Getting Your Licence Perth – A Quick Guide

Apex Driving School can support you so you can smoothly progress through the following seven steps to getting a licence in Western Australia:

1. PASS A THEORY TEST

You must pass a theory test before you can start to learn to drive. Theory tests are done at a Driver and Vehicle Services centre. If you fail your theory test, you can attempt it again. However, you cannot do it again on the same day. You’ll need to return on another day and a pay a fee each time.

Car (C class) licence theory test: Comprises 30 multiple-choice questions to test you on road rules and safe driving practices. You must get at least 24 correct answers to get your learner’s permit. The Drive Safe handbook covers everything that would be included in the test.

Moped (R-N class) licence theory test: Comprises of 35 multiple-choice questions to test you on road rules and safe driving practices for motorcycle riders. You must get at least 28 correct answers to get your learner’s permit. Everything covered in the test is in the Ride Safe handbook.

LAMS motorcycle (R-E class) licence theory test: Consists of 35 multiple-choice questions on road rules and safe driving practices for motorcycle riders. You must score at least 28 correct answers to get your learner’s permit. The Ride Safe handbook covers what you need to know for the test.

2. APPLY FOR A LEARNER’S PERMIT

Once you have passed your theory test, you may apply for your learner’s permit.

Car (C class) learner’s permit: You must be 16 years old before you can apply.

Moped (R-N class) learner’s permit: You can apply once you’re 15 ½ years old.

LAMS motorcycle (R-E class) learner’s permit: You must be 16 years old before you can apply.

As part of the learner’s permit application, you’re also required to do an eyesight test while you’re there and to declare any medical conditions as well as any medication that you’re taking. You will be advised whether to go for a medical assessment before your permit can be granted.

3. LEARN TO DRIVE OR RIDE

Once you have been granted a restrictive learner’s permit you can start your training. You may only drive under the supervision of a fully licenced driver or rider who has held their licence for more than four years. We recommend learning with a trained, licenced instructor if you want to get the maximum value from each session.

When you’re driving under someone else’s supervision between lessons, be sure to display your ‘L’ plates.

4. SIT THE HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST

The Hazard Perception Test is computer-based and includes videos of different traffic situations to test your knowledge. If you’re applying for a car or motorcycle licence, then you can only sit this test once you have held a learner’s permit for at least six calendar months and you have reached the minimum age of at least 16 years and six months. If you’re going for a moped licence, then you don’t need to wait six calendar months. You can apply when you’re ready and have your learner’s permit.

5. COMPLETE 50 HOURS OF SUPERVISED TRAINING

Once you pass your Hazard Perception Test, it’s time to record 50 supervised driving hours minimum, including at least five hours between sunset and sunrise. You’ll record your hours in your Learner Guide and Log Book. Your professional instructor will help you get more experience and prepare you for your next test, the Practical Driving Assessment.

6. SIT THE PRACTICAL DRIVING ASSESSMENT

If you have completed your 50 supervised driving hours including at least five hours at night and you’re at least 17 years old, then you can attempt the Practical Driving Assessment, so that you can get your P1 provisional licence (‘P’ plates). If you fail this assessment, you’ll need to retake it after a minimum of 7 days and pay the fee again.

7. GET YOUR PROVISIONAL LICENCE

Having passed the Practical Driving Assessment, you’re granted a P1 provisional licence (‘P’ plates) and can start driving unsupervised. You must now display the red ‘P’ plate for the first six months and then the green ‘P’ plate for the remaining period and until you’ve held your licence for at least two years (i.e. period or periods adding up to 730 days) or until you have celebrated your 19th birthday (whichever is the longer period).

Your licence will then be upgraded to a full licence.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Visit the Department of Transport’s website for further details about getting your first licence.