Graduated Licensing Scheme – New South Wales

Inexperienced drivers are more likely to be involved in crashes than other drivers. In fact, as soon as people start driving independently (P1/P2), they have the highest risk of crashing that they will ever have.

To combat this increased risk of crashing, many states, including New South Wales, use a Graduated Licensing Scheme. The Graduated Licensing Scheme is designed to provide a gradual learning experience that’s safe for you and other road users.

The 7-Step Licensing Journey in NSW

1. You must pass the Drivers Knowledge Test to get your learner’s licence. The test is about safe driving practices and road rules.
2. Once you have your learner’s permit, you should try to get as much supervised driving experience as you can to prepare you for driving as a solo driver.
3. Take the Hazard Perception Test (HPT). The test will test your ability to detect and respond to hazardous situations. If under 25, you must have held your learner’s licence for at least 10 months before taking the HPT.
4. To sit the practical driving test, you must have passed the HPT. If under 25, you must also have completed a mandatory 120 logged hours of supervised driving (including 20 at night) and held your learner’s licence for at least 12 months.
5. Sit and pass the driving test to get your provisional P1 licence.
6. You may apply for a P2 licence once you have held your P1 licence for at least 12 months given a good driving record (no suspensions etc.)
7. You may apply for a full licence once you have held your P2 licence for at least 24 months given a good driving record (no suspensions etc.)

That’s it! If you want to know more details about a Learner Licence, P1 Probationary Licence, or a P2 Probationary Licence, we’ve got articles covering them in more detail.