Learner drivers WA: all you need to know
All the information on getting your learner’s permit, and the rules and restrictions when driving on your L plates.
In WA, getting your licence takes a few steps. The process is designed to build up your skills and confidence in stages. It means by the time you pass your driving test, you’ll be ready to hit the road with confidence.
How to get a learner's permit in WA
Before you get behind the wheel, you need to get your learner’s permit. To apply for your permit in Western Australia you must be at least 16 years of age. You can’t practice driving, even with your parents, until you have your learner’s permit.
Requirements to get a learner's permit:
- Visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre or regional agent.
- Be aged 16 or older (for C Class licences).
- Submit a completed driver’s licence application form.
- Pass the learner’s permit theory test with a score of 24/30 or more.
- Show the required proof of identity documents. This information can be found on the Department of Transport website.
- Pass an eyesight test.
Once you tick all these boxes, the DVS centre will give you a 50-hour logbook and learner’s permit card.
What is a learner's permit theory test?
This is a computerised test made up of 30 multiple choice questions. The questions are based on WA road rules and will test your understanding of them. You can practice beforehand with the Department of Transport’s online quiz.
Do I need to book for the learner's permit theory test?
If you are doing the test in metro Perth, you do not need to book for a learner’s permit theory test. You can sit the theory test on the same day you apply for your learner’s application.
However, if you are sitting the test in regional WA, you may need to book in advance.
What if I fail the learner's permit theory test?
If you receive less than 24/30 in the theory test, you will have to re-sit it. You cannot make another attempt on the same day. There is no limit to how many times you are allowed to sit this test, however, each time you resit, it will cost $18.20.
How long is a learner's permit valid for?
A learner’s permit is valid for a period of 3 years. If your learner's permit expires, you will need to reapply to continue to learn to drive.
Want a free learner's pack?
Receive a FREE learner's pack when you sign up to RAC Ignite. This includes a set of L plates, our Learner Driver Guide and tips to get started on your journey.
Learn to drive and log your hours
Practice makes perfect – start recording supervised driving hours into your logbook. Log hours at different times of the day and in different weather and traffic conditions. This way, you’ll be more prepared for driving on your own.
It’s also a good idea to have some lessons with a qualified driving instructor.
If you choose to use a parent or friend to supervise, they need to have held their current driver’s licence for at least 4 years in the vehicle type being used for learning. So, if you’re learning to drive in a manual car, your supervising driver must have a driver’s licence for a manual car.
Rules and restrictions when driving with a learner's permit in WA
While driving on your L plates, you must:
- Always drive with a supervisor in the car.
- Always display L plates on the front and back of your vehicle when driving.
- Carry your learner’s permit with you.
- Must have a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration.
Learner's permit FAQs
What demerit points apply to learner drivers?
Demerit points still apply to learner drivers. You can have no more than three demerit points recorded against you. If you accrue four demerit points, your learner’s permit will be suspended or disqualified.
Where are L plate drivers not permitted to drive?
Learner drivers are not allowed to drive in Kings Park, or wherever signs prohibit leaner drivers.
How many passengers can be in the car with a learner driver in WA?
Learner drivers must always have a supervising driver sitting next to them. There are no other passenger restrictions that apply, ensuring the number of passengers complies with the vehicle’s seat capacity.
What is the maximum speed for an L plate driver?
Learner drivers should not exceed the posted speed limit, and cannot exceed 100km/hr.
Complete the Hazard Perception Test
Once you have your learner’s permit for at least six months, you can sit the Hazard Perception Test (HPT). You need to pass this test before taking the practical driving assessment.
What is the Hazard Perception Test?
This is a computer-based test with around 30 questions. It shows various moving traffic scenes to measure your ability to assess the situation and make safe driving decisions. You can practice online at any time on the Department of Transport website.
Requirements to sit the HPT:
- Be 16 years and six months or older (for C Class licences).
- Have had your learner’s permit for at least six months.
- Go to a Driver and Vehicle Services Centre (DVS) - find your nearest centre.
- Bring your learner’s permit, or primary and secondary identification.
How do you book a Hazard Perception Test?
You do not need to make an appointment to sit the HPT at a metro centres. It is recommended you call ahead at regional centres.
How much does it cost to sit the Hazard Perception Test?
The initial fee to sit the HPT is $28.40 and a re-sit fee is $22.90 for each attempt.
What if you fail the Hazard Perception Test?
If you fail the HPT, you are allowed to re-sit the test but must pay $22.90 for every attempt until you pass.
Continue to gain driving experience
After you pass the Hazard Perception Test, you need to continue practicing driving to gain more experience. The more hours, the better. This will help you gain confidence behind the wheel and become more familiar with the roads and road rules. Practice also helps reduce your crash risk and makes you a more skilled driver.
If you are under 25 years old, you must record at least 50 supervised driving hours. This should include 5 hours of supervised night driving (between sunset and sunrise) in your learner’s logbook.
If you are 25 years or older, you do not need to log any hours before applying for your practical driving test.
Read our P Plate Guide to learn more about the Practical Driving Assessment, and the rules and restrictions when driving on your Ps.
Read more of our learning to drive articles.
