If you are 17 years of age or older, you are eligible to attempt the Driving Test if you have logged at least 120 hours driving time (which includes 20 hours of night driving) and have held your learner licence for at least 12 months (drivers over 25 are exempt from the 12 month tenure requirement). If you pass, you will be issued your provisional P1 licence. You can attempt the Driving Test in any type of light vehicle however you will be restricted from driving certain prohibited vehicles when a P licence is issued. For more information see the sections on P1 and P2 vehicle and passenger conditions and Learner licence for exemptions from the 120 hours log book requirements.
A P1 licence is issued for 18 months. After a total of 12 months you can attempt the Hazard Perception Test (HPT). If successful, you can proceed to the P2 licence. A P2 licence must be held for at least 24 months to progress to a full licence.
The P1 licence can be gained by a learner driver after successful completion of the Driving Test - see the learner section for information about the requirements of the learner licence.
You must be at least 17 years of age to attempt the Driving Test.
You will need to book for the Driving Test by calling the RTA on 13 22 13 or booking online at myTests on this website.
What special rules must I follow?
P1 drivers must:
- Have P plates (red P on white background) displayed conspicuously at the front and rear exterior of the car when driving. The letter P on the plate must not be hidden. If towing a trailer, a P plate must be on the back of the trailer.
Not exceed zero blood alcohol concentration (this means you cannot drink before driving). It is also illegal to drive under the influence of drugs.
- Observe a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h.
- Observe towing restrictions (you are only allowed to tow light trailers of up to 250 kilograms unloaded weight).
- Not accumulate more than three demerit points.
- Be restricted to driving an automatic transmission car or clutchless manual (depending on the vehicle in which the Driving Test is undertaken).
Not supervise a learner driver.
Not upgrade the licence to a higher class.
If aged under 25, you may only carry one passenger under the age of 21 between 11pm and 5am.
Only carry the number of passengers that can be properly seated in seats and restrained by approved seat belts or child restraints.
Only drive vehicles that have a seat belt fitted to the driver's position and you must wear the seat belt.
Not use any functions of a mobile phone including hands-free devices.
Not drive certain prohibited vehicles.
Failure to comply with any of the above requirements is an offence and carries heavy penalties, including loss of licence. P1 licence holders will also have their licence suspended for at least three months for any speeding offence.
Organ donation
Successful organ and tissue donation has given life and health to many people in our community. Organ transplants are only possible when people generously decide that in the event of their death they would like to donate their organs to help others. You can record your intention to become an organ donor on your driver licence.
Use the Organ donation related link (above right) to find out more.
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