Driving Instructor — Subclass 491 Pathway
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa · 5 years provisional → PR pathway via Subclass 191
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
- Points test
- Yes — points-tested via SkillSelect
- Sponsor
- State nomination or eligible family sponsor
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLROLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $4,640 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~8-15 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Driving Instructor for migration purposes is handled by: VETASSESS.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Driving Instructor × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Driving Instructor (ANZSCO 451211) is listed on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), making it eligible for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491). This points-tested visa requires applicants to live and work in a designated regional area, with a pathway to permanent residence via the Subclass 191 visa. Driving Instructors teach road rules and driving skills to learner drivers for licence attainment. Applicants lodge a SkillSelect Expression of Interest and receive nomination from a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible relative in a regional area. Nomination adds five points to the applicant's score. Applicants must satisfy regional living and working obligations for three years. VETASSESS conducts the skills assessment, evaluating qualifications and work experience. English proficiency and health and character requirements apply. Applicants must be under 45 at invitation. Processing takes three to eight months combined. Fee: approximately AUD 4,240. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 491. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at invitation
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Positive skills assessment in a nominated occupation
- State/territory nomination OR eligible regional family sponsor
- Live, work, and study only in a designated regional area
- Health and character requirements
State nominations for Driving Instructor
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.