7 Steps to getting your driver licence
(Minimum age for this stage is 16 years old)
(Minimum 12 months - Valid for 5 years - Log book (120 hours))
(Minimum 10 months on a learner licence - Valid for 15 months)
(Minimum age for this stage is 17 years old)
(Minimum 12 months - Valid for 18 months)
(Minimum 24 months - Valid for 36 months)
(Issued for 12 months, 36 months, 5 or 10 years)
Step 1: Driver Knowledge Test (DKT)
The first step is to take the DKT. This test is often called the ‘learner’s test’ because you need to pass it to get your learner licence.
The DKT is a computer-based test about road rules and road safety. You have to answer 45 questions selected at random from 600 questions. To pass, you need to correctly answer:
- 12 out of 15 general knowledge questions
- 29 out of 30 road safety questions (including traffic signs).
Everything you need to know to pass the DKT is in this handbook. Study it to give yourself the best chance to pass the test.
- take the online NSW Practice Test at nsw.gov.au
- download the NSW Practice Tests app from the App Store or Google Play
- read the DKT questions at nsw.gov.au
- get help from the Driver Licensing Access Program, if you’re Aboriginal or a disadvantaged person.
You must pass the DKT honestly. If you cheat, you cannot re-sit the test for 6 weeks and must pay the fee again.
You get a temporary learner licence on the day you take the test. Your actual learner licence is posted to you. You can also apply for a digital driver licence at service.nsw.gov.au
A digital licence is optional and doesn’t replace the plastic card.
Depending on availability, you can re-sit the test on the same day, or book to do it another time. You have to pay for the test each time you re-sit it.
Step 2: Learner licence (Ls)
Once you’ve passed the DKT and have your learner licence, you can start practising driving (with a supervisor who has a full Australian driver licence).
- If you’re over 25, you can go to step 3 as soon as you feel ready. You do not need to log any driving hours.
- If you’re under 25, you need to start logging hours.
Your learner licence is valid for 5 years, so you can practice for as long as you need. If you need to, you can renew it for another 5 years by taking the DKT test and paying the test and licence fees again.
You need to log at least 120 hours of driving, including 20 hours at night, before you can take the Driving Test.
To help you gain experience and log your hours, you can:
- Do the Safer Drivers Course. This will help you develop hazard perception and safe driving skills. You get 20 hours log book credit once you complete the course.
- Have structured ‘3 for 1’ driving lessons with a licensed driving instructor. For every 1 hour lesson, the driving instructor can record 3 hours driving experience in your log book.
- Get support from the Driver Licensing Access Program, if you’re Aboriginal or a disadvantaged person.
Learner licence restrictions
There are licence restrictions that you need to follow. Examples include always having someone with a full Australian driver licence supervising you when you’re learning to drive, zero alcohol and displaying your L plates. These restrictions are there to keep you safe as you develop your driving skills.
Step 3: Hazard Perception Test (HPT)
The HPT is a computer-based test that measures your ability to recognise and respond to road hazards. The test uses film clips of real driving situations. You respond by touching the screen to show what you would do, for example, slow down or turn.
If you’re over 25, you can do the test as soon as you have your learner licence and feel ready.
If you’re under 25, you need to have your learner licence for at least 10 months before you can take the test.
Visit nsw.gov.au to read more about the Hazard Perception Test and the Hazard Perception Handbook.
The next step is to prepare for the Driving Test and a provisional P1 licence.
Depending on availability, you can re-sit the test on the same day, or book to do it another time. You have to pay for the test each time you re-sit it.
You need to pass the Driving Test to get your provisional P1 licence. If you do not pass the Driving Test within 15 months of passing the HPT, you must pass the HPT again before you can take the Driving Test.
The Driving Test is a practical, on-road test that you take with a Service NSW testing officer. The test assesses your driving skills, decision-making and how you share the road with others.
You have to bring a suitable car to do the test. It needs to be registered, safe for road use and ready to drive.
If you’re over 25, you can book your Driving Test as soon as you’ve passed the HPT.
If you’re under 25, you also need to have:
- had your learner licence for at least 12 months
- logged at least 120 hours of supervised driving, including 20 hours of night driving.
Preparing for the Driving Test
Make sure you feel prepared and confident that you can pass before taking the test. Read A Guide to the Driving Test at nsw.gov.au to help you prepare.
If you pass the Driving Test
You can apply for your provisional P1 licence.
If you fail the Driving Test
If you fail the Driving Test, you can take it again after 7 days. You will need to book and pay for the test again.
Step 5: Provisional P1 licence (red Ps)
Once you’ve passed the Driving Test, you can apply for your provisional P1 licence.
Once you have your P1 licence you no longer have to keep a log book or have a supervisor in the car with you. As you drive on your own, you continue to learn, build your driving skills and gain confidence.
There are licence restrictions that you need to follow. Examples include the maximum speed you can drive, the vehicles you can drive and the number of passengers you can take. These restrictions are to help keep you safe as you develop your driving skills.
How long a P1 licence is valid
As long as you follow the restrictions of your P1 licence, it’s valid for 18 months. You can renew it (for a fee) for another 18 months if you want to.
When you can progress to a P2 licence
If you’re ready, you can apply for a P2 licence after 12 months.
If your P1 licence is suspended, the 12 months is extended by the length of the suspension, for example, by 3 months.
If your P1 licence is disqualified, you will need to reapply for a P1 licence when your disqualification ends. This will re-start the P1 licence period and you can apply for a P2 licence after 12 months.
Step 6: Provisional P2 licence (green Ps)
Once you’ve had your provisional P1 licence for at least 12 months, you can apply for a provisional P2 licence at service.nsw.gov.au
There are still licence restrictions that you need to follow. Some are the same as the P1 licence, but some are different, such as how many passengers you can take and what you can tow.
How long a P2 licence is valid
As long as you follow the restrictions of your P2 licence, it’s valid for 36 months. You can renew it (for a fee) for another 36 months if you want to.
When you can progress to a full licence
If you’re ready, you can progress to a full licence after 24 months.
If your P2 licence is suspended, the 24 months is extended by the length of the suspension (for example 3 months) plus an additional 6 months. This is to give you time to refine your safe driving skills and make sure you’re ready for a full licence.
If your P2 licence is disqualified, you will need to reapply for a P2 licence when your disqualification ends. This will re-start the P2 licence period and you can progress to a full licence after 24 months.
Step 7: Full (unrestricted) licence
Once you’ve had your provisional P2 licence for at least 24 months, you can apply for your full driver licence at service.nsw.gov.au
You can apply for a full licence for 1, 3 or 5 years, or 10 years if you’re aged between 21 and 44.
Your driver licence gives you a great sense of freedom, but it comes with responsibility. Driving is one of the riskiest things we do on a daily basis. Make sure you keep up your driving skills and follow the road rules.