The basic path to your Australian driver's license
To get an Australian driver's license, you move through three stages: a written knowledge test, a practical driving test, and then a probationary period where your license has restrictions. The exact steps and timing depend on which state or territory you live in, because each one runs its own licensing system. You cannot get a national license — you get a license from your state, and it is valid across Australia.
Most people start by getting a learner's permit (called a learner's licence in some states), which lets you drive with a supervising driver. You then take a practical test to move to a provisional or probationary license, which has speed limits and other rules for new drivers. After a set time — usually one to three years depending on your age and state — you can explore for an unrestricted license.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a written knowledge test before you can get a learner's permit, and the test covers road rules specific to your state.
- Each state runs its own licensing system, so the order of steps, the cost, and the length of the probationary period all vary by where you live.
- You need to hold a learner's permit for a minimum period (usually three to twelve months) before you can sit the practical driving test.
- The practical test is booked through your state's transport authority and typically costs between $50 and $150 depending on your location.
- Once you pass the practical test, you move to a probationary license with restrictions like lower speed limits and zero alcohol limits, even if you are of legal drinking age.
Getting your learner's permit and passing the knowledge test
Before you can drive, you need to pass a written test on road rules and road signs. This test is run by your state's transport authority — in New South Wales it is Service NSW, in Victoria it is VicRoads, in Queensland it is the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and so on. You book the test through their website or office, and it usually costs between $30 and $50.
The test itself has between 40 and 50 multiple-choice questions, depending on your state. You need to score around 80 percent to pass. The questions cover speed limits, traffic signs, parking rules, and what to do at intersections. You can study using the official handbook for your state (available free online from your transport authority) or using practice tests on their website.
Once you pass, you get your learner's permit. This document lets you drive, but only with a supervising driver who holds a full license and sits in the front passenger seat. In most states, you must be at least 16 to hold a learner's permit, though some states allow 15-year-olds. You will also have restrictions like not driving between certain hours at night, depending on your state.
How long you must hold a learner's permit before the practical test
Each state sets a minimum time you must hold a learner's permit before you can sit the practical driving test. In New South Wales and Victoria, it is twelve months (or nine months if you are over 25). In Queensland, it is twelve months. In Western Australia, it is six months. In South Australia, it is twelve months. These periods exist so you have time to build real driving experience before being tested.
During this time, you are building hours of supervised driving. Many states recommend or require a certain number of hours — for example, New South Wales recommends at least 120 hours, with at least 20 of those at night. Keeping a logbook of your driving hours is a good idea, because some states ask to see it when you book your practical test.
You can book your practical test once you have held your learner's permit for the required minimum time. Booking is done through your state's transport authority, usually online. Tests typically have a waiting list of a few weeks to a few months, depending on how busy your local testing centre is.
Taking and passing the practical driving test
The practical test is conducted by an examiner from your state's transport authority. The test usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting and stopping smoothly, turning, parking, lane changes, and following road rules. The examiner will ask you to drive a set route, usually in local streets and sometimes on busier roads or highways.
You must bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, and proof of your supervising driver's license. The car you use must be roadworthy and registered. Many people use a car they have been practicing in, but some use a car provided by a driving school. If you fail, you can sit the test again after a waiting period (usually one to two weeks), and you pay the test fee again.
Common reasons people fail include not checking mirrors, not signalling, hitting the kerb while parking, or not following the examiner's instructions clearly. If you pass, you get a certificate on the day, and your provisional or probationary license is issued within a few days.
Your probationary license and its restrictions
Once you pass the practical test, you move to a probationary license (called a provisional license in some states). This license has restrictions that last for a set period — usually one to three years depending on your age and state. The restrictions exist because new drivers are statistically more likely to have crashes.
Common restrictions include a lower speed limit (usually 90 km/h instead of 110 km/h on highways), a zero alcohol limit (even if you are of legal drinking age), and in some states, restrictions on the number of passengers you can carry or the hours you can drive. Some states also require you to display an "L" or "P" plate on your car so other drivers know you are a new driver.
If you get caught breaking these restrictions — for example, speeding or driving with alcohol in your system — you face fines and demerit points. Accumulating too many demerit points can result in your license being suspended. Once your probationary period ends, you can explore for an unrestricted license, usually by paying a renewal fee and submitting a form to your transport authority.
The cost and timeline from start to unrestricted license
The total cost varies by state, but you can expect to spend between $200 and $400 from learner's permit to unrestricted license. This includes the knowledge test ($30–$50), the practical test ($50–$150), and license fees for the learner's permit and probationary license ($50–$100 each). Some states charge more; others charge less.
The timeline is typically two to four years from the day you pass your knowledge test to the day you get an unrestricted license. This is because you must hold a learner's permit for a minimum period (usually one year), then hold a probationary license for another one to three years. If you are over 25 when you start, some states shorten these periods.
If you already hold a license from another country, you may be able to skip the knowledge test or the practical test, depending on your state and the country your license is from. Check with your state's transport authority about interstate or international license recognition.
What to do if you fail the practical test
Failing the practical test is common — many people need more than one attempt. You can sit the test again after a waiting period, which is usually one to two weeks. You pay the test fee again each time you sit it. There is no limit to how many times you can attempt the test, so you can keep trying until you pass.
Between attempts, spend more time driving with your supervising driver, focusing on the areas where you struggled. Many people find a few lessons with a professional driving instructor helpful, because an instructor can identify specific habits or mistakes and correct them. Driving schools charge between $40 and $80 per hour, depending on your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive alone on my learner's permit?
No. A learner's permit requires a supervising driver in the front passenger seat at all times. The supervising driver must hold a full, unrestricted license. Driving alone on a learner's permit is illegal and can result in fines and demerit points.
What happens if I move to a different state?
You can transfer your license to your new state's transport authority. If you hold a learner's permit or probationary license, the restrictions and timelines of your new state explore from the date of transfer. Contact your new state's transport authority for the transfer process.
Do I need to take driving lessons with a professional instructor?
No, but many people find them helpful. You can learn to drive with any supervising driver who holds a full license, including family members. Professional instructors cost money but can teach you specific techniques and help you prepare for the practical test.
What if I have a disability or medical condition?
You may be able to sit a modified practical test or use an adapted vehicle. Contact your state's transport authority to discuss your situation. Some states offer assessments to determine what modifications or support you need.
Can I sit the knowledge test online?
Most states offer online knowledge tests, but you must sit them at an approved testing centre, not at home. Some centres allow you to book an online test at their location. Check your state's transport authority website for which testing centres offer this option.