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.

You can continue to practise driving on a learner licence for as long as you need. Only do a 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 years old

To do a Driving Test you must:

• be at least 17 years old
• have passed the Hazard Perception Test
• have had your learner licence for at least 12 months
• have logged at least 120 hours of supervised driving, including 20 hours of night driving (if you used the log book app, submit it at least 48 hours before your test). 

If you're 25 or older

You can do the Driving Test if you have passed the Hazard Perception Test.

You do not need to log your driving experience in a log book. You can apply for your provisional P1 licence at any time after getting your learner licence.

If you're converting an interstate or overseas licence

You may need to do a Driving Test to get a NSW driver licence. However, you may be able to do the test without getting a learner licence. Visit Moving to NSW for more information about converting your driver licence.

Medical assessment

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you must get a medical assessment for Fitness to Drive.

Disability Driving Test

For information on your options, visit your driver or rider licence – for people with disability.  

Make sure you have enough driving experience, feel prepared and confident that you can pass before doing the test.   

To help you prepare for the Driving Test: 

• A Guide to the Driving Test (PDF 1.79MB) explains everything you need to be ready for the test and what you will be tested on.
• Safety and rules to follow to keep you and others safe.
• Read about what to bring to the test.

When you go to a testing centre, you must have a person with you who has a full driver licence. If you fail the test, you cannot drive away on your own and need a licensed driver with you.

On the day of the test you must:

• arrive at least 15 minutes early
• park your vehicle in the Driving Test parking area
• report to the concierge or a customer service representative at the counter and give them your log book, if you have one.

The testing officer will call you to the counter when it is your turn to start the test. Before the test starts, you can ask any questions about the test. When you sign the score sheet, you have started the test.

The testing officer cannot tell you how to drive or coach you on the test, as it is an assessment of your ability to drive.

When you do the Driving Test, the only people allowed in the vehicle are you, the testing officer and, sometimes, a monitoring officer. No other person is allowed in the vehicle during the test.

What you must bring to the Driving Test

You must bring: 

• Proof of identity 
  Your NSW or interstate licence. If you have an overseas licence you will need other documents proving your identity and an acceptable translation (if they are not in English).
• Licence application form 
  Have the Licence Application Form completed before your test.
• Glasses or contact lenses 
  If you need them to drive or to do a service centre eyesight test.
• Payment or concession card 
  To pay the licence fee or apply for a concession if you pass the test. Some service centres only accept card payments, so please check if you want to pay with cash.
• Completed Learner Driver Log Book or app (under 25 year olds only)
  The book must include your 120 hours driving experience, 20 learning goals and ‘Declaration of Completion’ signed by a supervising driver. If you used the log book app, submit it at least 48 hours before your test.
• Registered and roadworthy vehicle
  The testing officer will check your vehicle is:
  • the right type for your Driving Test (heavy vehicles must also meet the minimum requirements for the test class such as load capacity)
  • suitable for safe use (seatbelts, headrests, working lights and lenses not broken)
  • is clean and any loose items safely secured
  • in a satisfactory condition (legal tyres/wheels, no windscreen cracks or broken mirrors and no sharp edges on the body exterior).

To check your vehicle is suitable for the Driving Test read the test termination reasons in A Guide to the Driving Test (PDF 1.79MB).

Why tests are terminated

If any of the items you need to bring are missing or cannot be fixed in time for the Driving Test, it will be terminated.

If the testing officer suspects you have recently taken alcohol or another drug, the test will be terminated. 

If you offer a 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.

When a test is terminated, your booking fee is not refunded and you will need to pay to rebook.

What happens if I fail?

If you fail the test, your testing officer will provide general comments about your result. You will need someone with a full licence to drive the vehicle away.

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

You can view, change or cancel your booking online or call 13 22 13 at least 48 hours before your test and provide your booking ID number.