Preparing for the Australian Driving Test: a Checklist

The Australian government employs a Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS) in all its jurisdictions. This means that all novice drivers must undergo and meet or exceed the requirements of each driving licence stage before finally being granted a full licence.

For a learner driver, the key stage to earning this is to graduate from a learner’s permit to a P1 provisional licence. It sounds simple enough, but preparation is key here because having incomplete requirements will lead to immediate termination of the on-road driving test.

Below is a quick run-through of what you need to prepare and how to book your test schedule to serve as your final checklist. But if you’ve already got everything down pat, check out our tips on how to pass the driving assessment and get your provisional P1 licence.

How to Get a Provisional P1 Licence

To get your Provisional P1 Licence, you need to prepare all the driving test requirements and pass all the pertinent written or computerised tests beforehand. Make sure you also meet the requirements according to the state you’re applying for a driving licence in.

What to prepare for the driving test

Before worrying about the actual test, you first need to make sure that you’re ready with the requirements. These are self-explanatory, and you should make sure to check that you’ve ticked all the boxes before booking a practical test.

• Learner’s permit
  For 17 years old and above but below 25 years old, you must have held your permit for at least 12 months.

  Of course, this also means you must have the necessary driving skills and practice in different driving scenarios. This can be through taking professional driving lessons at a driving school, booking sessions with an experienced driving instructor, or simply learning proper driving manoeuvres from an experienced driver.

• Completed Paper or Digital Logbook (for drivers below 25 years old)
  You must have logged the minimum state-mandated hours of driving and the log book must be signed off by your supervising driver. This must be submitted at least 24 hours before the test.
• Passed the Hazards Perception Test (HPT)
  The HPT is a computer-based exam that will test your ability to recognise potential hazardous circumstances on the road.

  You may simply take a computerised hazard perception test at online prior to your practical driving exam, but you may also ask the testing office if you prefer a written exam on site if you have special needs, such as an interpreter service.

• Confirmed & paid booking
  Once you pass the HPT, you may schedule a practical driving test at your preferred testing centre and pay the testing fee to confirm your booking. Note that the booking process may differ slightly in each state, so book a schedule according to the state you’re taking the test in. The next section provides information on how to book your practical test schedule.
• Suitable test vehicle
  Bring a clean and safe vehicle that meets state-standards to use for the test. This may be your own vehicle, or you may book one from a professional driving school. If you do the latter, make sure to familiarise yourself with the booked vehicle to avoid panic and confusion during the actual test.

Not all states have the same requirements, so make sure that you meet the requirements of the state you are taking the test in.

State-specific requirements comparison table

As previously mentioned, most of the requirements to graduate to a Provisional P1 licence are similar, but there are some state-specific requirements you also need to take note of. Below is a table listing the differences, according to information from each state’s appropriate departments and agencies.

The required holding times for learner’s permit listed above apply to learner drivers from 17 to 24 years old. For 25-year-old learners and older, the required time is usually halved. Likewise, the logbook requirement for examinees 25 years old and older is usually waived.

How to book the driving test

Each state has its own pertinent department that oversees driving licence testing and issuance. You may book a practical driving test in your state through the appropriate agencies linked below.

• New South Wales (NSW): Roads and Maritime Services (RMS)
• Queensland (QLD): Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR)
• South Australia (SA): For SA practical driving test, you need to book a Vehicle On Road Test (VORT) with an authorised examiner or instructor.
• Tasmania (TAS): Transport Services
• Victoria (VIC): Victorian Transport Resources (VicRoads)
• Western Australia (WA): Metropolitan Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centres
• Northern Territories: Enrol in the DriveSafe NT program* or find authorised driving examiners
• Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Call Access Canberra at 13 22 81 or complete a booking appointment through the Access Canberra Service Centre.

*Note: The DriveSafe NT Program fee already includes Learner and Provisional licence and test fees. 

© This content is originally published for Parkhound, a Spacer Technologies company, and is protected under the Copyright Act 1968 (Commonwealth). Unauthorised use or reproduction of this article, in whole or in part, without permission is prohibited and may result in legal action.