How to Get Your New South Wales Driver's Licence

A complete step-by-step guide to the New South Wales Graduated Licensing System — from L plates to full licence.

The New South Wales Graduated Licensing System

Australia uses a Graduated Licensing System (GLS) to give new drivers experience gradually and safely.

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Step 1: Pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT)

Age 16+
Minimum age: 16 years

Before you can get your NSW Learner Licence, you must pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT). This is a 45-question computer-based test covering road rules, road signs, and safe driving. You must score 80% or higher (36/45 correct).

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Provide at least 100 points of identification
  • Pass the eyesight test
  • Pass the DKT with 80%+ (36/45)
  • Pay the licence application fee
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Step 2: Learner Licence (L Plates)

Minimum 12 Months
Minimum age: 16 years
Minimum period: Minimum 12 months

After passing the DKT, you receive your NSW Learner Licence (L plates). You must display L plates and be supervised by a fully licensed driver at all times while driving. Use this period to complete your 120 hours of supervised driving.

  • Display L plates (front and rear)
  • Always be supervised by a fully licensed NSW driver (seated in front passenger seat)
  • Complete minimum 120 hours of supervised driving (including 20 hours at night)
  • Log all hours in an official logbook or the Service NSW app
  • Hold learner licence for at least 12 months
Restrictions:
  • Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.00% — zero tolerance
  • No mobile phone use at all (including hands-free)
  • Maximum speed of 90 km/h (even if road allows higher)
  • Must not tow a trailer or vehicle
3

Step 3: Hazard Perception Test (HPT)

Before P1

Before progressing to your P1 licence, NSW learners must pass the Hazard Perception Test (HPT). This is a computer-based test where you watch video clips of driving scenarios and identify developing hazards. You need a score of 55 or higher out of 75.

  • Complete at least 120 logged driving hours
  • Hold learner licence for at least 12 months
  • Pass the HPT (score 55+ out of 75)
4

Step 4: Provisional P1 Licence (Red P Plates)

Minimum 12 Months
Minimum age: 17 years
Minimum period: Minimum 12 months

After passing the HPT, you can apply for your P1 (red P plates) provisional licence. You no longer need a supervisor but must follow P1 restrictions. You can drive independently but with certain conditions.

  • Passed the HPT
  • Held learner licence for 12+ months
  • Book and pass an on-road driving test (if required)
Restrictions:
  • BAC of 0.00% — zero tolerance
  • No mobile phone use (any mode)
  • Maximum speed of 90 km/h
  • No passengers between midnight and 5am (first 12 months, if under 25)
  • Must display red P plates
5

Step 5: Provisional P2 Licence (Green P Plates)

Minimum 24 Months
Minimum age: 18 years
Minimum period: Minimum 24 months

After holding your P1 for at least 12 months with no major offences, you can progress to P2 (green P plates). Greater freedoms apply on P2, but you must still follow key restrictions.

  • Held P1 licence for at least 12 months
  • No major or serious traffic offences on P1
Restrictions:
  • BAC of 0.00%
  • No mobile phone use (any mode)
  • Maximum speed of 100 km/h
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Step 6: Full (Open) Licence

Age 20+
Minimum age: 20 years (minimum)

After holding your P2 for at least 24 months with no major offences, you can apply for your full NSW open licence. No more P plates and full freedoms on the road!

  • Held P2 licence for at least 24 months
  • No serious traffic offences on P2
  • Apply at a Service NSW centre
Restrictions:
  • BAC limit of 0.05% (same as all general drivers)

What to Bring to the DKT

You must provide identity documents totalling at least 100 points when applying for your learner licence at Transport for NSW / Service NSW.

Primary Documents (70 points each)
  • Australian passport (current or expired <2 years)
  • Australian birth certificate
  • Foreign passport with valid visa (overseas visitors)
  • Australian citizenship certificate
Supporting Documents (25–40 points)
  • Medicare card
  • Bank or credit card
  • Utility bill with current address
  • Phone bill with your name and address
  • Government correspondence

Tips for Passing the DKT

  • Study the Official Handbook

    Download the Transport for NSW / Service NSW road rules handbook. Every DKT question is based on this content.

  • Learn All Road Signs

    Use our Road Signs Guide — 30–40% of DKT questions involve road signs.

  • Practice Daily

    Take our mini practice test every day for a week before your real test.

  • Full Simulation

    When scoring 85%+ on mini tests, take a full practice test to simulate exam conditions.

  • Rest Well the Night Before

    Don't cram the night before — a good night's sleep helps memory recall.

Approximate Costs

Fees vary and change over time. Always check the Transport for NSW / Service NSW website for current fees.

ItemApproximate CostNotes
Driver Knowledge Test fee~$30–$35Payable at service centre. Retests also incur a fee.
Learner licence fee (1 year)~$50–$70Includes test fee in some states
Provisional (P1) licence fee~$80–$120After passing the driving test
Driving test booking fee~$50–$65For the practical on-road driving test
Professional driving lessons$65–$100/hourRecommended for learners — improves pass rate
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