So you've been working hard, practicing skills, taking driving lessons, and feel ready and confident to obtain your provisional licence. Firstly, congratulations on your hard work and the inevitable rewards and freedom that will come after you pass your test! Secondly, read below to gain an insight into the requirements needed to sit your provisional licence test.
You've had your learner's licence for 12 months
Even though you can hop in a car and drive at 16, you must be 17 to be able to hold your provisional licence. It is also a requirement that you have held your licence for at least 12 months. The same rules apply if you are over 25, however, you will automatically receive your P2 licence instead of your P1 licence.
You've logged 100 hours in your logbook
You must have 100 hours logged in your logbook and 10 of these must be night driving. If you do not have access to a vehicle or someone to drive with you to obtain the 100 hours, you may be eligible for an exemption. There is a fee to apply for this.
If you are over 25, lucky you! You are not required to complete the logbook requirements. However to ensure your pass the test, and are a confident and safe driver obtaining as many hours as possible whilst your learning is key. Lesson packages through No Yelling with 5-star instructors can help you build these skills.
You can submit your logbook through any Australian Post Office or through the QLD logbook app. Once submitted you will need to wait up to 12 days for your logbook to be approved. You will be notified by either SMS or email of your approval.
You've booked and paid for your practical test
By this step, your logbook has been approved, congratulations! The next step is booking the practical driving test. This has to be completed directly through the Department of Transport and Main Roads and they have several ways to do this.
- Book and pay directly online
- Book and pay over the phone
- Pay the booking fee at the Main Roads Department and book your test over the phone
You've organised a car to use for the test
It's important the car that you've organised for your test is roadworthy and that you're comfortable driving in it. One great way to do this is to hire your driving instructor's car by booking a test package once you know your test date and time. A lot of students find that this way helps to keep them calm by using a familiar car. Your instructor will also take you for a lesson around the testing area right before your test to help boost your confidence in your skills.
As soon as you know your test time and date, it's a good idea to book a package if you're after one so your instructor can make sure they are available.
You have your identification ready to go
It's important that you have the right documentation ready to prove your identity when taking the practical driving test. The department is quite strict on what is allowed to be used.
- If you are using a photo identification card, it must be a driver/rider licence or photo card which is current, or only expired within the last two years.
- Alternatively, you can provide two pieces of documentation from a pre-approved list. The list can be found here.
- All documentation used for your identity must be the original and display your signature.
Passing the practical driving test
The last step in the journey, passing the test. You are required to arrive at your testing facility at least 20 minutes early to ensure that you're ready. If you've organised a No Yelling test package, you have probably just completed your last lesson with your instructor and feel confident and calm about the test.
After you've passed, you will be required to automatically pay for your provisional licence at your testing facility and you're done, you've successfully become an independent driver! It's still important to ensure that you read through and follow all the rules and restrictions that apply to provisional licences to keep yourself safe and happy on the roads.
