A NSW Government website

NSW Government
Digital NSW

Content structure
  • Break up content to make it easy for users to scan and digest.
  • Use short sentences.
  • Check sentences longer than 25 words to see if they can be split into shorter, clearer sentences.
  • Use short paragraphs of around 3 sentences.
  • Check longer paragraphs to see if they can be split into smaller paragraphs or lists.

Headings

Use an initial capital for the first word and any proper nouns.

Don't use full stops at the end of headings.

Do

  • Apply for an individual contractor licence
  • Order tickets for Sydney Opera House events

Lists

Use:

  • bulleted lists to list items or points
  • numbered lists when the sequence is important
  • nested lists when there is extra information attached to some items.

If there is a lead-in phrase, use a colon (not a full stop) at the end of the phrase.

Bulleted lists

Bulleted list items can be complete sentences or fragments.

When the list items are complete sentences, we capitalise the first word of every list item and end each item with a full stop.

When the list items are fragments, we:

  • start with a lead-in phrase that is common to all the list items
  • start each item with a lowercase letter
  • check that each item makes a full sentence when read with the lead-in phrase
  • don't use a comma or semicolon after each list item
  • don't use 'and' after the second-to-last item
  • use a full stop on the last list item.

If there is a choice between items in a list, use the following examples.

For 2 list items, use 'or' after the first item:

Example

  • your NSW driver licence details, or
  • the plate number of a vehicle registered in your name.

For more than 2 items, include a lead-in phrase like 'if any of the following apply':

Example

You'll need to visit a service centre to replace your licence if any of the following apply:

  • you've changed your address within the last 14 days
  • you've ordered a replacement licence online in the last 12 months
  • you'd like to apply for a NSW Photo Card at the same time.

For 4 items or more, with a choice between 1 or 2:

Example

If applying online you'll need to upload a copy of your:

  • medical report
  • birth certificate
  • driver licence details or Photo Card details
  • passport.

Numbered lists

Use a numbered list for a stepped process, or to describe multiple examples of things.

Start each step with a capital letter and end with a full stop.

Do

How to apply

  1. Check the eligibility requirements.
  2. Select the 'Apply online' button.
  3. Complete the online application form.

Do

You'll get 3 kinds of cards:

  1. A licence-style card with your photo (unless you're exempt from having your photo taken). This card has 'Individual (1)' printed under its 'Category' heading.
  2. A licence-style card without your photo. Under its 'Category' heading, this card has 'Individual (2)' and the licence plate number of your open style of vehicle.
  3. When you get an MPS permit, you automatically get an Australian Disability Parking Permit (large purple card) as well. You must display both your NSW MPS permit (card 1 or 2) and your Australian Disability Parking permit (card 3) to get parking concessions.

Nested lists

Use nested lists to clearly describe an item within an item or step.

Use a bulleted list within a bulleted list, or a bulleted list within a numbered list. Don't use a numbered list within a bulleted list.

Do

If you're 18 years or older and the:

  • business owner is not changing
  • incoming licensee:
    • has held the same type of licence over the previous 3 years
    • hasn't had their licence suspended or cancelled.

Do

How to apply

  1. Select the 'Download PDF form' button.
  2. Complete, print and sign the form.
  3. Make sure you have all your documentation:
    • your NSW Driver Licence
    • a certified copy of your Australian passport
    • a copy of the building permit.
  4. Visit a service centre and submit your application in person.

Do not

If you're 18 years or older and the:

  • business owner is not changing
  • incoming licensee is a person, not a business, who:
    1. Has held the same type of licence over the previous 3 years.
    2. Hasn't had their licence suspended or cancelled.

Formatting

Bold text

Use bold text sparingly. Blocks of bold text are hard to read.

Italic text

Refer to the Australian Government Style Manual.

Underline

Don't underline text. It makes it look like a link.