Getting Your

Drivers Licence

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Getting Your Learner’s Licence
Getting Your P1s & P2s
NSW Full Licence
International Licence Conversion

Obtaining a drivers licence in New South Wales (NSW) is a significant milestone that grants independence and mobility. NSW uses a Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS) that is designed to help drivers progressively build their skills and experience under lower-risk conditions. The process is structured in four key stages: the Learner Licence, Provisional P1 Licence, Provisional P2 Licence, and finally, the Full Licence.

Whether you’re just starting out or transferring from another state or country, this guide breaks down each step of the licensing journey in NSW.

Getting Your Learner Licence

The first step to becoming a licensed driver in NSW is to obtain your learner licence. This stage focuses on building foundational road knowledge and safe driving habits.

The Driver Knowledge Test (DKT)

To get your learner licence, you’ll need to pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT). This is a computer-based test that evaluates your understanding of road rules, safe driving practices, traffic signs, and driver responsibilities.

• The DKT consists of 45 questions.
• You need to correctly answer at least 12 out of 15 general knowledge questions and 29 out of 30 road safety questions.
• All questions are based on the Road Users’ Handbook, which can be studied online or in print.

Practice is key—many learners use free online DKT practice tests to become familiar with the question style.

DKT Fees

The fees involved in this stage include:

• Driver Knowledge Test fee: $55 (each attempt)
• Learner licence fee (valid for 5 years): $30
• Total (as of 2025): approximately $85

These fees may be subject to change, so it’s a good idea to check the Service NSW fees page for the most up-to-date information.

After Getting Your Learner Licence

Once you’ve passed the DKT and obtained your learner licence, you can begin driving under the following conditions:

• You must always be supervised by a full licence holder.
• L plates must be clearly displayed on your vehicle.
• You cannot use a mobile phone (even hands-free) while driving.
• A zero blood alcohol limit applies at all times.
• You must log 120 hours of supervised driving, including 20 hours at night, in your Learner Driver Log Book.
• The learner licence is valid for 5 years.

During this stage, it’s critical to gain varied driving experience across different roads, weather, and traffic conditions.

Please note: You do not have to complete a Learner Driver Log Book if you: are 25 or over, previously held a NSW or interstate driver licence (other than a learner licence), or previously held an overseas licence (other than a learner licence).

Getting Your P1 Licence (Red Ps)

Once you have held your learner licence for at least 12 months and completed the 120 logged hours, you can progress to your Provisional P1 licence.

The Hazard Perception Test (HPT)

Before attempting the driving test, you must pass the Hazard Perception Test (HPT). This is a computer-based test that uses real-life driving scenarios to assess how you respond to hazards.

• You must have held your learner licence for at least 10 months before sitting the HPT.
• The test takes around 15–20 minutes and costs approximately $55.
• You can prepare using online HPT practice tests provided by Service NSW.

The Driving Test

After passing the HPT, you’re eligible to book your driving test with a Service NSW testing centre.

• The driving test evaluates your vehicle control, decision making, and adherence to road rules in real traffic.
• You’ll need to bring your own registered and roadworthy car with L plates.
• On passing, you’ll be issued a P1 licence, which is valid for 18 months.

Please note: When you go to a testing centre, you must have a person with you who has a full drivers licence. If you fail the test, you cannot drive away on your own and need a licensed driver with you.

P1 drivers must follow these rules:

• Display red P plates.
• Zero BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration).
• Cannot drive high-performance prohibited vehicles.
• Must not exceed 90 km/h.
• Cannot use a mobile phone at all while driving.

Please note: In New South Wales, learner drivers can generally drive most cars, including some high-performance vehicles, but there are restrictions for those on provisional licenses.

Getting Your P2 Licence (Green Ps)

To progress to a P2 licence, you must have held your P1 licence for at least 12 months.

There’s no test required to upgrade from P1 to P2, but your driving record must be clear of serious offences and suspensions.

P2 drivers must follow these rules:

• Display green P plates.
• Zero alcohol limit still applies.
• Maximum speed limit is 100 km/h.
• Still restricted from using mobile phones, including hands-free.
• Cannot drive prohibited high-performance vehicles.

The P2 licence is valid for 30 months.

Full Licence

Once you’ve held your P2 licence for 24 months, you’re eligible to apply for your full unrestricted licence—provided you’ve maintained a clean driving record.

You can apply online or in person. There are no additional tests, but a licence fee applies.

Holders of a full NSW licence:

• No longer need to display plates.
• Are allowed to drive any legal vehicle (unless restricted by specific conditions).
• Must comply with the 0.05 BAC limit.
• Can now supervise learner drivers.

Interstate and Overseas Licences

If you hold a licence from another Australian state or from overseas, you may be eligible to convert it to an NSW licence, depending on your experience and the country of issue.

Interstate drivers:

• Must apply for an NSW licence within 3 months of moving.
• Your driving history may allow you to go directly to a full NSW licence.

Overseas drivers:

• If from a recognised country, you may be exempt from testing.
• If from a non-recognised country, you’ll need to pass the DKT, HPT, and driving test.
• Temporary visitors can drive on their overseas licence, provided it’s in English (or you carry a translation or International Driving Permit).

Always check with Service NSW for the most accurate eligibility and testing requirements.

Ready to Get Behind the Wheel?

Going through the different stages in the NSW licensing system can feel overwhelming, but the right guidance makes all the difference. At LTrent Driving School, we’re here to support you through every stage—whether you’re preparing for the DKT, building confidence during your learner hours, or ready to tackle the driving test.

Our professional instructors, tailored lesson plans, and structured training programs ensure you’re not just learning to pass a test, but becoming a safer and smarter driver for life.

Book your first driving lesson with LTrent today and start your journey on the road with confidence.

Related Pages

NSW Driver Licence Guide
Learners Licence
Licence Tests