What is the driving test

The driving test is a practical, on-road test that you take

with a Roads and Maritime testing officer.

It focuses on hazard perception and has been designed for learners

with extensive driving experience.

The on-road driving test assesses your driving skills, decision-making, awareness of

other road users, and how you share the road with other traffic.

If you pass, you’ll be issued with a provisional P1 licence.

If you fail, you have to wait at least seven days

before you can attempt another test.

More information about the test is available in

the Guide to the Driving Test (PDF, 753Kb).

When to take the test

You can take the driving test once you are at least 17 years old, have

held your learner licence for at least 12 months, and have

completed 120 hours in your Learner Driver Log Book. (100 Day & 20 night)

You should not feel under any pressure to take the test.

You can continue to practice driving on your learner licence for as long as

you need, provided you renew it. However, every time you renew your learner

licence, you need to take and pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT).

If you’re 25 or older, you don’t need to complete the Learner Driver Log Book, and

can attempt the test even if you’ve held your learner licence for less than 12 months.

If you’re converting an interstate or overseas licence, you may also need to take a driving test.

In this case you can take the test without holding a learner licence first.

See Moving to NSW for more information.

Booking your test

When you’re ready to take the test, you’ll need to make a booking and

pay the test fee. You can book online, by phoning 13 22 13, or in person

at any registry or service centre.

Taking your test

At your booked time, you’ll need to attend the nominated location to do your test.

You’ll need to provide a completed Licence Application form (PDF, 315Kb), your

completed Learner Driver Log Book (unless you’re exempt from this requirement) and

 prove your identity.

You must have a person with you who holds a full driver licence – if you fail

your test you will not be able to drive away on your own.

You also need to provide your own suitable car for the test. A Driving School may

permit you to use their car on the test but they must not charge you a fee to hire the car.

The car must be roadworthy and ready to drive – the testing officer will check the car, and

may cancel the test if it is considered unsuitable. It is important to

read  The Guide to the Driving Test (PDF, 753Kb) provides detailed information about

what the testing officer will look for. Example Dirty window "no test”

The only people permitted in the car while you take the test are you, the testing officer

and in some situations a Roads and Maritime monitoring officer.

The monitoring officer’s job is to watch the testing officer and make sure

that the test is conducted properly.

No other person is permitted in the car during the test.

If there is any suspicion that you have recently taken alcohol or another drug, the test

will be cancelled, and there will be no refund of the test fee.

If you offer money, some other bribe, or try to influence a testing officer, the test will be stopped
 and you may be taken to a police station and charged with offering a bribe.
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