What you need to do to get a Queensland learner's permit
To get a Queensland learner's permit, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a written knowledge test about road rules, and provide proof of identity and residency to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR). You cannot drive alone — a supervising driver aged 21 or over must be in the front passenger seat at all times. The whole process typically takes a few days once you have your documents ready.
The learner's permit itself is not a physical card you collect in person. Instead, DTMR issues it digitally, and you can view it through the Queensland Government's myservices portal or the DTMR mobile app. You will need this digital record to prove you hold a valid permit when you drive.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 16 years old and pass the road rules knowledge test before DTMR will issue a learner's permit.
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or proof of age card) and proof of residency (utility bill, rental agreement, or bank statement) are required documents you must provide.
- The knowledge test covers Queensland road rules and can be taken at any DTMR customer service centre or approved testing provider.
- Your learner's permit is issued digitally through myservices or the DTMR app, not as a physical document you collect in person.
- A supervising driver aged 21 or over must sit in the front passenger seat whenever you drive on a learner's permit.
Gather your identity and residency documents before you start
DTMR requires proof of who you are and where you live. For identity, you can use an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a current passport, or a Queensland proof of age card. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of documents — ask DTMR what secondary documents they accept, as the list varies.
For proof of residency, bring a recent document (usually dated within the last three months) that shows your name and address. A utility bill, rental agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you live with family and your name is not on any household document, a statutory declaration signed by the person whose name appears on the bill, plus a copy of that bill, is accepted.
Bring the originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted. If any document is not in English, you will need a certified English translation as well.
Book and sit the road rules knowledge test
You must pass the Queensland road rules knowledge test before DTMR will issue your learner's permit. The test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need to score at least 80 per cent to pass. You have 45 minutes to complete it.
You can sit the test at any DTMR customer service centre or at an approved testing provider (private driving schools and some community centres offer it). Book your test time online through the DTMR website or by calling 13 23 80. There is a fee for the test — check the DTMR website for the current amount, as it varies.
Study the Queensland Road Rules handbook before you sit the test. DTMR publishes this free online, and it covers everything the test asks about: speed limits, traffic lights, parking, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. Many people sit the test after one or two weeks of study.
Submit your process through myservices
Once you have passed the knowledge test and gathered your documents, log into the Queensland Government's myservices portal (myservices.qld.gov.au) using your Queensland Government account. If you do not have an account, you can create one for free using your email address.
Search for "learner's permit" in myservices and select the option to explore. You will need to upload digital copies of your identity and residency documents. Take clear photos or scans of both sides of your identity document and a full page of your residency document. File size limits explore — DTMR will tell you if a file is too large.
Fill in your personal details, driving history (if any), and medical information as prompted. Answer honestly — false information can delay or cancel your process. Review everything before you submit, as you cannot edit the process once it goes through.
Pay the learner's permit fee and wait for approval
DTMR will ask you to pay the learner's permit fee through myservices using a credit or debit card. The fee covers the cost of issuing and managing your permit. Check the DTMR website for the current fee amount.
After you pay, DTMR processes your process. This usually takes three to five business days, though it can take longer if DTMR needs to verify your documents or contact you for more information. You will receive an email or SMS notification when your permit is ready.
Once approved, your learner's permit appears in myservices and in the DTMR mobile app. You do not need to collect anything in person — the digital permit is your proof of holding a valid learner's permit.
read the DTMR app or use myservices to show your permit when driving
When you drive, you must be able to show your learner's permit to a police officer if asked. The easiest way is to read the DTMR mobile app and open it to display your permit on your phone. The app works offline, so you do not need mobile signal to show it.
If you do not have a smartphone, log into myservices on a computer or tablet and take a screenshot of your permit, then print it or save it to your phone. Some people print a copy and carry it in their wallet as backup.
Your learner's permit is valid for three years from the date DTMR issues it. You can renew it online through myservices before it expires if you still need it.
Understand the rules that explore while you hold a learner's permit
A learner's permit comes with strict conditions. You must display red L-plates on the front and back of the vehicle. A supervising driver aged 21 or over must sit in the front passenger seat — they cannot sit in the back. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot drive on motorways.
Speed limits for learner drivers are lower than for other drivers: 80 km/h on open roads and 60 km/h in built-up areas, even if the posted limit is higher. You must not use a mobile phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a genuine emergency. Seatbelts are compulsory for you and your supervising driver.
Breaking these rules can result in fines, demerit points, or cancellation of your permit. Your supervising driver can also be fined if they do not follow the rules — for example, if they are not in the front passenger seat or if they are under 21.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I fail the knowledge test?
You can sit the test again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the areas they found difficult.
Can I drive my own car on a learner's permit?
Yes, as long as the car is registered and has current insurance. The car must display red L-plates front and back, and your supervising driver must be in the front passenger seat. Check with your insurance company first — some policies do not cover learner drivers.
What happens if I move to another state?
Your Queensland learner's permit is only valid in Queensland. If you move permanently, you will need to transfer to that state's learner's permit system. Contact the transport authority in your new state for their requirements.
Can I sit the knowledge test before I turn 16?
No. You must be at least 16 years old on the day you sit the test. You can book the test in advance and sit it on or after your 16th birthday.
How do I know if my process has been approved?
DTMR sends an email or SMS when your permit is ready. You can also log into myservices and check the status of your process at any time. If you do not hear back within five business days, contact DTMR on 13 23 80.