Do you always need to carry your licence when you're driving?

Many people prefer to travel light when they leave home and may only carry keys and a mobile phone with them.

However, WA’s Road Traffic (Administration) Act 2008, requires drivers “without a reasonable excuse” to produce their driver’s licence or learner’s permit when asked by a police officer or risk a fine of up to $2500. Unlike some states, WA does not currently offer a digital driver’s licence.

So it is best to carry your licence with you at all times when driving.

If you are caught out without your licence, you may be able to avoid a penalty if you do have a reasonable excuse and can then produce your licence at a licensing centre or police station within a reasonable time. Please note that what constitutes a ‘reasonable excuse’ is not defined.

The police officer will normally advise where to produce your licence and within what time period, which may vary depending on the time of day, place, and circumstances.

However, for those with licences that are not issued in WA (for example, interstate or international licences) and also those with extraordinary licences, there is no exemption, and they must carry their licence on them at all times when driving on WA roads.