Photo: Philip Mallis, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Australia has one national scheme, the Australian Disability Parking Scheme. Its permit is recognised in every state and territory and uses nationally consistent eligibility criteria, but you apply through the state or territory where you live, and each one runs its own application process and fees. Eligibility is based on mobility: for example, losing the use of one or both legs, needing a mobility aid, or being permanently blind. The permit belongs to the person, not the car, so a learner or P plater can use it when driving the permit holder.
How the national scheme works
- One permit, accepted nationally. All states and territories take part in the Australian Disability Parking Scheme.
- States run it. State and territory governments manage the scheme, issue permits and set fees and renewal rules.
- Same national eligibility. The scheme sets nationally consistent criteria, with each state applying them through its own medical certification form.
- Local parking rules still apply. What extra time you get on a timed space can differ between states, so check signs and local rules when travelling.
NSW: the Mobility Parking Scheme
NSW runs the scheme as the Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS), issued by Transport for NSW and applied for through Service NSW.
| Item | NSW rule |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible | People who have lost the use of one or both legs, whose condition is badly affected by walking 100 metres, who need a mobility aid, or who are permanently blind |
| Not enough on its own | Behavioural, mental health or psychosocial issues alone do not qualify |
| Permit length | Individual permit for 5 years for a permanent disability; temporary permit for up to 6 months |
| National card | You receive the Australian Disability Parking Permit too, at no extra charge, and display both |
The NSW handbook says you can park in a disability space if you have a current MPS permit, or if you are driving a person who has one, and the permit is displayed.
Other states and territories
Apply through your own state or territory. Fees, renewal periods and the medical form differ, so check the current details with the issuing agency before you apply. Two examples of how the permit changes parking rules:
| State | Extra parking time with a permit |
|---|---|
| South Australia | Sign under 30 minutes: you can park for 30 minutes. Sign of 30 minutes to 1 hour: 2 hours. Sign over 1 hour: twice the time shown. You pay meter fees only for the time on the sign. The extra time does not apply in disability spaces. |
| Tasmania | Park for twice as long as the sign shows, except in disability spaces. You can stop for up to 5 minutes in a No Parking area. |
Learners, P platers and the permit
- You can use a permit when you are driving the permit holder, as long as it is displayed.
- The NSW rule covers the permit holder and a person driving the permit holder. Using someone else’s permit when they are not with you is not covered.
- If you are the permit holder and learning to drive, your learner rules (L plates, supervisor) apply as normal. The permit only changes where and how long you can park.
How to apply: the usual steps
- Find your state or territory issuing agency.
- Get the application form and the medical certification it asks for.
- Submit it with any documents and fee the agency lists.
- Display the permit as the instructions say, and renew before it expires.
Related guides
- Driving with a medical condition or disability in Australia (series overview)
- Parking rules in Australia
- Learning to drive with a disability in Australia
Sources
- Department of Social Services, “Australian Disability Parking Scheme” (dss.gov.au)
- NSW Government, “Eligibility for a mobility parking permit” and “Where you can use a mobility parking permit” (nsw.gov.au)
- Service NSW, “Mobility Parking Scheme permit” terms and conditions (service.nsw.gov.au)
- Transport for NSW, “Road User Handbook”, Accessible parking (nsw.gov.au)
- Government of South Australia, “The Driver’s Handbook” (MR200, 2026), Australian disability parking scheme (mylicence.sa.gov.au)
- Department of State Growth Tasmania, “Tasmanian Road Rules” (transport.tas.gov.au)