Driving license
How Do I Get My Full Licence In NSW?
Ever found yourself wondering, how do I get my full licence in NSW? Getting your full licence is an exciting rite of passage and one that involves many stages over a course of four years. This process is referred to as the Graduated Licencing Scheme and has been devised by the NSW Government to reduce the prevalence of collisions that occur in new and learner drivers.
It includes attaining your learner licence, P1 provisional licence and P2 provisional licence before securing your full NSW drivers licence.
On this journey, you’ll not only learn the ins and outs of road rules in NSW, but you’ll also gain the tools to navigate a car safely and confidently.
While four years may seem like a long time, it allows you to gain invaluable practice and experience on the road, giving you the best chance possible to secure your NSW drivers licence.
So, how do you get your full licence in NSW? In this guide, we’ll run you through each stage, discussing what it includes and how to pass it with flying colours.
How do I get my learner licence in NSW?
The first step on your exciting journey to getting your full licence in NSW is obtaining your learner licence.
To get your learner licence, you must be 16 years or older and sit a theory test known as the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT).
This test assesses your understanding of the road rules and must be passed in order to secure your learner licence. It includes 15 general knowledge questions and 30 road safety questions.
If you aren’t feeling confident in your knowledge of the road rules, the NSW Government offers a comprehensive road users’ handbook that covers everything you need to know.
The best part? You’ll be one step closer to getting your full licence in NSW.
Once you’ve successfully passed your DKT, your eyesight will then be tested to ensure your vision is clear enough to navigate the roads safely.
Then, all that’s left to do is to pay the associated costs, prove your identity and you’re done! You’ll be able to drive under the supervision of someone with a full Australian licence and sport your bright yellow ‘L’ plates.
Ready to apply for your learner licence? Click here.
Because the margins are so tight for the DKT, it’s important you take your time and read each question carefully until you’re confident in your answer.
How do I get my P2 provisional licence in NSW?
A lot of learners ask us how to get their green Ps in NSW, and for how long they have to be on their red Ps. If these questions have been on your mind, let’s dive in.
The last step before getting your full licence in NSW is obtaining your P2 provisional driver licence. This licence is known as your green Ps.
Similar to being on your red Ps, this licence allows you to drive unsupervised with a range of restrictions that are similar to those of a P1 licence.
The main difference in restrictions is that you’ll be able to drive at a maximum speed of 100km/h, and you’ll be able to tow a trailer that surpasses the weight of 250 kg.
If you’re wondering how to get your green Ps or P2 licence in NSW, the process is quite simple.
You’ll need to have been on your P1 provisional licence for 12 months. Once this time has passed, you’ll need to prove your identity and pay the associated fees.
How do I get my P1 provisional licence in NSW?
The next step in getting your full licence in NSW is securing your P1 provisional licence, also known as your red Ps. Once you’ve got your red Ps, you’ll be able to drive unsupervised so long as you adhere to a range of restrictions.
Alongside the general NSW road rules, you’ll also be required to:
- Keep your red ‘P’ plates up every time you drive
- Refrain from using a phone while you are behind the wheel (even if the car is parked)
- Avoid using a high-performance car
- Ensure each passenger is wearing a functioning seatbelt
- Avoid driving above the speed limit of 90km/h.
In order to apply for a P1 licence you must be at least 17 years old and have held a learner licence for at least 12 months. If you’re a learner driver under 25, you’ll have to complete and log 120 hours of driving time in your learner logbook, including at least 20 hours of night driving, in order to go for your red Ps.
Want to apply for your P1 licence? Click here. How do I get my learner licence in NSW?
Now for the exciting transition from your P2 licence to your full in NSW!
Getting a full licence in NSW allows you the ultimate freedoms. You’ll be able to drive a car unsupervised on the road without the restrictions that apply to P1 & P2 licence holders.
At this point, all of your driving skills should be second nature, and you should be capable of driving confidently and safely.
So, when can you get your full licence in NSW? In order to be eligible for a full licence, you’ll need to have been on your P2 licence for at least 24 months.
Once this time has lapsed, you’ll be required to take one further eye test, pay the associated costs and then you’re good to go.
You can apply for your full drivers licence here.