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DISCLAIMER: INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS PAGE ARE SOURCED AND COLLATED FROM PUBLIC DOMAINS. AS POLICIES AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS CHANGE FROM TIME TO TIME, THE INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE MAY APPEAR OUTDATED FOR A SHORT DURATION. WE WILL STRIVE TO KEEP THE INFORMATION UPDATED AS FREQUENTLY AS POSSIBLE. WE STRONGLY URGE YOU TO CONSULT WITH THE RELEVANT TRANSPORT AUTHORITIES AND VERIFY THE INFORMATION BEFORE TAKING ANY ACTION. TAILWIND DRIVER TRAINING ACADEMY OR ITS STAFF ARE NOT LEGALLY LIABLE FOR INACCURACIES IN THE INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE AND WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE INCURRED BY YOU AS A RESULT OF USING INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE.

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​1. What is the minimum age requirement for applying for a driver's license in Australia? 
A: In Australia, the minimum age requirement for applying for a driver's license varies by state and territory. Here are the minimum age requirements for each region:
 

  • New South Wales (NSW): 16 years old for a learner's permit.

  • Victoria (VIC): 16 years old for a learner's permit.

  • Queensland (QLD): 16 years old for a learner's permit.

  • South Australia (SA): 16 years old for a learner's permit.

  • Western Australia (WA): 16 years old for a learner's permit.

  • Tasmania (TAS): 16 years old for a learner's permit.

  • Australian Capital Territory (ACT): 15 years and 9 months for a learner's permit.

  • Northern Territory (NT): 16 years old for a learner's permit.


It's important to note that after obtaining a learner's permit, there are various stages and requirements (such as supervised driving hours and tests) that must be completed before obtaining a full driver's license. The regulations and stages may differ slightly between states and territories.

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2. How do I obtain a learner's license / learner's permit in Australia?

A: To obtain a learner's license in Australia, you'll need to follow the specific requirements and steps set by the state or territory in which you reside. Here’s a general outline of the process, along with specific details for each state and territory:

General Requirements

  1. Minimum Age: You must meet the minimum age requirement (typically 16 years old, except in the ACT where it's 15 years and 9 months).

  2. Knowledge Test: You must pass a written or computerized knowledge test that covers road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving practices.

  3. Vision Test: You may need to pass a vision test to ensure you meet the required eyesight standards for driving.

  4. Proof of Identity: Provide proof of identity, residency, and possibly other documents as required.

  5. Application Form: Complete an application form and submit it to the relevant authority.

  6. Fee: Pay the applicable fee for the learner's permit.

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New South Wales (NSW)

  • Minimum Age: 16 years old.

  • Process:

    • Study the Road Users' Handbook.

    • Pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT).

    • Pass a vision test.

    • Provide proof of identity and residency.

    • Pay the fee.

    • More information: Service NSW

 

Victoria (VIC)

  • Minimum Age: 16 years old.

  • Process:

    • Study the Road to Solo Driving handbook.

    • Pass the Learner Permit Knowledge Test.

    • Pass a vision test.

    • Provide proof of identity and residency.

    • Pay the fee.

    • More information: VicRoads


Queensland (QLD)

  • Minimum Age: 16 years old.

  • Process:

    • Study the Your Keys to Driving in Queensland handbook.

    • Pass the written road rules test.

    • Pass a vision test.

    • Provide proof of identity and residency.

    • Pay the fee.

    • More information: Queensland Government


South Australia (SA)

  • Minimum Age: 16 years old.

  • Process:

    • Study The Driver's Handbook.

    • Pass the Learner's Theory Test.

    • Pass a vision test.

    • Provide proof of identity and residency.

    • Pay the fee.

    • More information: SA Government


Western Australia (WA)

  • Minimum Age: 16 years old.

  • Process:

    • Study the Drive Safe handbook.

    • Pass the Learner’s Permit Theory Test.

    • Pass a vision test.

    • Provide proof of identity and residency.

    • Pay the fee.

    • More information: Department of Transport WA


Tasmania (TAS)

  • Minimum Age: 16 years old.

  • Process:

    • Study the Road Rules Handbook.

    • Pass the Driver Knowledge Test.

    • Pass a vision test.

    • Provide proof of identity and residency.

    • Pay the fee.

    • More information: Transport Tasmania


Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

  • Minimum Age: 15 years and 9 months.

  • Process:

    • Study the Road Ready Course.

    • Pass the Road Rules Knowledge Test.

    • Pass a vision test.

    • Provide proof of identity and residency.

    • Pay the fee.

    • More information: Access Canberra


Northern Territory (NT)

  • Minimum Age: 16 years old.

  • Process:

    • Study the Road Users' Handbook.

    • Pass the Learner Licence Theory Test.

    • Pass a vision test.

    • Provide proof of identity and residency.

    • Pay the fee.

    • More information: NT Government

 

Additional Tips

  • Study Materials: Most states and territories provide handbooks or online resources to help you prepare for the knowledge test.

  • Practice Tests: Utilize online practice tests if available.

  • Booking the Test: You may need to book an appointment to take the knowledge test, which can often be done online.

Ensure to check the specific requirements and processes for your state or territory, as they can vary slightly.

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3. Do I need to log all the hours I drive using a learner's license?

A: Yes, in Australia, learner drivers are generally required to log a certain number of supervised driving hours to progress to the next stage of their licensing. However, this requirement varies based on the age of the learner driver from state to state. Here is a breakdown:

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New South Wales (NSW)

  • Logbook Requirement: Yes, learners under 25 must log at least 120 hours of supervised driving, including 20 hours of night driving.

  • More Information: Service NSW

Victoria (VIC)

  • Logbook Requirement: Yes, learners under 21 must log at least 120 hours of supervised driving, including 20 hours of night driving. Learners 21 years and over are exempt from this requirement.

  • More Information: VicRoads

Queensland (QLD)

  • Logbook Requirement: Yes, learners under 25 must log at least 100 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours of night driving. Learners 25 years and over are exempt from this requirement.

  • More Information: Queensland Government

South Australia (SA)

  • Logbook Requirement: Yes, learners must complete at least 75 hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours of night driving.

  • More Information: SA Government

Western Australia (WA)

  • Logbook Requirement: Yes, learners under 25 must log at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 5 hours of night driving. Learners 25 years and over are exempt from this requirement.

  • More Information: Department of Transport WA

Tasmania (TAS)

  • Logbook Requirement: Yes, learners under 23 must log at least 80 hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours of night driving. 

  • More Information: Transport Tasmania

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

  • Logbook Requirement: Yes, learners must log at least 100 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours of night driving.

  • More Information: Access Canberra

Northern Territory (NT)

  • Logbook Requirement: Yes, learners must log at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 5 hours of night driving.

  • More Information: NT Government

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3. What is Hazard Perception Test (HPT) and when am I eligible to take it?

A: The Hazard Perception Test (or HPT) is a computer-based test that you need to pass before you can take the driving test and get your provisional P1 licence.

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The eligibility for taking the Hazard Perception Test (HPT) in Australia varies by state and territory. This test is a crucial step in the graduated licensing process, designed to assess a driver's ability to recognize and respond to potential hazards on the road. Below is a detailed breakdown of the requirements for each state and territory:

 

New South Wales (NSW)

  • Eligibility: Must have held a learner's license for at least 10 months.

  • Age Requirement: At least 17 years old.

  • More Information: Service NSW

 

Victoria (VIC)

  • Eligibility: Must have completed the required number of supervised driving hours (120 hours for those under 21).

  • Age Requirement: At least 17 years and 11 months old.

  • More Information: VicRoads


Queensland (QLD)

  • Eligibility: Must have held a learner's license for at least 6 months.

  • Age Requirement: At least 16 years and 6 months old.

  • More Information: Queensland Government

 

South Australia (SA)

  • Eligibility: Must have held a learner's license for at least 12 months if under 25, or 6 months if 25 or older.

  • More Information: SA Government

 

Western Australia (WA)

 

Tasmania (TAS)

  • Eligibility: Must have completed the required number of supervised driving hours (80 hours for those under 23).

  • Age Requirement: At least 17 years old.

  • More Information: Transport Tasmania

 

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

  • Eligibility: Must have held a learner's license for at least 6 months and completed the required number of supervised driving hours.

  • Age Requirement: At least 17 years old.

  • More Information: Access Canberra

 

Northern Territory (NT)

  • Eligibility: Must have held a learner's license for at least 6 months.

  • Age Requirement: At least 16 years and 6 months old.

  • More Information: NT Government

 

General Notes

  • Preparation: It is recommended to practice using the online resources and sample tests provided by the relevant authorities.

  • Booking the Test: You will usually need to book an appointment to take the Hazard Perception Test, which can often be done online.


Make sure to check the specific requirements and guidelines provided by your local licensing authority, as they can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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