What happens when your suspension period finishes
When your NSW licence suspension ends, your driving rights do not automatically come back. You must take specific steps with the NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) to restore your licence before you can legally drive again. The exact process depends on why your licence was suspended — some suspensions require you to pay a fee, others require you to pass a test or complete a program, and some require all three.
The RMS will not contact you when your suspension period is over. You are responsible for checking the end date and taking action. If you drive before your licence is restored, you are breaking the law, even though the calendar suspension period has passed.
Key Takeaways
- Your licence does not automatically restore when the suspension period ends — you must contact the RMS and complete the restoration process yourself.
- Most suspensions require you to pay a restoration fee (currently $109 for a standard restoration), and some also require a medical assessment, driving test, or program completion.
- You can check your suspension end date and restoration requirements on the Service NSW website or by calling 13 22 13.
- The restoration process usually takes one to two weeks once you have submitted all required documents and fees.
- Driving while suspended, even after the calendar date has passed, carries a fine of up to $3,300 and a further licence suspension.
Check your suspension end date and what you need to do
Before you take any action, you need to know exactly when your suspension ends and what conditions explore to your restoration. Log into your Service NSW account online, or call the RMS on 13 22 13 with your driver licence number and date of birth. The RMS will tell you the end date of your suspension and list any additional requirements — such as a medical report, a driving test, or completion of a behaviour change program.
Write down all the requirements the RMS gives you. Different suspension reasons trigger different restoration conditions. For example, a suspension for unpaid fines requires only the fee; a suspension for driving under the influence requires a medical assessment and often a driving test; a suspension for accumulating too many demerit points may require a defensive driving course.
Do not assume your suspension is over based on when you think it should end. The RMS calculates suspension periods in specific ways, and the date you remember may not match the official date. Checking first prevents you from attempting to restore too early or driving illegally because you miscalculated.
Pay the restoration fee
Almost all licence restorations in NSW require a restoration fee. The current fee is $109 for a standard restoration. You can pay this fee online through Service NSW, by phone on 13 22 13, by mail, or in person at a Service NSW office.
If you pay online or by phone, you will need your driver licence number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card. Payment by mail requires you to send a cheque or money order to the address provided by the RMS, along with a completed form. In-person payment at a Service NSW office is the fastest option if you need your licence restored quickly, as you can hand over the fee and receive confirmation on the same day.
Keep proof of payment. The RMS will use this to process your restoration. If you pay by cheque or mail, allow extra time for the payment to reach the RMS and be processed.
Complete any required medical assessment or driving test
Some suspensions require you to pass a medical assessment or a driving test before your licence can be restored. The RMS will have told you this when you checked your suspension details.
A medical assessment is usually required after suspensions related to health conditions, medication, or driving under the influence. You must see a doctor approved by the RMS — not your regular GP — and the doctor will complete a specific form about your fitness to drive. This form costs money (typically $100 to $200) and is paid to the doctor, not the RMS. Once the doctor has completed the form, you submit it to the RMS along with your restoration fee.
A driving test is usually required after suspensions for serious traffic offences or if you have held a suspended licence for a long time. You must book a test through Service NSW and pay the test fee (currently $75). The test is the same as a standard driving test and covers basic vehicle control, road rules, and hazard awareness. You must pass this test before the RMS will restore your licence.
If you are unsure whether you need either of these, ask the RMS directly when you check your suspension end date. Do not wait until you have paid the restoration fee to find out you also need a medical report or test.
Complete any required behaviour change program
Some suspensions — particularly those related to driving under the influence, dangerous driving, or repeat traffic offences — require you to complete a behaviour change program before restoration. The RMS will specify which program you need and provide you with a list of approved providers.
Common programs include the Drink Drive Education Program (for alcohol-related suspensions) and the Defensive Driving Course (for demerit point or dangerous driving suspensions). These programs are run by private providers and cost between $100 and $400 depending on the program. You must complete the program and obtain a certificate of completion before you submit your restoration process.
Book your program as soon as you know it is required, as some providers have waiting lists. Once you have completed the program, keep the certificate — you will need to submit it with your restoration fee and any other documents.
Submit your restoration process
Once you have paid the fee and completed any required medical assessment, driving test, or program, you are ready to submit your restoration process. You can do this online through Service NSW, by mail, or in person at a Service NSW office.
If you are submitting online, log into your Service NSW account and follow the prompts to explore for licence restoration. You will need to upload copies of any medical reports, test certificates, or program completion certificates. The online system will confirm receipt when ready.
If you are submitting by mail, send the completed restoration form (available from the RMS website), proof of fee payment, and copies of all required documents to the address provided by the RMS. Include your driver licence number and date of birth on all documents. Allow two to three weeks for processing when you submit by mail.
If you submit in person at a Service NSW office, bring your driver licence, proof of payment, and all required documents. Staff can check that your process is complete before you leave, which reduces the chance of delays.
What to expect while your restoration is being processed
After you have submitted your restoration process, the RMS will process it. This usually takes one to two weeks if you have submitted everything correctly. During this time, you cannot legally drive, even though your suspension period has ended on the calendar.
The RMS will contact you by mail or email once your licence has been restored. If you submitted online, you can also check the status of your process through your Service NSW account. Some Service NSW offices will issue a temporary licence on the spot if you submit your process in person and everything is in order.
If the RMS finds that your process is incomplete — for example, a medical report is missing or a form is not signed — they will contact you and ask you to provide the missing information. This can add one to two weeks to the process, so make sure you have everything before you submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on the day my suspension period ends?
No. Your suspension period ending on the calendar does not mean your licence is restored. You must complete the restoration process first. Driving before your licence is officially restored is a serious offence and can result in a fine of up to $3,300 and a further suspension.
What if I have lost my driver licence?
You will need to replace your licence at the same time as you restore it. Contact Service NSW and ask for a replacement licence process. You will pay both the replacement fee (currently $65) and the restoration fee. Submit both applications together with any required documents.
Do I need to retake the full driving test or just a hazard perception test?
This depends on your suspension reason and how long you have been suspended. The RMS will tell you which test you need when you check your suspension details. Most restorations require a full driving test, not just hazard perception.
What if I cannot afford the restoration fee right now?
You cannot legally drive until you have paid the fee and completed the restoration process. If you are in financial hardship, contact the RMS on 13 22 13 to discuss your situation. Some circumstances may allow a payment plan, though this is not may provide.
How long does the whole restoration process take?
If you have all required documents and submit everything at once, restoration usually takes one to two weeks. If you need to complete a medical assessment, driving test, or program first, add two to four weeks for those steps. Submitting by mail rather than online can add another week.