What to do the day your suspension ends
When your suspension period ends in NSW, your license does not automatically come back into force. You must take action to restore it, and the steps depend on why it was suspended in the first place. The most common route is to visit a Service NSW centre or go online through the Service NSW website to lodge a Restoration of License process.
Before you do anything, check the suspension notice you received — it will tell you the exact date the suspension ends and what you need to do. Some suspensions require you to pay a restoration fee; others do not. Some require you to pass a medical or eyesight test; others do not. Reading the notice first saves you a wasted trip.
If you lost your physical license card during the suspension, you will need to order a replacement at the same time you restore it. Service NSW can do both in one transaction, either online or in person.
Key Takeaways
- Your license does not automatically return when the suspension period ends — you must lodge a Restoration of License process through Service NSW.
- Check your suspension notice to find out whether you need to pay a restoration fee and whether you need to pass a medical or eyesight test before restoring.
- If your physical license card was lost or expired during the suspension, order a replacement at the same time you restore your license.
- Processing usually takes five to ten business days online, or you can walk out of a Service NSW centre with a temporary authority to drive on the same day.
Checking what your suspension notice says you need to do
The suspension notice you received from Transport for NSW is the document that tells you exactly what steps to take. It will state the suspension end date, the reason for the suspension, and any conditions you must meet before you can restore your license. Do not assume all suspensions have the same requirements — they do not.
If you cannot find your original notice, you can request a copy from Transport for NSW by calling 1300 882 665 or visiting a Service NSW centre. Have your driver license number ready. They will tell you over the phone whether you need to pay a fee, pass a test, or complete any other step.
Common conditions include paying a restoration fee (usually between $50 and $150, depending on the reason for suspension), passing a medical examination, passing an eyesight test, or completing a driver education course. Some suspensions have no conditions at all — you straightforward restore and drive.
Restoring your license online through Service NSW
The fastest way to restore your license is through the Service NSW website at service.nsw.gov.au. Log in with your myServiceNSW account (or create one if you do not have one yet). Search for "Restore a suspended license" and follow the prompts.
You will need your driver license number, your date of birth, and your residential address. If you need to pay a restoration fee, you can do that online by credit card or debit card. Once you submit the process, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Processing takes five to ten business days, and you will receive notification by email or SMS when your license has been restored.
During the processing period, you are not legally allowed to drive. Once the restoration is complete, you can drive when ready — you do not need to wait for a new physical card to arrive in the mail.
Restoring your license in person at a Service NSW centre
If you prefer to restore your license face-to-face, visit your nearest Service NSW centre. Bring your suspension notice, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of your current address (such as a recent utility bill or lease agreement). If you need to pay a restoration fee, bring a credit card, debit card, or cash.
Tell the staff member that you want to restore a suspended license. They will check your suspension notice, confirm you meet any conditions, process your process, and issue you a temporary authority to drive on the spot. This temporary authority is valid for up to ten days and allows you to drive while your new physical license card is being printed and posted to you.
Processing at a Service NSW centre usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You can find your nearest centre and check opening hours at service.nsw.gov.au/locations.
If you need to pass a medical or eyesight test
Some suspensions — particularly those related to health conditions or age — require you to pass a medical examination or eyesight test before you can restore your license. Your suspension notice will tell you if this applies to you.
You do not need to wait until the suspension ends to book your test. You can arrange it in advance so that it is completed by the time the suspension period finishes. Book with a doctor or optometrist who is approved by Transport for NSW to conduct these tests — most GPs and optometrists are. The test costs money (usually $50 to $150), and you pay the medical provider directly, not Transport for NSW.
Once you have passed the test, the doctor or optometrist will give you a form or certificate. Keep this with you when you lodge your restoration process, either online or in person. You will need to upload it online or show it to the Service NSW staff member.
If you need to complete a driver education course
Some suspensions require you to complete a driver education or remedial driving course before restoration. Your suspension notice will state this clearly. These courses are run by private providers approved by Transport for NSW, and you can find a list on the Transport for NSW website.
Courses usually take one to two days and cost between $200 and $400. You do not need to wait for the suspension to end — you can enrol and complete the course beforehand. Once you finish, the provider will issue you a certificate of completion. Bring this certificate when you lodge your restoration process.
If you have already completed the course before the suspension ends, you can restore your license on the day the suspension period finishes. If you have not completed it yet, you cannot restore until you do.
What happens if you drive while suspended
Driving while your license is suspended is a serious offence in NSW. If you are caught, you face a fine of up to $3,300, a criminal record, and possible imprisonment. Your suspension period will be extended, and you may face additional penalties.
If you need to drive before your suspension ends — for work, medical appointments, or genuine hardship — you can explore for a Conditional Driving Authority from Transport for NSW. This is not the same as a temporary authority issued after restoration. It is a special permission to drive during a suspension period, and it has strict conditions. Call 1300 882 665 to ask whether you are may be able to access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on the day my suspension ends?
No. Your license does not automatically return on the end date. You must lodge a restoration process first. If you restore online, processing takes five to ten business days. If you restore in person at a Service NSW centre, you receive a temporary authority to drive on the same day.
What if I have lost my physical license card?
Order a replacement at the same time you restore your license. You can do this online through Service NSW or in person at a centre. There is a small fee for a replacement card. You can drive on a temporary authority while the new card is being posted to you.
Do I have to pay a restoration fee?
It depends on the reason for your suspension. Some suspensions have a restoration fee (usually $50 to $150); others do not. Your suspension notice will tell you. If you are unsure, call Transport for NSW on 1300 882 665.
What if I cannot afford the restoration fee?
Contact Transport for NSW on 1300 882 665 to discuss your situation. They may be able to offer a payment plan or defer the fee in cases of genuine hardship. Do not drive without restoring your license — the penalties are much more expensive than the restoration fee.
How long does it take to get my new license card in the mail?
New license cards usually arrive within ten business days of restoration. You can drive on a temporary authority while you wait. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact Service NSW to check the status.