Getting Your NSW Learner Licence – All You Need To Know

A learner licence is the first step toward the freedom to drive anywhere you want. But there’s a lot you need to know and understand – from how to get the learner licence to what the restrictions are. We’ll go through all the important details below.

When Can I Get A Learner Licence?

The first step is to pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) as you have to pass it to get your learner licence. The DKT is a computer-based quiz about road rules and traffic safety. It consists of 45 multiple-choice questions divided into two parts:

• 15 General Knowledge Questions – You need at least 12 correct
• 30 Road Safety Questions – You need at least 29 correct

The test will end immediately when you have failed too many questions to be able to pass. If you fail, you’ll have to pay the fees again and re-take the test at a later date.

If you pass the DKT, congratulations! You can now apply for your learner licence. Once you have your learner licence, try to get as much supervised experience in as many situations as you can to prepare you for the Drive Test and driving as a solo driver.

How To Study for the DKT

We strongly encourage you to study using the Zutobi Drivers Ed website or app. Our app consists of bite-sized chapters from the driver’s handbook in an easy-to-read format, along with 500+ DKT practice questions. If you study with Zutobi, you’ll be well prepared to ace your learner’s test.

When Can I Sit the Hazard Perception Test (HPT)?

The Hazard Perception Test must be completed before the Drive Test.

• For drivers under 25, you must have held the learner licence for a minimum of 10 months before you can take the HPT.
• If 25 or older, there are no prerequisites other than having a learner licence.

When Can I Sit the Drive Test?

First of all, you must have passed the HPT before you are allowed to sit the Drive Test. The Drive Test is the final hurdle you must pass before receiving your P1 Licence. It’s not easy, but it’s well worth the struggle and many hours of supervised driving.

• If under 25, you must also present a logbook containing your driving hours. The logbook must contain a minimum of 120 hours of supervised driving including at least 20 night hours. You must also have held your learner licence for at least 12 months.
• If 25 or older, you won’t have to present a logbook.

Learner Licence Restrictions

Restrictions for learner licence holders:

• Your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) must be zero.
• Your demerit points limit is 4 (i.e. you will be suspended if you incur 4 or more demerit points)
• You must have clearly visible ‘L’ plates on the front and rear of the vehicle
• You must not drive over 90 km/h
• A full licence holder must always sit in the front passenger seat
• You may not drive in Centennial Park, Parramatta Park or Moore Park in Sydney
• You are not allowed to tow
• You are not allowed to use a mobile phone including hands-free
• All passengers must wear a seatbelt/restraint
• You may only drive a car (e.g. not allowed to drive a truck or bus)