How to Get Your South Australia Driver's Licence

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

The South Australia Graduated Licensing System

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

Step 1: Pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT)

Age 16+

Minimum age: 16 years

Pass the SA Driver Knowledge Test (30 questions, 80% = 24 correct) at a Service SA centre.

Be at least 16
Pass DKT (24/30 correct)
Pass eyesight test
100-point ID
Pay fee

Step 2: Learner Licence (L Plates)

Minimum 12 Months

Minimum period: 12 months

SA learner drivers under 25 must complete 75 hours supervised driving (15 hours night). Drivers 25+ have no minimum hour requirement.

Display L plates
Supervised by fully licensed driver
Under 25: 75 hours (15 night hours)
Log hours in SA logbook

Restrictions:

0.00% BAC
No phone use
Max 100 km/h
No towing

Step 3: Provisional P1 Licence

Minimum 12 Months

Minimum period: 12 months

After passing the on-road driving test, receive your SA P1 provisional licence.

75 hours logged (under 25)
12+ months on learner
Passed on-road driving test

Restrictions:

0.00% BAC
No phone
Max 100 km/h
No more than 1 passenger aged 16–20 between midnight–5am

Step 4: Provisional P2 Licence

Minimum 12 Months

Minimum period: 12 months

Progress from P1 to P2 after 12 months with no major offences.

12 months on P1 with no major offences

Restrictions:

0.00% BAC
No phone
Max 100 km/h

Step 5: Full Licence

Age 18+ Minimum

Minimum age: 18 (minimum)

After completing P2 requirements, apply for your full SA driver licence. No more P plates!

12 months on P2
No disqualifications

Restrictions:

Standard 0.05% BAC

What to Bring to the DKT

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

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 Service SA 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 Service SA website for current fees.

Item	Approximate Cost	Notes
Driver Knowledge Test fee	~$30–$35	Payable at service centre. Retests also incur a fee.
Learner licence fee (1 year)	~$50–$70	Includes test fee in some states
Provisional (P1) licence fee	~$80–$120	After passing the driving test
Driving test booking fee	~$50–$65	For the practical on-road driving test
Professional driving lessons	$65–$100/hour	Recommended for learners — improves pass rate
AusDriving.com practice tests	FREE	Unlimited tests, no sign-up

Start Practising for Your SA DKT Today

Free practice tests — no sign-up, no cost, unlimited attempts.

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