Regulator assessment

Regulator assessment is a practical test to determine if you meet the minimum standard of vehicle operation and driver training expected of a motor driving instructor (MDI).

All applicants seeking to become a Motor Driving Instructor (MDI) for Class C (car) must successfully complete a regulator assessment in a government vehicle—either manual or automatic—before a licence can be issued.

The regulator assessment is broken into three components:

  1. driving to novice driver standard
  2. completing a commentary drive in which you identify and communicate road hazards and their context while driving
  3. training tasks from the relevant trainee or learner guide.

During the drive assessment for class C (car), you must demonstrate 100% compliance with the Australian Road Rules.

  • In a government automatic vehicle, you must demonstrate 80% compliance with low risk driving behaviours/the system of vehicle control including the correct demonstration of two (2) manoeuvres.
  • In a government manual vehicle 80% compliance with low risk driving behaviours/the system of vehicle control.

If you pass any part of your regulator assessment using an automatic vehicle, your MDI licence will include a condition that allows you to instruct in automatic vehicles only (Class C – automatic).

Further information


Page last updated 23 March 2026

Provided by:
Department for Infrastructure and Transport
URL:
https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/industry-services/driving-instructors/motor-driving-instructor-s-licence/regulator-assessment
Last Updated:
23/03/26
Printed on:
14/06/26
Copyright statement:
SA.GOV.AU is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Licence. © Copyright 2026
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