Getting your P plates in WA

How to get a provisional licence in WA

How to get your P plates

Before you sit your Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) to get your provisional licence – or P plates - you need to be at least 17 years old and have driven a minimum of 50 hours with a supervisor, including at least 5 hours at night.

The more hours you drive in different conditions, the better and safer you’ll be as a driver. With more driving experience, you’ll also be more likely to pass your test.

Tip: Get comfortable with the skills you’ll be tested on like starting your car, parking, and reacting to hazards. 

Book a practical driving assessment

Once you’re 17 and you and your supervisor feel you’re ready, you can book your PDA. This can take some time, and you may need to try a few times until a booking becomes available. 

Here are some tips that might help:

• Check frequently and prepare to have minimal notice. Bookings can become available unexpectedly because of last-minute cancellations. 
• Keep your options open. Select all driving centres you can get to. 
• Check out quieter times. Weekdays during work hours and summer school holidays might have more availability.
• Contact driving schools. Some might have access to reserved bookings for their students. 

Remember there’s no point in booking your PDA before you feel confident you can pass it. ' There’s no shame in cancelling your booking if you’re not ready – this will save you money and give the opportunity to someone else who is ready.

Sit your test

Once you’ve booked a test, make your way to the DVS centre. You'll need to: 

• Arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you’re late, your booking will be cancelled, and you’ll need to rebook and pay for another test. 
• Bring your learner’s permit or a form of Category B identification. 
• Present your logbook or Learn&Log app to prove you’ve completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving (if you’re under 25). 
• Provide a licenced roadworthy vehicle. Among other things, make sure your vehicle has a physical park brake that’s centrally mounted, and there are no cracks or chips in the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight. 

Remain calm and breathe. Your assessor isn’t there to trip you up on purpose.

The driving test takes about 35 minutes and includes five sections. After the test, your assessor will go through your score sheet with you.

Now you've passed the PDA

Congrats! You’ll need to get a photo taken and pay for your provisional licence. You will be on a provisional licence for 2 years or until you turn 19 years of age, whichever period is longer.

You can now drive on your own, but you’re still considered a novice (beginner) driver for two years. You must display red Ps for six months, then green Ps for 18 months.

What happens if I fail the PDA?

If you don’t pass the first time, don’t panic! Get some more practice and book to sit the test again. For each attempt, this will cost you $113.70. You will need to wait at least 7 days before you can book your next PDA.

Rules and restrictions when driving on your P plates in WA

A new skill, like driving by yourself, comes with responsibility to yourself and other road users.

While driving on your P plates, you must:

• Follow the Western Australian road rules, including correct usage of mobile phones.
• Always clearly display P plates (one at the front and one at the back of your vehicle).
• Not drive between midnight and 5am for the first 6 months of your provisional licence (exemptions for driving to or from work or study may apply).
• Have a zero percent Blood Alcohol Concentration.

This exciting time is also when you’re most at risk of being in a crash. Assess the risks — make good decisions.

P plate driver FAQs

What is the difference between the red and green P plates?

Red P plates are displayed for the first 6 months of your provisional licence. Green P plates are displayed for the remaining 18 months of your provisional licence or until you turn 19 years of age, whichever period is longer.

What are the rules around night time driving for P plate drivers?

During the first 6 months of a provisional licence, while on your red P plates, you are unable to drive between 12am and 5am. Exemptions may apply for work or education – see Department of Transport website for more info. During the final 18 months, while on your green P plates, night time restrictions no longer apply.

How should I display my P plates?

P plates should be displayed so they are always clearly visible on the front and back of your vehicle. Penalties apply for not displaying the appropriate P plate.

What demerit points apply when you're on your Ps?

If you’re on your Ls or Ps, you’re considered a novice driver and the Graduated Demerit Point system applies. This is how it works.

Demerit point limits for each driver type:

Learner's permit

4 points in total (disqualified for at least 3 months)

First year of licence

4 points in total (disqualified for at least 3 months)

Second year of licence

8 points in total (disqualified for at least 3 months)

Ordinary licence

12 points in total

This means you will be disqualified from driving if you lose 4+ demerit points before you have held a licence for a full year. The same applies if you lose 8+ points before you have held a licence for two full years. If you have a learner’s permit, it will be suspended and if you have a provisional driver’s licence, it may be cancelled.

For more information, visit the Department of Transport website.

You could lose your licence if you get caught: 

• Speeding.
• Not wearing a seatbelt.
• Touching or holding a mobile phone while driving.
• Failing to obey traffic lights.
• Failing to give proper left or right change of direction signal.
• Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

How many passengers can be in the car with a P plate driver in WA?

P plate drivers have no passenger restrictions, so they can carry any number of passengers within their vehicle’s seat capacity.

What are the speed limits for P plate drivers?

There are no speed limit restrictions for P plate drivers in WA, however the posted speed limit applies.

Can P plate drivers tow a trailer or caravan?

There are no restrictions on towing for P plate drivers in WA. Provisional drivers must display P plates on both the towing vehicle and caravan or trailer.

What cars are banned for P plate drivers?

There are no vehicle restrictions for provisional drivers in WA.

Getting your full licence

Towards the end of your provisional period, you’ll receive a renewal notice with the option to renew your licence. Once this has been paid, a full licence will be issued, effective from completion of your two-year probationary period. P plate driving restrictions will no longer apply.

Tip: If you don’t commit any offences on your P-plates, you’ll get the safe driver reward. When your licence is up for renewal, you’ll get 1 year free! 

 

Read more of our learning to drive articles.

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