“How do I book a driving test?” is one of the most asked questions when our new learner drivers are feeling confident to attempt the Perth driving tests (the Practical Driving Assessment). Well, fear not if you’re a new learner. We’ve put together this brief guide to help you book and prepare for your test.

Just remember that there are hundreds of other learners getting ready to take their tests. Book yours early to get your preferred date.

How to book a driving test in Perth

As you’ve already paid for one Practical Driving Assessment when you originally paid your licence application fee, you don’t need to pay when booking your appointment — unless you fail your first attempt and therefore must rebook the assessment, or you fail to give more than 2 full working days’ notice when cancelling or changing your booking. You still pay for the hire of the instructors vehicle.

Once you feel that you have gained the driving experience needed for the test, the only way to book your test is through the Department of Transport. You’re allowed to change your booking as many times as you want. However, you can only book up to 6 months in advance.

How to book:

• In person at a Driver and Vehicle Services centre or agent
• Over the phone by calling 13 11 56
• Online through DotDirect

If on the day of your test you decide to reschedule for another day, you’ll automatically forfeit your test entitlement. You’d need to pay again when making the new booking. That’s because you’d be outside the required 2 full working days’ notice for cancelling and rebooking.

Choosing a licensing centre for your driving test

Many Perth learner drivers failed the Practical Driving Assessment because they booked their tests through a licensing centre in an area where they had never driven before. As they were not familiar with the roads and surroundings, they became nervous during the test. This caused them to make mistakes and therefore fail.

If you want to feel comfortable during your test, consider booking it through the centre in the area where you learned to drive, or an area that you know really well. 

What to do on the day of your driving test

Allow enough time for your test. In Perth, a Practical Driving Assessment usually takes 35 minutes.

When attending your test, you must:

• arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment
• ensure your Log Book (printed or on the app) has been completed correctly
• ensure you and your supervising driver have signed the Log Book declaration of completion (if using the Learn&Go app, submit the declaration in the app 24 hours before the appointment)
• bring your learner’s permit
• bring one form of primary ID and one form of secondary ID
• bring a licensed roadworthy vehicle for the appropriate class. It must be fitted with a centrally mounted handbrake that your assessor can operate from the front passenger seat if required. If the vehicle is deemed unsuitable or not roadworthy, your test will be cancelled.

Otherwise, you’ll need to rebook and pay again. 

Need to change or cancel? Remember to give more than 2 full working days’ notice to avoid paying again.

Failing the driving test

If you fail your first attempt at the Practical Driving Assessment, that’s OK. You can pay and rebook to retake it.

However, the date of your next appointment must be more than 7 calendar days after the date of the failed test.

How to tell if you’re ready to book a driving test in Perth

We recommend that you only book a driving test once you have at least done the following:

• held your Learner’s permit for a minimum of six months
• read and understood the Driving Techniques for Safer Drivers book
• passed the Hazard Perception Test
• tried the practice exercises in the Driving Techniques for Safer Drivers book
• developed good driver habits and attitude for safe driving
• recorded a minimum of 50 supervised hours, including a minimum of five hours between sunset and sunrise (if you’re under 25, these hours must be recorded in your Log Book or app). Your 50 supervised hours should also include driving on freeways, highways and major roads, driving under different road, weather and traffic conditions, and driving between 80 and 100 km/h on permitted roads.

Not sure whether you’re ready? One of our professional driving instructors in Perth can help you prepare for your Practical Driving Assessment. You can book Perth driving lessons online.