Getting your driver licence

Just turned 16? Good news – you can now apply for your learner licence. But before you hit the road, there are a few steps you need to take.

First, you'll need to complete either PrepL or the written road rules test.

One of the big differences between PrepL and the written test is that prospective learners are able to enrol from 15 years and 11 months old unlike the written test where you must be at least 16 years old. PrepL is an interactive program entirely online that teaches new drivers road rules and safe driving behaviours through a series of videos, scenarios and activities.

Participants are then required to complete a 30-question multiple choice test and will need to get 90% to get your learners.

For those completing the written test, you'll need to visit a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre, participating QGAP office, or a licence-issuing police station. This is where you'll hand over your driver licence application form, show your ID, pay the application fees, and most importantly, complete the written test. The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about road rules and driver licence requirements.

While you shouldn't be too daunted by either test, you'll need to study up. So read Your keys to driving in Queensland, look at our driver skill videos and checklists, and run through an online practice test as many times as possible.

Logging your hours

When it comes to driving, practice really makes perfect. In fact, if you are younger than 25 years old, you need to record 100 hours of supervised driving in your official learner logbook or logbook app before you can even go for the practical test. 

While your parents will likely do the bulk of your supervising, it's worth squeezing in some professional lessons too. Driving instructors know the road rules and driving test requirements better than anyone. Plus, the first 10 hours of lessons count as 30 hours in your logbook.   

Hazard perception test

Learner licence holders must pass the hazard perception test before taking their practical driving test.

If you present for a practical driving test without passing your hazard perception test, your test will be cancelled and your test fee will not be refunded.

The driving test

Once you've logged enough hours, had your Ls for at least 12 months, your logbook has been approved by Department of Transport and Main Roads, and you have passed the hazard perception test, you can book in your practical driving test.

On the day, make sure you arrive 10 minutes early and bring all the information you need to complete the test.

You'll be on the road for about 45 minutes. In this time, your examiner will give you tasks to perform during the test. If all goes well, you'll pass with flying colours and be issued a P1 licence.

If you don't pass, don't be too hard on yourself. Just make sure you find out where you went wrong and try again after more practice. 

The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives, financial situations and needs.