How to Get Your Driver's Licence in Western Australia (2026)

You can apply for a learner's permit in WA from the age of 16. The first step is passing the Computerised Theory Test (CTT), a 30-question multiple-choice exam. You need to answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. A passed CTT is valid for 5 years, so there is no need to rush your permit application after you sit it.

Once issued, your learner's permit is valid for 3 years. You must hold it for a minimum of 6 months before you are eligible to sit the Practical Driving Assessment. That six-month hold period is fixed, so there is no shortcut around it.

While on your L plates you must always be supervised by a qualified driver. The supervisor sits in the front passenger seat and takes responsibility for making sure you drive safely. Display your L plates clearly front and rear every time you drive.

If you are under 25, you must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including a minimum of 5 hours at night. Every hour must be recorded in an official logbook, signed by your supervisor. There is no accredited-lesson bonus in WA, so every hour counts the same regardless of whether it is with a professional instructor or a parent.

If you are 25 or older when you get your learner's permit, there is no minimum logbook-hours requirement. You still need to develop your skills before sitting the practical assessment, but no specific hour count is mandated.

For under-25s, those 50 hours represent roughly 12 to 13 months of regular practice if you average about an hour per week. Most learners find that mixing professional lessons with supervised family drives gives them the broadest range of experience.

Making the Most of Your Hours

• Practise in a variety of conditions: suburban streets, main roads, freeways and, importantly, at night.
• Do not leave all five night hours until the final weeks. Night driving feels different, and you need time to build confidence.
• Record each entry in the logbook immediately after the drive. Supervisors must sign each entry, and gaps or unsigned entries can cause problems.
• Keep your logbook somewhere safe. You will need to produce it when you apply for your practical assessment.

WA requires every learner, regardless of age, to pass three assessments in a fixed order before receiving provisional plates.

The Hazard Perception Test (HPT)

The HPT is a computer-based video test. You watch short clips filmed from a driver's perspective and respond when you see a hazard developing. It is separate from the CTT and must be passed before you book your practical. You can sit it from age 16 years 6 months. Practising with the official WA HPT practice materials is the single best preparation.

The Practical Driving Assessment (PDA)

The PDA is an on-road test conducted with a licensed assessor in the vehicle. You can sit it from age 17. The assessor will ask you to drive on a pre-set route covering a range of traffic situations. You must supply a roadworthy, registered vehicle. Many learners use their instructor's car for the test, which removes any uncertainty about the vehicle meeting requirements.

If you fail the PDA, you will receive feedback on the areas to work on. There is no limit on attempts, though waiting times and test fees apply each time. The fee varies by provider, so confirm the current cost when you book.

After passing the PDA, you move onto provisional plates. There are two stages, and together they add up to a total provisional period of 2 years.

P1: Red Plates (6 months)

During P1 you display red P plates. The key conditions are:

• Zero BAC. A blood alcohol concentration of 0.00 applies. No alcohol at all before driving.
• No driving between midnight and 5am, except to or from work or study. Exemptions do apply in specific circumstances.
• One passenger only at any one time. Exemptions apply in certain situations, so check the current rules with the WA Department of Transport if your circumstances are unusual.

P2: Green Plates (18 months minimum, or until age 19, whichever is longer)

After completing P1 you move to green P plates. The midnight-to-5am driving restriction and the one-passenger limit are lifted at this stage. However, the 0.00 BAC condition continues throughout P2.

The minimum P2 period is 18 months, but if you turned 17 early in the process you may need to hold P2 until you turn 19, meaning it could run longer than 18 months for some drivers.

Getting your licence is not just about ticking boxes. The habits you form during the learner stage tend to stay with you for decades, so it is worth treating supervised driving as genuine skill-building rather than just hour-accumulation.

Getting the Hours Right

For under-25s, 50 hours sounds like a lot, but it goes quickly once you drive regularly. Aim for at least two or three drives per week. Mix short suburban trips with longer freeway runs, and get those night hours done well before your assessment rather than cramming them in at the end.

Preparing for Each Test

The CTT, HPT and PDA each require different preparation. The CTT is knowledge-based. The HPT needs specific practice watching hazard-developing video scenarios. The PDA rewards consistent, calm driving rather than perfection on any single manoeuvre. An instructor can run mock assessments on common PDA routes in your area, which reduces nerves considerably on the day.

What Driving Lessons Cost

Professional driving lessons in Western Australia generally range from around $60 to $100 or more per hour, depending on the instructor, the vehicle type and the area. Some packages offer a small saving over individual bookings. These are broad market figures only. Prices vary, and it is always worth confirming the current rate when you contact a school or instructor.

Choosing an Instructor

Look for an instructor who is licensed by the WA Department of Transport. Ask whether they know the local PDA routes, how they structure lessons for your experience level, and whether they can supply the vehicle for your assessment. A good instructor will also coach your supervising parent or guardian on what to focus on during home practice sessions.