How to get your driver's licence in WA
A simple guide to help you find your way through the process of learning to drive in WA.
If you've decided to get your drivers’ licence, but you’re a bit overwhelmed by the whole process and don’t know where to start, start here.
There are a few stages to get through when you’re learning to drive but it doesn’t need to be complicated.
Before you can get behind the wheel you need to learn the road rules and get your learner’s permit. To apply for your permit in Western Australia you must be at least 16 years of age. All up, there are six steps to getting your licence.
Step 1
Get your learner's permit
First stop, visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre and take the theory test. You need to get at least 24 out of 30 multiple choice questions correct to pass.
Click on the below button to read our L plate guide and learn everything you need to know when on your Ls.
Step 2
Learn to drive and log your hours
After you get your learner’s permit, get some lessons from a professional or drive with a supervisor in the car. Make sure to log your driving hours along the way. You must be in this stage for at least 6 months.
Step 3
Pass the Hazard Perception Test (HPT)
This computer-based test shows different traffic scenes and measures your ability to make safe decisions on the road. You must be a minimum age of 16 years and 6 months to sit this test.
Step 4
Complete 50 hours of supervised driving
After you pass the Hazard Perception Test it’s back out on the road to get more driving hours. You need a minimum of 50 hours all up. You are also required to include 5 hours of supervised night- time driving in your log book or on the Learn&Log app.
Step 5
Pass the Practical Driving Assessment (PDA)
This driving test is where an assessor will test you out on the road and score your ability in a number of different situations. You must be a minimum age of 17 and present your completed Learner Log Book or Learn&Log app as well as primary and secondary identification.
Step 6
Get your provisional licence
Once you pass the PDA you’ll get your P-plates. For the first six months you’re on red coloured Ps. After that it’s another 18 months on green Ps.
Click on the button below to read our P Plate Guide for all the info on getting your Ps.
Read more of our learning to drive articles.
