Overview - from learner to full licence
There are seven steps you'll need to complete to progress from a car learner licence to a full licence. This section contains details on each of these steps.
The seven steps are:
Pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) - get your learner licence.
Hold your learner licence at least 12 months and complete 120 hours of supervised driving practice including 20 hours of night driving (for drivers under the age of 25 only).
Pass the Driving Test - progress to a Provisional Licence - stage 1 (P1 licence).
Hold your P1 licence for a minimum of 12 months.
Pass the Hazard Perception Test - progress to Provisional Licence - stage 2 (P2 licence).
Hold your P2 licence for a minimum of 24 months.
Pass the Driver Qualification Test (DQT) - progress to a full licence.
Learners issued a licence prior 1 July 2007
If your learner licence is current as at 30 June 2007, you can attempt the Driving Test once you have held your licence for at least six months and completed 50 hours of log book practice. Note: As from 19 December 2009 learner drivers who are aged 25 years and over are now exempt from completing the Learner Driver Log Book.
If you have not passed the Driving Test by the expiry date of your licence, you will need to renew your licence and complete a total of 120 hours log book practice (including 20 hours of night driving) before another test can be attempted. Previous log book experience will be recognised and count towards the 120 hours when it has been transferred into a current LearLearner Driver Log Book.
You will also need to complete 120 hours of practice (including 20 hours of night driving) if your licence is cancelled and you re-apply after 1 July 2007 (as in the case of a disqualification). This means that you will need to have also held your licence for at least 12 months (if you are aged under 25 years) before the Driving Test can be attempted.
If you are transferring your interstate and overseas learner licence after 1 July 2007, you will be exempt from the 120 hours Learner Driver Log Book requirements if you pass the Driving Test. However, if you fail the test, you will be issued with a NSW learner licence and be required to hold your licence for 12 months and complete 120 hours of driving practice (including 20 hours of night driving) before a further test can be attempted. The RTA will recognise any Learner Driver Log Book hours recorded in your home state provided appropriate documentation is presented.
From 19 December 2009, there are changes to the Graduated Licensing Scheme for novice drivers. Learner drivers who complete a one hour structured driving lesson with a fully licensed driving instructor can record three hours driving experience in their Learner Driver Log Book. A maximum of 10 hours of lessons will be accepted and recorded as 30 hours in the log book. Note: These changes do not mean driving lessons are compulsory or that you should stop having lessons after reaching the 10 hours of training.
Those who are exempt from holding a log book include:
- Drivers who have previously held a NSW or interstate drivers licence other than a learner licence.
- Drivers who apply for a learner licence and have previously held an overseas licence other than a learner licence.
- Holders of an overseas licence, other than a learner licence, who are issued with a learner licence after failing one driving test.
- Aged drivers issued with a learner licence after failing an age driving test.
- Drivers specifically exempted by the RTA.
- Motorcycle rider learner licence holders.
From 19 December 2009 learner drivers aged 25 years and over are exempt from completing the Learner driver log book.
An organisation named UPMART currently claims that it can provide perpetual motor vehicle registration and 100-year driver licences.
Under NSW Legislation the RTA is the only vehicle registration and driver licensing authority in NSW.
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