Everything About Your Driving Licence Renewal In NSW
If you are a learner driver, have your P plates, or even have a full licence, you may be wondering what to do once you get your renewal notice, and how to renew your licence card before your licence expires.
In this guide from LTrent Driving School, we’ll take you through the basics of what to do if you need to renew your licence in NSW. Read on, and learn everything you need to know.
Renewing NSW Licences Online
If you have a full driver’s licence or a P1 or P2 driver’s licence in NSW, you can use the online renewal service to renew your licence. Typically, this is the most convenient way to renew your licence. Licences can be renewed up to 6 months before their expiry date.
If you’d like to renew your licence online, just click here to visit the Service NSW website, and follow the prompts to complete the renewal process and get your new licence sent directly to your door.
You can pay your licence renewal fee using major credit cards from Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. Your new photocard will typically be sent to you within 10 working days when you renew online.
Renewing NSW Licence In-Person
Some people, such as those with certain medical conditions, do not have the option to renew their NSW licence online, and must visit a service centre to renew their licence in person. This is required if you:
- Have a learner licence
- You have licence conditions that require you to have an eyesight test, take a test, or have a medical examination before renewal
- You have a combined driver and boating licence
To renew your licence in person, you will need:
- A completed, filled-out license renewal form
- Proof of identity, such as your current driver’s licence or another method of identification
- A check or credit card to pay the required licence fee
You may also need to take an eyesight test or provide a medical report. You will immediately get a new temporary licence, and your new licence card will be sent to you in the post, usually within 10 working days.
Renewing A Learner’s Driver’s Licence
As mentioned, learners must renew their licences in person. There is no option to renew a learner licence online, so you must go to a service centre. Learner licences are issued for an initial period of 5 years, and will be renewed for another period of 5 years.
To renew your licence, you will need to take and pass the Drivers’ Knowledge Test as well as the eyesight test. You will also have to pay the learner licence fee. You can renew your learner licence an unlimited number of times, but you will always have to complete these steps when you renew it.
Renewing A P1 Or P2 Provisional Licence
P1 licences are valid for a period of 18 months, while P2 licences are valid for 36 months. You can renew a provisional licence as many times as you need to.
Both of these licence types can be renewed online, as long as you do not have any restrictions requiring you to visit a service centre for renewal.
There is no need to retake any driving test or knowledge test to renew a P1 or P2 licence, but you will need to pay a licence fee. You may also need to provide a medical report or take an eyesight test.
Renewing An Unrestricted Driver’s Licence
After you obtain a driver licence without restrictions, you can choose to renew it online for a period of 1, 3, or 5 years. If you renew in-person, your licence can be renewed for a period of up to 10 years, but this option is not available online.
If you’re eligible, you can renew your licence online up to 6 months before it expires, for a period of 1, 3, or 5 years. You cannot renew your licence online for 10 years. To do that, you must go to a service centre in person.
In addition, you may qualify for a 50% discount on renewing your licence if you meet Fair Go for Safe Drivers Scheme requirements.
Know What To Expect When Renewing Your Ls, Ps, Or Full Licence
Hopefully, this guide has helped you learn more about what you need to do when it’s time to renew your licence. If you have more questions, you can get more information from the Roads and Maritime Services website here.
Ready to take the next step and upgrade your Ls to Ps? LTrent Driving School is here to help with professional driving instruction in the Sydney metro area. LTrent Driving School also provides the Safer Drivers Course for NSW learner drivers to gain the right skills and stay safe on the road. Check lesson times online and book a lesson right away!