Everything you need to know to pass your driving test (update)

Learning to drive is an important milestone in anyone's life, and it's a highly regimented process.

Learning to drive is an important milestone in anyone's life, and to be wise, it's a very regimented process. This process also varies from state to state and area around Australia.

Generally, a person can apply for and take a student test as soon as they turn 16 and will be required to hold that student's license for at least 12 months before they can take the driver's test, which gives them more freedom.

The Driver Knowledge Test (DKT), sometimes referred to as the RTA test, is common to all parts of Australia and includes a set of questions, a vision test and a medical certificate.

Most state governments offer an online practice test service for students and driving tips that allow people to practice a variety of test questions before actually visiting a car registry office.

If you're wondering, "How much does it cost to attract your students?" or "How much does a driving test cost?", depending on the state or territory in question. 

Here is a summary of the requirements for Australia.

NSW

The student must be 16 years of age or older and will need to complete the 45-question DKT to obtain a student license.

They must hold a learner's license for at least 12 months for drivers under the age of 25 and have completed at least 120 hours of driving practice (driving experience is recorded in the log book) and pass a driving test and a Hazard Perception Test (HPT) to pass to the advanced level. License - stage 1 (red Ps).

Various regulations apply, including a speed limit of 90 km/h, regardless of which limit is posted on the signs.

They then hold a P1 license for at least 12 months before moving to a temporary license - stage 2 (green Ps).

A P2 license must be issued for at least two years before you can upgrade to a full license.

The NSW Government is also offering students a free lesson through their keys2drive program.

Payment Information

Driver Knowledge Test - $47 per attempt.

Driving test - $59 per attempt.

Hazard perception test - $47 per attempt.

Student license - $ 26

P1 temporary license - $60.

P2 temporary license - $94.

Unlimited License (Gold) - from $60 per year.

Australian Capital Territory

A student may be licensed from 15 years and nine months into the ACT for $48.90, but must successfully complete a pre-learning license course, including passing the ACT Computerized Traffic Knowledge Test.

Drivers must complete at least 100 hours of supervised driving (50 if you are over 25). 

Students may travel within the established restrictions but must respect the NSW 90 km/h student limit when crossing the border.

To progress to a provisional license ($123.40), drivers must have their learner license for at least 12 months, complete an online HPT, complete the required driving hours, and successfully complete a one-time practical driving assessment with a government assessor or competency. Training and assessment based on an accredited driving instructor.

The temporary license is broken down into P1 (12 months for red P numbers) and P2 (two years for green P numbers). Those over 25 can upgrade to P2 straight away. 

Victoria

Once the student passes the $43.60 Driver's License Proficiency Test and pays $25.20 for an annual license, they must drive for 120 hours with a licensed driver and then pass the HPT and driving test to earn a red Ps for 12 months before moving to green Ps for another three years.

Students are allowed to move at the specified speed.

You can use your Interstate License for three months in Victoria before you need to change it.

Queensland

You will need to complete a 30-question Driver Assessment Test that costs $25.75 and record 100 hours of driving with 10 hours of overnight driving to receive your diploma.

Passing the practical driving test ($60.25) will put you on a provisional license (starting at $82.15). This includes red Ps for 12 months, then green Ps for another 12 months after HPT.

Students from Queensland can also travel within posted speed limits.

South Australia

It costs $38 for the learner test and $67 for the two-year learner license.

A 100 km/h limit applies, regardless of the stated limit.

South Australia applies P1 for 12 months and P2 for two years. A temporary license costs $161.

Western Australia

The 19.90-question test costs $30 to complete, plus $24.50 for the hazard perception test and $9.45 for the logbook (required 50 hours of recording).

A one-time fee to apply for a new driver's license of $109 is required (including one practical driving assessment).

The maximum speed of the trainee is 100 km/h.

WA drivers receive Ps until they are 19 years old, with stricter red Ps for the first six months.

They are also considered "novice drivers" under a two-tier system for up to three years, which reduces the number of demerit points that can be accumulated before license revocation.

Tasmania

On Apple Isle, you will need to successfully complete the Tasmanian Highway Code DKT and record 80 hours in the logbook, with your speed limited to 90 km/h. 

After 12 months, you can take the P1 (Red Ps) and HPT driving test and the speed limit will be increased to 100 km/h. 

Twelve months on P1 leads to P2 (green Ps). Depending on your age, you will have a P2 license for one or two years.

The license costs $33.63 and the cost of the Ps test is $90.05.

Northern territories

The driver is on Ls for six years, then must have Ps for two years if under 25 or one year if over 25.

The theory test is $20, DriveSafe NT driver training is $110, a two-year license is $24, while Ps for U25 is $49 and over 25 is $32.

What do you think of the current license structure in Australia? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

*All prices, rules and speed limit information are correct as of May 2021.