The Driving Test

The Driving Test is the final step to progress from a learner licence to a provisional P1 licence. You may also need to take the driving test if you have recently moved to NSW.

The Driving Test is a practical on-road test that focuses on your ability to perceive hazards and respond to them. A Testing Officer assesses your driving skills, decision making, your awareness of other road users and how you share the road.

See more in A Guide to the Driving Test (PDF 3MB).

Learners can continue to practise driving on a learner licence for as long as they need. Only take the Driving Test when you feel confident that you've developed the skills you need to drive safely without a supervisor.

When you decide you are ready, you need to make a booking and pay the test fee.

If you're under 25

You can take the Driving Test if you:

• are 17 or over
• have passed the Hazard Perception Test
• have held a learner licence for 12 months or more
• have completed 120 hours in a log book or digital log book app.

Note: if using a log book app, you must submit your hours through the app 48 hours before doing the test to ensure your data has been transferred.

If you're 25 or over

You can take the test if you have passed the Hazard Perception Test.

You do not need to complete a learner log book or hold a learner licence for 12 months.

If you're converting an interstate or overseas licence

You may need to take a driving test to get a NSW-issued licence. However, you can take the test without holding a learner licence first. See Moving to NSW.

You should have extensive driving experience before attempting the practical test.

You should also prepare by:

• reading A Guide to the Driving Test (PDF 3MB)
• practising Safe driving behaviour.

Plan to arrive at the testing centre in good time for your appointment.

What do I bring to my driving test?

• a completed Licence Application form (PDF 222.41KB)
• proof of identity
• a completed paper log book – unless you're using a digital app or you're exempt from the log book requirement
• a person who holds a full driver licence (if you fail the test, you will need someone to drive with you away from the testing centre).

What car do I drive in the test?

The car that you bring to use in the test must be roadworthy and ready to drive. Check A Guide to the Driving Test (PDF 3MB) for car requirements.

During the test

When you take the Driving Test, the only people allowed in the car are you, the testing officer and, sometimes, a monitoring officer.

No other person is permitted in the car during the test.

Why a test may be cancelled

If the testing officer suspects you have recently taken alcohol or another drug, the test will be cancelled. The test fee will not be refunded.

If you offer money, some other bribe, or try to influence a testing officer, the test will be stopped. You may be taken to a police station and charged with offering a bribe.

What happens if I fail?

If you fail, you will need someone with a full licence to drive the car away.

You must wait at least 7 days before you attempt the test again.