licence expiry date by giving the Authority:

(a)  an application for renewal of the driver licence in the form approved by the Authority, and

(b)  personal particulars necessary to identify the applicant, including any evidence that the Authority may reasonably require to verify those particulars, and

(c)  the applicable fee.

(2)  The Authority may require the applicant to comply with any of the requirements of clause 16 (3) in addition to the requirements specified in subclause (1).

(3)  Subject to subclause (4), the Authority must renew the driver licence.

(4)  The Authority may refuse to renew a driver licence if the circumstances are such that, if the applicant for renewal were applying for a new licence, the Authority would refuse that application under clause 18.

(5)  The Authority may refuse to renew a driver licence if the Authority is satisfied that the photograph contained in the previous driver licence is no longer a true likeness of the applicant.

(6)  If a driver licence (the old licence) is renewed, the expiry date of the new licence may be calculated from:

(a)  in the case of renewal before, on, or within six months after the licence expiry date of the old licence, that expiry date of the old licence, or

(b)  in the case of renewal within 5 years after the licence expiry date of the old licence, the day the licence is renewed.

(7)  A person whose driver licence is not renewed within 5 years after the licence expiry date is not entitled to apply for a renewal, but may apply for a new licence in accordance with clause 16.

36   Demerit points and offences

(1)  For the purposes of section 15 (1) (a) of the Act, the national schedule of demerit points comprises the offences set out in Columns 1 and 2 of Schedule 1, and the points specified in relation to each offence set out in Column 3 of Schedule 1.

(2)  For the purposes of section 15 (1) (b) of the Act, the offences set out in Columns 1 and 2 of Schedule 2, and the points specified in relation to each offence set out in Column 3 of Schedule 2, are prescribed.

(3)  Despite subclauses (1) and (2), the number of demerit points to be allocated to an offence committed over a long weekend (other than an offence of another jurisdiction) is the number of points specified in Column 4 of Schedule 1 or 2, as the case may be, in respect of the offence.

(4)  Despite subclauses (1) and (2), the number of demerit points to be allocated to an offence to which this clause applies (being an offence under a law of another jurisdiction) committed over a long weekend is a number determined by the Authority (not being a number higher than the number applying under subclause (3) to the New South Wales offence with which the Authority has determined it corresponds).

(5)  In this clause:

long weekend means a period of consecutive days consisting of:

(a)  a Saturday and Sunday (the weekend), and

(b)  one or more days that have been declared to be public holidays (or part of which have been declared to be public holidays) throughout the State and that are any of the following:

(i)  the Thursday or Friday immediately before the weekend,

(ii)  the Monday or Tuesday immediately after the weekend, and

(c)  if the Thursday (but not the Friday) immediately before the weekend is such a public holiday—the Friday, and

(d)  if the Tuesday (but not the Monday) immediately after the weekend is such a public holiday—the Monday.

over a long weekend means during:

(a)  the period commencing on the day immediately before the first day of a long weekend and ending with the last day of a long weekend (inclusive), or

(b)  any of the following days or periods:

26 December 2001

27 December 2001

20 December 2002 until 1 January 2003 (inclusive)

17 April 2003 until 27 April 2003 (inclusive)

24 December 2003 until 4 January 2004 (inclusive)

24 December 2004 until 3 January 2005 (inclusive)

21 January 2005 until 26 January 2005 (inclusive)

23 December 2005 until 2 January 2006 (inclusive),

(c)  the following periods in a year (but not a year before 2006):

(i)  if December 25 is a Monday—22 December until 1 January the following year (inclusive),

(ii)  if December 25 is a Tuesday—21 December until 1 January the following year (inclusive),

(iii)  if December 25 is a Wednesday—20 December until 1 January the following year (inclusive),

(iv)  if December 25 is a Thursday—24 December until 4 January the following year (inclusive),

(v)  if December 25 is a Friday—24 December until 3 January the following year (inclusive),

(vi)  if December 25 is a Saturday—24 December until 3 January the following year (inclusive),

(vii)  if December 25 is a Sunday—23 December until 2 January the following year (inclusive).

37   Surrender of driver licence

(1)  The holder of a driver licence may apply, personally or by an agent who produces written evidence of his or her appointment as agent, to the Authority to surrender the licence.

(2)  The holder of a driver licence who applies for surrender of the licence must:

(a)  return the licence to the Authority, or

(b)  if the licence has been lost or destroyed, give the Authority a statement signed by the licence holder or agent that the licence has been lost or destroyed.

(3)  The Authority must approve an application for the surrender of a driver licence unless:

(a)  the holder of the licence has failed to meet the requirements of this clause, or

(b)  the Authority is taking action to suspend or cancel the licence under section 16, 17 or 33 of the Act or clause 38 or 39, or

(c)  the licence is suspended under section 16, 17 or 33 of the Act, section 204 or 205 of the Road Transport (General) Act 2005, Division 4 of Part 3 of the Fines Act 1996 or clause 38 or 39.

(4)  Subject to subclause (5), if a driver surrenders his or her driver licence, the Authority may refund part of the fee for the issue of the licence, calculated in accordance with the formula:

where:

number of days is the number of unexpired whole days remaining of the licence period for which the fee was paid, from the day on which the Authority approves the application to surrender the licence.

licence period is the total number of days for which the licence was issued.

fee paid is the amount, other than the administrative fee, paid for the issue of the driver licence.

(5)  The Authority may deduct from the refund the amount of any unpaid administrative fees incurred in respect of the driver licence.

(6)  If an amount of refund determined in accordance with this clause would comprise an amount that is not a whole number of dollars, the amount of refund is to be adjusted downwards to the next whole number of dollars.

(7)  The holder of a driver licence that has been suspended under a provision referred to in subclause (3) (c) may give custody of the licence to the Authority.

(8)  If the holder of a driver licence loses custody of his or her driver licence by reason of having given custody of his or her driver licence to the Authority under subclause (7):

(a)  the holder of the driver licence is not eligible for a refund under subclause (4) of any part of the licence fee, and

(b)  the Authority may dispose of the licence as it thinks fit.

38   Variation, suspension or cancellation of driver licence

(1)  The Authority may vary, suspend or cancel a person’s driver licence if it appears to the Authority that:

(a)  the person has failed or refused to submit to a test or medical examination required under or in accordance with the Act or this Regulation, or has failed such a test or examination, or

(b)  it would be dangerous for the person to drive a motor vehicle because of illness or incapacity, or because of the effects of treatment for such conditions, or

(c)  the person does not have sufficient driving ability or knowledge of road law, or

(d)  the person is not a fit and proper person to hold a driver licence, or

(e)  the person has not complied with the requirements of a law relating to the assessment of drivers convicted of offences involving alcohol or drugs in force in the jurisdiction in which the person had last been disqualified from driving, or

(f)  the person is no longer eligible, in accordance with the Act or this Regulation, for a particular class or classes of licence, or

(g)  the licence was issued or renewed in error, or

(h)  the licence is incorrect in any respect, or

(i)  a non-cash payment submitted to the Authority as payment of an applicable fee has been dishonoured, or

(j)  the person has been convicted in another jurisdiction or another country of any offence which, if the person had been licensed in that jurisdiction or country, would have enabled the driver licensing authority of that jurisdiction or country to vary, suspend or cancel the person’s licence, or

(k)  the person has failed to comply with a condition of the licence, or

(l)  the photograph contained in the licence is no longer a true likeness of the person.

(1A)  Without limiting subclause (1), the Authority:

(a)  may suspend a person’s driver licence if it appears to the Authority that, while driving a motor vehicle, the person has occasioned death or grievous bodily harm to some other person as a result of having become incapable of controlling the motor vehicle (for example, as a result of sleep or loss of consciousness), and

(b)  may do so regardless of whether the circumstances in which this has occurred have given rise to the person being prosecuted for an offence.

(1B)  In deciding whether to suspend a person’s driver licence under subclause (1A), the Authority need not inquire into the likelihood of the person again becoming incapable of controlling a motor vehicle in similar circumstances.

(2)  The Authority must suspend or cancel a person’s driver licence in accordance with:

(a)  an order made by a court in Australia, or

(b)  a law in force in this State.

(3)  If a person’s driver licence expires during a period of suspension for the licence imposed under section 17 of the Act or this Regulation, the person cannot apply to the Authority for another driver licence during the unexpired portion of the period of licence suspension.

38A   Prescribed offences for cancellation or suspension of licences

For the purposes of the definition of speeding offence in section 33 (5), the following offences are prescribed:

(a)  any offence that involves exceeding a speed limit fixed by or under the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999 applicable to the relevant driver or vehicle by more than 30 kilometres per hour, or

(b)  any other offence that involves exceeding a speed limit fixed by or under the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999 applicable to the relevant driver where the driver drives the vehicle concerned at a speed exceeding 130 kilometres per hour.

Note. Clause 11 of Schedule 3 to the Act provides that until a regulation is made under section 33 (5) of the Act, as amended by the Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Act 1999, the offences prescribed for the purposes of section 33 (5) are all those offences that involve exceeding any speed limit fixed by or under the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999, applicable to the relevant driver or vehicle, by more than 30 kilometres per hour. The above provision is made under section 33 (5) of the Act as relevantly amended.

38B   (Repealed)

39   Procedures for variation, suspension or cancellation of driver licence

(1)  If the Authority decides to vary, suspend or cancel a person’s driver licence, the Authority must give the person notice in writing of:

(a)  the reasons for the proposed variation, suspension or cancellation, and

(b)  any action that must be taken by the licence holder in order to avoid or reverse the variation, suspension or cancellation, and

(c)  the date after service of the notice on which the variation, suspension or cancellation takes effect.

(2)  The notice under subclause (1) must also state:

(a)  in the case of a notice to vary a person’s driver licence, that if the licence is varied as set out in the notice, the person will no longer be authorised to drive a motor vehicle of a kind specified in the notice on a road or road related area, or

(b)  in the case of a notice to suspend a person’s driver licence, that if the licence is suspended, the person will not be authorised to drive a motor vehicle on a road or road related area for the period of suspension specified in the notice, or

(c)  in the case of a notice to cancel a person’s driver licence, that if the licence is cancelled, the person will no longer be authorised to drive a motor vehicle on a road or road related area.

(2A)  Despite subclause (1) (c), if the Authority decides to vary, suspend or cancel a person’s driver licence on the ground that the person has failed or refused to submit to a test or medical examination required under or in accordance with the Act or this Regulation, or has failed such a test or examination, the Authority may determine that the variation, suspension or cancellation is to take effect on the service of the notice.

(3)  A notice to vary, suspend or cancel a person’s driver licence must also state whether the licence is required to be returned to the Authority and, if so, specify the date by which the licence must be returned and the place to which it is to be returned.

(4)  A driver licence is varied, suspended or cancelled in accordance with the terms of a notice served under this clause unless the Authority, by further notice in writing, withdraws the notice.

(4A)  A notice to suspend a person’s driver licence under clause 38 (1A) may not be withdrawn except on the order of a Local Court in respect of an appeal under Division 3 of Part 3 of the Road Transport (General) Regulation 2005.

(5)  If a person’s driver licence is varied, suspended or cancelled by the Authority, the person must return the licence to the Authority within the time required by the notice served under this clause.

(6)  The Authority may decide to vary, suspend or cancel a driver licence under this Regulation without the holder of the licence having been provided with an opportunity to show cause why the licence should not be varied, suspended or cancelled.

39A   Notice of suspension or cancellation of driver licence

(1)  An authorised officer may give a person notice in writing that the person’s driver licence is suspended or cancelled if the records of the Authority indicate that the person’s driver licence is suspended or cancelled.

(2)  A notice under this clause:

(a)  must be in a form approved by the Authority, and

(b)  must identify the person to whom it is given and state that the Authority’s records show that his or her driver licence has been suspended or cancelled, and

(c)  must state the date and time that the notice was given to the person.

(3)  Despite clause 6 of the Road Transport (General) Regulation 2005, a notice may only be given for the purposes of this clause by serving the notice personally.

(4)  Where a notice is given by a police officer under this clause, particulars of the notice are to be forwarded to the Authority immediately after the notice is given.

(5)  The giving of a notice to a person under this clause does not preclude any other action against the person in relation to an offence or alleged offence under any Act or regulation (including proceedings for an offence against section 25A of the Act).

(6)  For the purposes of this clause:

authorised officer means:

(a)  a police officer, and

(b)  a person who is appointed by the Authority as an authorised officer for the purposes of this clause.

Note. Section 230 (2) of the Road Transport (General) Act 2005 provides that a statement in a certificate purporting to have been issued by the Authority or a police officer as to any matter that appears in or can be calculated from records kept or accessed by the Authority or police officer is admissible in any proceedings and is prima facie evidence of the matters stated.

40   Downgrading of driver licence

(1)  If a driver licence is cancelled:

(a)  by the operation of the road transport legislation (within the meaning of the Road Transport (General) Act 2005) as a result of the imposition on the holder of the licence of a period of disqualification, or

(b)  by the Authority under section 33 of the Act,

      the Authority may, if the offence or offences (or alleged offence or offences) that gave rise to the cancellation arise wholly or mainly out of the use of a motor vehicle or trailer of a class approved in writing by the Authority for the purposes of this clause, issue the former holder with another driver licence (being one that does not authorise the driving of motor vehicles or trailers of that class) in substitution for the cancelled licence.

(2)  Nothing in this clause:

(a)  limits any discretion of the Authority to decline to issue a licence to a person, or

(b)  permits the issue of any licence to a person who for the time being is disqualified from holding one.

Part 6 Motorcycle licence riding and testing scheme

41   Definitions

In this Part:

authorised rider training course means:

(a)  a provisional P1 licence rider training course, or

(b)  a learner licence rider training course,

provided under an agreement referred to in clause 42.

rider training centre means premises that a rider training operator is authorised to use for the purpose of providing an authorised rider training course.

rider training instructor means a person accredited under clause 43.

rider training operator means a person authorised, under an agreement referred to in clause 42, to provide an authorised rider training course.

testing officer means a person accredited under clause 44.

42   Authorisation of operators

The Authority may enter into an agreement with a person under which the person is authorised to provide a rider training course at a rider training centre specified in the agreement.

43   Accreditation of rider training instructors

The Authority may, by instrument in writing, accredit a person as a rider training instructor if the person:

(a)  is the holder of a valid and unexpired licence issued under the Driving Instructors Act 1992 authorising the person to act as a driving instructor, within the meaning of that Act, in respect of motor bikes and motor trikes, and

(b)  satisfies the Authority that the person is otherwise qualified to conduct an authorised rider training course.

44   Accreditation of testing officers

The Authority may, by instrument in writing, accredit a person as a testing officer if the person:

(a)  is a riding training instructor, and

(b)  satisfies the Authority that the person is otherwise qualified to be a testing officer.

45   Objects of training course

(1)  The Authority must not enter into an agreement under clause 42 unless the Authority is satisfied that the rider training course the subject of the agreement is to be directed to ensuring that a person who desires to hold:

(a)  a motorcycle learner licence, or

(b)  a provisional P1 licence of class R,

      has sufficient knowledge and skills to warrant the granting of the licence concerned.

(2)  For that purpose, any such course is to include:

(a)  the training of applicants in the necessary skills, and

(b)  the instruction of applicants in the relevant law and safe riding practices, and

(c)  the testing of applicants’ skills and knowledge, and

(d)  provision for the issue of certificates, in a form approved by the Authority and signed by a rider training instructor or testing officer (or, if the Authority so requires, by both an instructor and testing officer), attesting the satisfactory completion of the course by persons undertaking it.

46   Application to do course

(1)  A person who wishes to undertake an authorised rider training course must:

(a)  apply in writing to the Authority, in the form approved by the Authority, and

(b)  pay to the Authority the applicable fee.

(2)  The Authority may refund all or part of the fee if:

(a)  the person does not complete the course, and

(b)  the Authority is satisfied that the circumstances warrant a refund.

47   Mandatory training areas

The Authority may, by instrument in writing, identify any area within the State, being an area in which a rider training centre is situated, as a mandatory training area.

48   Exemption from compulsory motorcycle licence training

(1)  A person who satisfies the Authority that the person’s usual residential address is not within a mandatory training area identified under clause 47 is exempt from any requirement under this Regulation to hold a certificate issued under this Part.

(2)  The Authority may, by notice in writing, exempt any person or class of persons from all or any of the requirements of this Part.

(3)  An exemption may be unconditional or may be subject to conditions specified in the exemption.

(4)  An exemption that is subject to conditions ceases to be in force as soon as the conditions are not complied with.

(5)  A person is exempt from any requirement of this Regulation to hold a certificate issued under this Part if:

(a)  the person applies for the issue of a learner licence to learn to ride a motor bike or motor trike, and

(b)  the person is, at the time of applying, the holder of a learner licence to learn to ride a motor bike or motor trike, or the equivalent of such a licence, issued under the law in force in another jurisdiction.

49   Exemption from licensing and other provisions

A person is exempt from the requirement to hold a licence in respect of any motor bike or motor trike while it is being ridden, as part of an authorised rider training course at a rider training centre referred to in this Part, by an applicant for a learner licence who is 16 years and 6 months of age or older.

Part 7 Interlock devices

Division 1 Definitions

50   Definitions

In this Part:

approval means an approval as an approved interlock installer or approved interlock service provider under section 21B of the Act.

labelled approved interlock device means an approved interlock device labelled with the words “NSW approved interlock device”.

Division 2 Approvals

51   Eligibility for approval as an approved interlock installer

(1)  A person is eligible to apply to be approved as a person who may install and remove approved interlock devices in motor vehicles for the purposes of Part 2A of the Act (an approved interlock installer) if the person:

(a)  is at least 18 years of age, and

(b)  is a fit and proper person to be an approved interlock installer, and

Note. See clause 53.

(c)  is suitably qualified to perform the functions of an approved interlock installer, and

(d)  is capable of performing the functions of an approved interlock installer, and

(e)  has access to equipment and facilities necessary to enable the person to install and remove approved interlock devices in motor vehicles.

(2)  A person is not eligible to apply to be approved as an approved interlock installer if:

(a)  in the opinion of the Authority, the person is unable to perform the functions of an approved interlock installer because of illness or mental or physical disability, or

(b)  the person has at any time had an approval as an approved interlock installer revoked, or

(c)  in the opinion of the Authority, the person has failed to properly perform the functions of an approved interlock installer under the Act or this Regulation, or to properly perform functions under a program that is similar to the alcohol interlock program established under the law of another jurisdiction, in a significant respect.

52   Eligibility for approval as an approved interlock service provider

(1)  A person is eligible to apply to be approved as a person who may carry out maintenance to ensure the proper operation of approved interlock devices, or conduct inspections of such devices, for the purposes of Part 2A of the Act (an approved interlock service provider) if the person:

(a)  is at least 18 years of age, and

(b)  is a fit and proper person to be an approved interlock service provider, and

Note. See clause 53.

(c)  is suitably qualified to perform the functions of an approved interlock service provider, and

(d)  is capable of performing the functions of an approved interlock service provider, and

(e)  has access to equipment and facilities necessary to enable the person to carry out maintenance to ensure the proper operation of approved interlock devices or to conduct inspections of such devices.

(2)  A person is not eligible to apply to be approved as an approved interlock service provider if:

(a)  in the opinion of the Authority, the person is unable to perform the functions of an approved interlock service provider because of illness or mental or physical disability, or

(b)  the person has at any time had an approval as an approved interlock service provider revoked, or

(c)  in the opinion of the Authority, has failed to properly perform the functions of an approved interlock service provider under the Act or this Regulation, or failed to properly perform functions under a program that is similar to the alcohol interlock program established under the law of another jurisdiction, in a significant respect.

53   Fit and proper persons

(1)  For the purposes of this Part, a person is not a fit and proper person to be an approved interlock installer or an approved interlock service provider if:

(a)  a court in this State or elsewhere has convicted the person of a relevant offence within the period of 5 years immediately before the person applies for the approval, or

(b)  the person is an undischarged bankrupt, or

(c)  the person has at any time had an interlock driver licence suspended or cancelled under the Act or this Regulation or has had his or her participation in a program that is similar to the alcohol interlock program that is established under the law of another jurisdiction suspended or cancelled.

(2)  In this clause:

relevant offence means any of the following offences committed after the commencement of this clause:

(a)  an offence involving dishonesty,

(b)  a major offence within the meaning of the Road Transport (General) Act 2005,

(c)  an offence in another jurisdiction that would have been an offence referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) if committed in this State.

53A   Application for approval as interlock installer or service provider

(1)  An application for approval is to be made to the Authority in the form approved by the Authority and is to be accompanied by the applicable fee (if any) fixed under section 10 of the Act.

(2)  The Authority may require an applicant for approval to submit evidence, in a form approved by the Authority:

(a)  that he or she is eligible for approval, or

(b)  verifying any particulars set out in an application.

(3)  The Authority may require an applicant for approval to provide to the Authority information about any other matter relevant to the decision whether to approve the application.

53B   Determination of applications for approval

(1)  The Authority may determine an application for approval by granting or refusing the application.

(2)  Without limiting subclause (1), the Authority may refuse an application for approval as an approved interlock installer if, in the opinion of the Authority, the applicant does not meet any of the eligibility requirements set out in clause 51.

(3)  Without limiting subclause (1), the Authority may refuse an application for approval as an approved interlock service provider if, in the opinion of the Authority, the applicant does not meet any of the eligibility requirements set out in clause 52.

53C   Conditions of approvals

(1)  An approval may be granted unconditionally or subject to conditions specified in the approval.

(2)  After granting an approval, the Authority may, by notice in writing to the holder of the approval:

(a)  impose conditions or further conditions on the approval, or

(b)  vary or revoke any of the conditions to which the approval is subject.

Note. A notice under this subclause may be given to the holder of an approval by means of an electronic communication in the circumstances set out in the Electronic Transactions Act 2000.

(3)  Conditions may include (but are not limited to) conditions of the following kind:

(a)  conditions relating to the installation, removal, inspection or carrying out of maintenance on approved interlock devices,

Note. Maintenance is defined in section 21 of the Act to include the retrieval of any information that is stored electronically by or with an interlock device and any work that improves or augments the functionality of an interlock device.

(b)  conditions relating to the compiling and furnishing to the Authority, persons nominated by the Authority and to the holders of interlock driver licences of information obtained by the holder of the approval in carrying out functions for the purposes of Part 2A of the Act.

53D   Duration of approvals

An approval takes effect on the date on which it is granted or on such later date as may be specified in it and (unless it is sooner revoked) remains in force for the period (not exceeding 3 years) specified in it.

53E   Subsequent approvals

(1)  An approval may be renewed by making an application in accordance with this Part for a new approval (referred to in this clause as a subsequent approval).

(2)  If a person applies for a subsequent approval before the term of the person’s current approval expires (referred to in this clause as the old approval) and the application has not been dealt with by the time the old approval expires the authority conferred by the old approval continues until such time as the person is notified of the grant, or refusal of, the subsequent approval.

53F   Show cause notice

(1)  The Authority may serve a show cause notice on the holder of an approval if the Authority is of the opinion that there is reasonable cause to believe that there are grounds for revoking the approval under section 21B (4) of the Act.

(2)  A show cause notice is a notice requiring the holder of the approval to show cause why it should not be revoked on the grounds specified in the notice.

(3)  Without limiting the grounds that may be specified, grounds include the following:

(a)  that the holder of the approval has failed to comply with the Act, this Regulation or a condition of the approval,

(b)  that the holder of the approval does not satisfy any of the eligibility requirements for the approval set out in clause 51 or 52.

(4)  A show cause notice is to be in writing and is to specify a period of not less than 21 days after service of the notice as the period that the holder has to show cause as required by the notice.

(5)  The holder on whom a show cause notice is served may within the period allowed by the notice make written submissions to the Authority in respect of the matters to which the notice relates.

(6)  The Authority may conduct such enquiries and make such investigations in relation to the matters to which a show cause notice relates and the submissions, if any, made by or on behalf of the holder of the approval concerned as the Authority thinks fit.

(7)  This clause does not apply to a revocation of the approval of a holder if the Authority has reasonable grounds to believe that the holder has wilfully failed to comply with the Act, this Regulation or the conditions of the approval and is likely to continue to do so.

53G   Notice of revocation of approval

(1)  The Authority is to include a statement of the reasons for its decision to revoke an approval in, or with, written notice of the revocation of an approval given under section 21B (4) of the Act.

(2)  Revocation of an approval by written notice under section 21B (4) of the Act takes effect on the day the notice is given to the holder of the approval or on a later day specified in the notice.

Division 3 Miscellaneous

53H   Police may seize motor vehicle or device

(1)  A police officer may stop and inspect a motor vehicle driven on a road or road related area if the officer reasonably suspects that the motor vehicle may be fitted with an interlock device.

(2)  A police officer may seize a motor vehicle driven by the holder of an interlock driver licence in which an interlock device is installed if the officer reasonably suspects that the device has been used in contravention of the Act or the regulations.

53I   Agreements relating to interlock devices

The Authority may enter into an agreement with a person (not being inconsistent with the Act or this Regulation) with respect to the supply, or provision of services relating to the installation, removal, maintenance and inspection of, interlock devices for the purposes of the alcohol interlock program.

Part 8 Exemptions

54   Authority may exempt certain classes of driver from requirement to hold licence

(1)  The Authority may exempt a driver or class of drivers from the requirement to hold a driver licence, or a particular class of driver licence.

(2)  An exemption under this clause may be subject to conditions specified by the Authority.

(3)  The Authority must cause notice of an exemption under this clause to be published in the Gazette.

55   Interstate and international visitors

(1)  A visiting driver who holds:

(a)  a current Australian driver licence or learner licence (including a New Zealand driver licence or learner licence) issued in another jurisdiction, or

(b)  a current foreign driver licence and international driving permit, or

(c)  a current foreign driver licence that is written in English or is accompanied by an English translation,

      that authorises him or her to drive a motor vehicle of a particular kind may drive a motor vehicle of that kind in this State, and is exempt from the requirements of the Act and this Regulation (other than this clause).

(1A)  A visiting driver who holds:

(a)  a current foreign driver licence and international driving permit, or

(b)  a current foreign driver licence that is written in English or is accompanied by an English translation,

      that authorises its holder to drive a motor vehicle may, in this State, drive a motor vehicle with a GVM that is not greater than 4.5 tonnes and that is constructed or equipped to seat not more than 12 adults (including the driver), and is exempt from the requirements of the Act and this Regulation (other than this clause).

(1B)  Subclause (1A) does not apply to a driver licence that authorises its holder to drive only a motor bike, motor trike or motor vehicle referred to in clause 55D (1) (d) or (e), but applies to any other driver licence regardless of the kind of motor vehicle it authorises its holder to drive.

(2)  A person ceases to be exempt under subclause (1) or (1A) if any of the following things happens:

(a)  if the holder of an Australian driver licence or learner licence or New Zealand driver licence or learner licence has resided in this State for a continuous period of more than 3 months, unless he or she also holds a valid Driver Identification Document issued by the Commonwealth Department of Defence,

(b)  if an international visitor has held a permanent visa under the Migration Act 1958 of the Commonwealth for more than 3 months,

(c)  if the person is suspended or disqualified from driving a motor vehicle on a road or road related area in any part of Australia, or another country,

(c1)  if the person would in the opinion of the Authority, if the person applied for a driver licence, be refused because of a failure to meet the conditions of reinstatement of a driver licence after cancellation,

(d)  if the person is charged with an offence specified under another law of this State relating to visiting drivers,

(e)  if the person, in the reasonable opinion of the Authority, is not considered a fit and proper person to drive a motor vehicle in this State,

(f)  if, in the reasonable opinion of the Authority, the person’s ability to drive safely is impaired due to a permanent or long term injury or illness,

(g)  if the person fails to comply with a request under clause 31.

(3)  If the Authority forms an opinion on the matters set out in subclause (2) (e) or (f), the Authority must give the person notice in writing stating:

(a)  that he or she is no longer exempt from the requirement to hold a driver licence in this State, and

(b)  that he or she must not drive a motor vehicle on a road or road related area in this State, and

(c)  the reasons why the person is no longer exempt, and

(d)  any action that may be taken by the person in order to regain the exemption, and

(e)  the date by which the person must take that action.

(4)  Subclause (2) (d) ceases to have effect in relation to a person if the charges are withdrawn or dismissed.

(5)  A visiting driver exempted under this clause must, when driving a motor vehicle or a trailer on a road or road related area:

(a)  carry the licence held by the visiting driver and referred to in subclause (1) or (1A), and

(b)  if requested to do so by a police officer, produce the licence to the police officer.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

55A   Exemption: golf and green keeping vehicles used on roads or road related areas

(1)  A person is exempted from the requirements of section 25 (1) of the Act in respect of the driving of any golf vehicle or green keeping vehicle directly across a road or road related area that intersects with or traverses a golf course if the vehicle:

(a)  is being used in the course of, or as an incident to, a game of golf or to observe any such game, or

(b)  is proceeding to or from the golf course to be used for or in connection with the rolling or maintenance or surface improvement of any part of the golf course, or

(c)  is proceeding to or from a car park or storage building that is separated from the golf course by the road or road related area.

(2)  In this clause:

golf course means an area of land (which includes tees, fairways, greens, rough, pathways, bunkers and bridges) designed and used for the playing of golf.

golf vehicle means:

(a)  a motorised buggy or cart that is designed and used to carry any golfer, spectator or golfing equipment on a golf course, or

(b)  a motor bike having an engine capacity not exceeding 50 ml that is used to carry a golfer, spectator or golf equipment on a golf course, or

(c)  any trailer that is being drawn by any such vehicle.

green keeping vehicle means any vehicle used solely or principally for or in connection with the rolling or maintenance or surface improvement of any part of a golf course.

55B   Exemption: police officers and police trainees

(1)  A police officer or a police trainee who has been authorised in writing by the Commissioner of Police to drive or ride a motor vehicle in the performance of his or her duty is, while driving or riding in conformity with the authority, exempted from section 25 (1) (a) of the Act.

(2)  This clause ceases to have effect on 1 March 2000.

55C   Exemption: drivers of light rail vehicles

(1)  Any requirement to be licensed imposed by this Regulation does not apply to a person who drives a light rail vehicle while driving a light rail vehicle.

(2)  In this clause:

light rail vehicle has the same meaning as it has in the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999.

55D   Other exemptions from licensing

(1)  A person is exempted from the provisions of section 25 (1) of the Act in respect of the driving of any of the following vehicles:

(a)  (Repealed)

(b)  any motor vehicle or trailer while it is being driven by the person who is being submitted (as an applicant for a licence) to a driving test by a police officer or a person authorised by the Authority or by the Commissioner of Police to test drivers,

(c)  any motor vehicle or trailer, weighing not more than 250 kg when unladen, that is constructed or used solely for cutting grass or for purposes incidental to cutting grass,

(d)  any motor vehicle or trailer comprising a pedal cycle to which is attached one or more auxiliary propulsion motors having a combined maximum power output not exceeding 200 watts,

(e)  any motor vehicle or trailer that is:

(i)  specially constructed to be used, and while on a road or road related area is used, solely for the conveyance of an invalid, and

(ii)  weighs not more than 110 kg when unladen, and

(iii)  not capable of travelling at more than 10 km/h.

(2)  (Repealed)

(3)  Section 25A (1) (a) and (3) (a) of the Act does not apply to the driving of any of the following vehicles:

(a)  any motor vehicle or trailer while it is being driven by the person who is being submitted (as an applicant for a licence) to a driving test by a police officer or a person authorised by the Authority or by the Commissioner of Police to test drivers,

(b)  any motor vehicle or trailer, weighing not more than 250 kg when unladen, that is constructed or used solely for cutting grass or for purposes incidental to cutting grass,

(c)  any motor vehicle or trailer comprising a pedal cycle to which is attached one or more auxiliary propulsion motors having a combined maximum power output not exceeding 200 watts,

(d)  any motor vehicle or trailer that is:

(i)  specially constructed to be used, and while on a road or road related area is used, solely for the conveyance of an invalid, and

(ii)  weighs not more than 110 kg when unladen, and

(iii)  not capable of travelling at more than 10 km/h.

Part 9 Offences

56   Licence conditions

(1)  The holder of a conditional driver licence or provisional licence who fails to comply with a condition of that licence is guilty of an offence.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(2)  Subclause (1) does not apply to the holder of a provisional licence who is driving a motor vehicle contrary to a condition of that licence restricting the holder to driving motor vehicles with automatic transmissions if the seat next to the holder of the licence is occupied by a person who holds an Australian driver licence (not being an Australian learner licence or provisional licence) authorising him or her to drive such a vehicle.

(3)  For the purposes of subclause (2), a person does not hold an Australian driver licence if (whether under a law of this or another jurisdiction):

(a)  the licence has been suspended, or

(b)  the person has been disqualified from holding a licence.

57   Offences involving driver licence documents

(1)  The holder of a driver licence who fails to return a driver licence to the Authority when required by or in accordance with this Regulation to do so is guilty of an offence.

(2)  The holder of a conditional driver licence who fails to comply with a requirement under clause 28 (3) or (4) to carry a notice about the condition is guilty of an offence.

(3)  A person who fails to comply with a requirement of the Authority under clause 32 (1) to provide evidence about the contents of the driver licence register is guilty of an offence.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

58   Notification offences

A person who does not give information to the Authority when required by this Regulation to do so is guilty of an offence.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

59   Failure to comply with condition of approval

The holder of an approval within the meaning of Part 7 who fails to comply with a condition of the approval is guilty of an offence.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

59A   False or misleading information

A person must not, in purported compliance with any requirement imposed by or under this Part to provide data or information relating to the operation of the alcohol interlock program, provide data or information that the person knows is false or misleading in a material particular.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

59B   Installation or removal of approved interlock devices without approval

A person must not install an approved interlock device in, or remove an approved interlock device from, a motor vehicle for the purposes of Part 2A of the Act unless the person is the holder of an approval as an approved interlock installer that is in force.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

59C   Installation or removal of unlabelled approved interlock devices

An approved interlock installer must not install an approved interlock device in, or remove an approved interlock device from, a motor vehicle for the purposes of Part 2A of the Act unless the device is clearly labelled in a form approved by the Authority with the words “NSW approved interlock device”.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

59D   Maintenance or inspection of interlock devices without approval

A person must not carry out maintenance on, or conduct an inspection of, an approved interlock device for the purposes of Part 2A of the Act unless the person is the holder of an approval as an approved interlock service provider that is in force.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

59E   Maintenance or inspection of unlabelled approved interlock devices

An approved interlock service provider must not carry out maintenance on, or conduct an inspection of, an approved interlock device in a motor vehicle for the purposes of Part 2A of the Act unless the device is clearly labelled in a form approved by the Authority with the words “NSW approved interlock device”.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

59F   Labelling approved interlock devices

(1)  A person must not label an interlock device with the words “NSW approved interlock device” unless:

(a)  the device is an approved interlock device, and

(b)  the person is an approved interlock installer or an approved interlock service provider.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(2)  A person must not remove a label bearing the words “NSW approved interlock device” from an interlock device unless:

(a)  the person is an approved interlock installer or approved interlock service provider, and

(b)  the person for whom the interlock device was installed has ceased to participate in the alcohol interlock program in respect of which it was installed or the label is to be immediately replaced with another such label.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

59G   Notification of removal of approved interlock devices

An approved interlock installer who removes a labelled approved interlock device from a motor vehicle must give the Authority written notice of the removal not later than at the end of the day of the removal.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Notice under this clause may be given to the Authority electronically in the circumstances set out in the Electronic Transactions Act 2000.

59H   Tampering or otherwise interfering with labelled approved interlock device

(1)  A person who, without reasonable excuse, tampers or otherwise interferes with a labelled approved interlock device installed in a motor vehicle is guilty of an offence.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(2)  A person who aids, abets or causes or permits the commission of an offence referred to in subclause (1) is guilty of an offence.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

59I   Notification of suspected tampering or otherwise interfering with labelled approved interlock devices

An approved interlock installer or approved interlock service provider who becomes aware that a labelled approved interlock device has been tampered or otherwise interfered with must give the Authority written notice of that interference or tampering not later than at the end of the day on which he or she became aware of the interference or tampering.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Note. Notice under this clause may be given to the Authority electronically in the circumstances set out in the Electronic Transactions Act 2000.

Part 10 Administration

60   Release of driver licence photographs to certain agencies

(1)  A driver licence photograph, and any photographic image or other matter contained in any database of such photographs, may be released by the Authority:

(a)  to the New South Wales Crime Commission for the purposes of an investigation of a terrorist act or a threat of a terrorist act,

(b)  to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation for the purposes of an investigation of a terrorism offence.

Note. Release of this material to NSW Police is already authorised under section 41 of the Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Act 1998 so long as the release is in accordance with any protocol approved by the Privacy Commissioner.

(2)  Any release of material under subclause (1) must be in accordance with any protocol approved by the Privacy Commissioner, as required by section 41 (2) of the Act.

(3)  In this clause:

driver licence photograph means a photograph taken or provided in relation to an application for the issue or renewal by the Authority of a driver licence.

terrorism offence has the same meaning as in the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 of the Commonwealth.

terrorist act has the same meaning as in the Terrorism (Police Powers) Act 2002.

60A   Purposes for which photographs may be kept and used

For the purposes of section 40 (1) (g) of the Act, the Authority may keep or use a photograph for any purpose for which a photograph of a person taken for the purposes of Division 2 of Part 6 of the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Regulation 1999 may be kept and used by the Authority under that Division.

61   Delegation of Authority’s powers

The Authority may delegate all or any of its powers under the Act or this Regulation to the following persons:

(a)  a statutory authority,

(b)  the holder of a statutory office,

(c)  an officer or employee of a government department or statutory authority,

(d)  a police officer,

(e)  a local council or other local government authority,

(f)  an officer or employee of a local council or other local government authority, or

(g)  any other person who, in the opinion of the Authority, has appropriate qualifications for the exercise of the power delegated.

Part 11 Fees

Note. Under the Act, fees may be set by the Authority, or by regulations (see section 10).

62   Fees

The applicable fee for a service provided by the Authority under the Act or this Regulation is:

(a)  the fee specified for that service in Schedule 3, or

(b)  the fee fixed for that service by the Authority under section 10 (1) of the Act.

63   Waiver of fees

(1)  The Authority may waive the payment of a fee payable under the Act or this Regulation, or both, in a particular case if the Authority is of the opinion that in the particular case it is appropriate to do so.

(2)  Without limiting subclause (1), the Authority may waive payment of a fee in relation to a learner licence if the applicant is, when making the application, the holder of a learner licence issued by another jurisdiction.

64   Fee exemption for eligible pensioners

(1)  An eligible pensioner is not required to pay a fee in respect of the pensioner’s driver licence.

(2)  In this clause:

eligible pensioner means a person:

(a)  who is the holder of a Pensioner Concession Card that is in force issued by the Commonwealth Department of Social Security or the Commonwealth Department of Veterans’ Affairs, or

(b)  who is in receipt of a pension or other amount paid by the Commonwealth Department of Veterans’ Affairs in respect of a war-caused disability seriously affecting the person’s powers of movement, being a pension or other amount (or a pension or other amount below a rate) approved by the Authority for the purposes of this paragraph, or

(c)  who is an armed services widow within the meaning of the Social Security Act 1991 of the Commonwealth, and:

(i)  who is in receipt of a pension under Part II or IV of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 of the Commonwealth at the maximum rate applicable under section 1064 (5) of the Social Security Act 1991 of the Commonwealth, and

(ii)  who is under the pension age for the person set out in section 5QA of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 of the Commonwealth, and

(d)  who is the holder of a current driver licence, being a licence for which no fee was payable by virtue of this Regulation, or

(e)  who is not the holder of any such current driver licence, but:

(i)  who has satisfied the Authority, by the production of a certificate from a medical practitioner, that the person is not medically unfit to drive a motor vehicle, or

(ii)  who has otherwise satisfied the Authority that the person should be treated as an eligible pensioner for the purposes of this clause.

Part 12 Savings and transitional provisions

65   Savings and transitional provisions

Schedule 4 has effect.

Schedule 1 National schedule of demerit point offences

(Clause 36 (1) and (3))

Schedule 2 Additional demerit point offences

(Clause 36 (2) and (3))

Schedule 3 Fees

(Clause 62)

Schedule 4 Savings and transitional provisions

(Clause 65)

1   Licences issued under previous legislation

(1)  A superseded licence (that is, a licence (including a probationary licence) issued under a law in force in this State before the commencement of the Act) has effect for the remainder of its duration as if it had been issued under the Act and this Regulation, and may be renewed, varied, cancelled or suspended in all respects as though it were a driver licence.

(2)  A superseded licence authorises the holder to drive vehicles in the licence class specified in clause 26 that is most nearly equivalent to the class specified in the licence (or applicable to the licence), as specified in the notice published under subclause (4).

(3)  Despite any other provision of this Regulation, in issuing a driver licence under this Regulation in place of, or following the expiry of, a superseded licence, the Authority must have regard to the principle that where direct translation to a licence class is not possible, the licence holder should be issued with the next highest licence class.

(4)  The Authority must cause a notice specifying the nearest equivalent licence class for each of the classes of superseded licence to be published in the Gazette. The Authority may revoke or amend any such notice.

(5)  Despite subclause (1), a superseded licence that is a probationary licence may not be renewed.

2   Continuation of existing competency based assessment scheme

A competency based assessment scheme approved under the Motor Traffic Regulations 1935, and in force immediately before the commencement of this Regulation, is taken to have been approved by the Authority under clause 21.

3   Continuation of rider training schemes

(1)  An authorised rider training course provided under an agreement entered into by the Authority, and in force immediately before the commencement of this Regulation, is taken to have been provided under an agreement entered into under clause 42.

(2)  A person accredited as a rider training instructor or testing officer under the Motor Traffic Regulations 1935 immediately before the commencement of this Regulation is taken to have been accredited under Part 6.

(3)  An area identified as a mandatory training area under the Motor Traffic Regulations 1935 for the purposes of the rider training scheme immediately before the commencement of this Regulation is taken to be a mandatory training area for the purposes of Part 6.

(4)  A certificate issued under Part 2A of the Motor Traffic Regulations 1935, and in force immediately before the commencement of this Regulation, is taken to have been issued under Part 6.

4   Cancellation of probationary licences

(1)  This clause applies to a probationary licence continued in force under clause 1.

(2)  A probationary licence may be cancelled by the Authority if the licence holder incurs 2 or more demerit points.

(3)  Despite clause 1, a probationary licence is not to be treated as a driver licence for the purposes of section 16 of the Act.

(4)  Clause 39 applies to a decision by the Authority to cancel a licence under this clause.

5   Saving of provisional licences on introduction of two-stage scheme

(1)  A provisional licence issued in accordance with clause 15 before 1 July 2000 and in force immediately before that date continues, on and from that date, to be a driver licence and may be dealt with in all respects as though the amendments made to this Regulation by the Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Graduated Licensing) Regulation 2000 had not been made, except as provided by this clause.

(2)  In particular, those amendments do not prevent the issue in due course, to the holder of a provisional licence that was in force immediately before 1 July 2000, of an unrestricted licence in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation as in force immediately before that date.

(3)  A licence referred to in subclause (1) cannot, however, be renewed, after 1 July 2000, on its expiry or cancellation.

(4)  A condition of a provisional licence referred to in subclause (1) that, immediately before 1 July 2000, prohibited the holder from driving a motor vehicle on a road at a speed in excess of 80 k/hr is to be construed, on and from that date, as though the reference to 80 k/hr were a reference to 90 k/hr.

Dictionary

alcohol interlock program, in relation to a person, means an interlock program referred to in Chapter 5 of the Road Transport (General) Act 2005 the participants in which are holders of interlock driver licences under Part 2A of the Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Act 1998.

allied professional practitioner means a clinical psychologist, an optometrist or occupational therapist registered or licensed under a State or Territory law that provides for the registration or licensing of such persons.

applicable fee—see clause 62.

articulated bus means a bus consisting of more than one rigid section with passenger access between the sections and the sections connected to one another so as to allow rotary movement between the sections.

car licence means a licence referred to in clause 26 (3).

car-based motor tricycle means a motor trike that:

(a)  has displayed on it a compliance plate issued by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, with the category LEM, LEP or LEG, and

(b)  has a GVM that is not greater than 1 tonne, and

(c)  is constructed or equipped to seat not more than 3 adult persons including the driver, and

(d)  has a rear mounted engine of a kind manufactured for a motor car, and

(e)  has a transmission of a kind manufactured for a motor car with direct drive to the rear wheels, and

(f)  has at least 2 of the following characteristics:

(i)  pedal operated clutch or automatic transmission,

(ii)  pedal operated fully integrated braking system,

(iii)  left-hand operated gear stick not mounted on the handlebars.

class B motor vehicle means:

(a)  a motor vehicle with a GVM exceeding 4.5 tonnes but not exceeding 12 tonnes, or

(b)  a motor vehicle and trailer combination with a GCM exceeding 4.5 tonnes but not exceeding 12 tonnes.

class C motor vehicle means a coach (within the meaning of the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999) or a motor vehicle with a GVM of more than 12 tonnes.

class of licence—see clauses 26 and 27.

Contracting State means a foreign country that is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic, Geneva, 1949.

converter dolly means a trailer with one axle group or single axle and a fifth wheel coupling designed to convert a semi-trailer into a dog trailer.

foreign driver licence means a licence to drive a motor vehicle held by an international visitor and issued in the country in which the person is ordinarily resident.

GCM and GVM have the same meanings as they have in the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999.

heavy combination vehicle licence means a licence referred to in clause 26 (7).

heavy rigid vehicle licence means a licence referred to in clause 26 (6).

implement means a motor vehicle that comprises an excavator, road grader, road roller, bulldozer, forklift truck or other machinery or apparatus and is not constructed on a chassis of a type normally used in the construction of a motor lorry.

international driving permit means a permit issued by:

(a)  a competent authority of a Contracting State or a subdivision of such a State, or

(b)  an association duly empowered by such an authority in accordance with the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic, Geneva, 1949.

international visitor means a person who:

(a)  is ordinarily resident in a foreign country, and

(b)  is not a permanent resident of Australia.

licence expiry date means the date recorded in the driver licence register, in accordance with clause 24 (1) (f), as the date on which the driver licence expires.

light rigid vehicle licence means a licence referred to in clause 26 (4).

medical practitioner means a person registered or licensed as a medical practitioner under a State or Territory law that provides for the registration or licensing of such persons.

medium rigid vehicle licence means a licence referred to in clause 26 (5).

motor bike means a motor vehicle with two wheels and includes a two wheeled motor vehicle with a side car attached to it and supported by a third wheel.

motor trike means a motor vehicle with three wheels, but does not include a two wheeled motor vehicle with a side car attached to it and supported by a third wheel.

motorcycle licence means a licence referred to in clause 26 (2).

multi-combination vehicle licence means a licence referred to in clause 26 (8).

prime mover means a motor vehicle built to tow a semi-trailer.

provisional P1 licence means a provisional licence issued in accordance with clause 15 (1).

provisional P2 licence means a provisional licence issued in accordance with clause 15A (1).

rigid means not articulated, other than in respect of an articulated bus.

Safe-T-Cam sign means a traffic sign bearing the words “SAFE-T-CAM MANAGING SPEED AND FATIGUE”.

Safe-T-Cam zone means a length of road to which a Safe-T-Cam sign applies, being a length of road beginning at a Safe-T-Cam sign and ending 300 metres along the length of road in the direction driven by a driver on the road who faces the sign before passing it.

school zone means a school zone (as defined in rule 23 of the Road Rules 2008), but only during any period in which the speed limit indicated by a school zone sign has effect, as referred to in rule 318 (3–1) of those Rules.

semi-trailer means a trailer (including a pole-type trailer) that has:

(a)  one axle group or single axle towards the rear, and

(b)  a means of attachment to a prime mover that would result in some of the load being imposed on the prime mover.

the Act means the Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Act 1998.

trailer means a vehicle that is built to be towed, or is towed, by a motor vehicle but does not include a motor vehicle being towed.

Historical notes

The following abbreviations are used in the Historical notes:

Table of amending instruments

Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Regulation 1999 published in Gazette No 25 of 26.2.1999, p 1226 and amended in Gazettes No 61 of 21.5.1999, p 3477 and No 72 of 25.6.1999, p 4256, by Act No 19, 1999, in Gazettes No 124 of 29.10.1999, p 10277, No 133 of 26.11.1999, p 10879 and No 141 of 17.12.1999, p 11954 and as follows:
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Fees) Regulation 2000 (GG No 81 of 30.6.2000, p 5462)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Graduated Licensing) Regulation 2000 (GG No 81 of 30.6.2000, p 5465)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Miscellaneous) Regulation 2000 (GG No 81 of 30.6.2000, p 5476)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Further Amendment (Fees) Regulation 2000 (GG No 103 of 11.8.2000, p 7553)

Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Double Demerit Points) Regulation 2001 (GG No 64 of 6.4.2001, p 1768). The regulation (statutory rule) appointed 3 April 2001 as the date of its commencement. Pursuant to section 39 (2A) of the Interpretation Act 1987, the regulation is not invalid merely because the regulation was published in the Gazette after the day on which one or more of its provisions is or are expressed to take effect, but provides, in that case, for that or those provisions to take effect from the day on which the regulation is published in the Gazette, instead of from the earlier day.

Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Long Weekend Demerit Points) Regulation 2001 (GG No 93 of 1.6.2001, p 2997)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Test Fees) Regulation 2001 (GG No 100 of 22.6.2001, p 4254)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Car-based Motor Tricycles) Regulation 2001 (GG No 103 of 29.6.2001, p 4722)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Fees) Regulation 2001 (GG No 103 of 29.6.2001, p 4726)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Suspension of Licences) Regulation 2001 (GG No 127 of 17.8.2001, p 6028)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Demerit Points Offences and Penalties) Regulation 2001 (GG No 188 of 7.12.2001, p 9602)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Fees) Regulation (No 2) 2001 (GG No 196 of 21.12.2001, p 10599)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Miscellaneous) Regulation 2001 (GG No 196 of 21.12.2001, p 10602)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Safe-T-Cam Zones) Regulation 2001 (GG No 196 of 21.12.2001, p 10607)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Demerit Points Offences and Penalties and Fees) Regulation 2002 (GG No 106 of 28.6.2002, p 4798)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Motorcycle Learners) Regulation 2002 (GG No 142 of 6.9.2002, p 7920)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Provisional Motorcycle Licence) Regulation 2002 (GG No 170 of 11.10.2002, p 8709)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Release of Information) Regulation 2002 (GG No 220 of 15.11.2002, p 9647)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Demerit Points) Regulation 2002 (GG No 237 of 29.11.2002, p 10101)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Level Crossing Offences) Regulation 2002 (GG No 263 of 20.12.2002, p 10820)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Release of Information in Register) Regulation 2003 (GG No 33 of 31.1.2003, p 666)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (T-Way Lanes) Regulation 2003 (GG No 39 of 7.2.2003, p 836)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Easter—ANZAC Day Demerit Points) Regulation 2003 (GG No 71 of 11.4.2003, p 4430)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Fees) Regulation 2003 (GG No 104 of 27.6.2003, p 6195)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Learner Licences and Demerit Points) Regulation 2003 (GG No 111 of 11.7.2003, p 7068)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Interlock Devices) Regulation 2003 (GG No 132 of 29.8.2003, p 8610)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Drinking While Driving) Regulation 2003 (GG No 154 of 26.9.2003, p 9587)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Medical Examinations) Regulation 2003 (GG No 154 of 26.9.2003, p 9611)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Christmas–New Year 2003–2004 Demerit Points) Regulation 2003 (GG No 197A of 19.12.2003, p 11585)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Fees) Regulation 2004 (GG No 110 of 1.7.2004, p 4910)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Christmas–New Year 2004–2005 Demerit Points) Regulation 2004 (GG No 200 of 17.12.2004, p 9367)
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Australia Day Demerit Points) Regulation 2005 (GG No 7 of 14.1.2005, p 115)

Table of amendments