Driver Licence Information

This page contains frequently asked questions about how to obtain a driver licence

• Road Ready
• Road Ready course and knowledge test
• Interstate Learner Licence
• Learning to drive
• Obtaining a Provisional Driver Licence
• Road Ready Plus
• Motorcycles
• Heavy Vehicles
• List of Approved Overseas Licences

Road Ready

Road Ready course and knowledge test

Q 1. What is the phone number to book a Road Ready Course?
To book and pay for a course, contact a Road Ready Centre on telephone number 6162 5152 (northside) or 6282 8990 (southside).

Q 2. I did not/could not do the Road Ready course at school, OR, I am not school based.

1. What do I have to do to do the course?
   Contact a Road Ready Centre on telephone 6162 5152 (northside) or 6282 8990 (southside) and they will provide all details and arrange a booking for the course.
2. Where do I go to do the course?
   The course is conducted at venues in Watson and Phillip.
3. How much does it cost?
   The cost of the course is $155.00.
4. When are the courses on?
   Courses are conducted during weekdays, evenings and weekends.

Q 3. What happens if I fail the course?
You must undertake the course again.

Q 4. How old must I be before I can get my learner licence?
You must be at least 15 years and 9 months of age.

Q 5. How much does a learner licence cost?
A learner licence comes complete with a Road Ready Pack. The pack consists of four handbooks (including a logbook) and a set of ‘L’ plates. The package (licence and pack) costs $43.75. Learner licence renewal is $34.40.

Q 6. How long are my Road Ready Course and Knowledge Test Certificates valid for?
The Road Ready Course and Knowledge Test certificates are valid for 2 years.

If an applicant fails to obtain their learner driver licence within 2 years of completing the Road Ready Course, they will be required to retake and successfully complete the Road Ready Course and Road Rules Knowledge Test before their original learner licence will be issued.

Where an applicant wishes to renew an expired learner licence, they will be required to undertake and pass the Road Rules Knowledge Test again.

Q 7. Does the Road Ready course assist in obtaining a NSW learner licence eg Queanbeyan (for those ACT learner licence applicants who live in NSW)
No. NSW have a totally different learner and provisional licence system to that of the ACT.

Q 8. I come from overseas, what do I have to do to get an ACT Licence?
If you are taking up permanent residency in the ACT and you are the holder of a full driver licence (learner or provisional licence is not acceptable) from an approved country , you will not have to do a licence knowledge test or practical test when you apply for an ACT licence.

Note: This exemption from the licence knowledge test and practical test applies to car and motorcycle licence classes only.

Applicants requiring a heavy vehicle licence class will need to undertake the appropriate heavy vehicle knowledge test and a practical driver assessment. (It should be noted that these requirements also relate to holders of a New Zealand driver licence).

If you are not from an approved country, you will be required to undertake a licence knowledge test and a practical test.

If you wish to obtain your licence through the Competency Based Training and Assessment system (CBT&A) you will need to take out a learner licence.

Note: If you decide on the CBT&A option, your overseas licence will become invalid for use in the ACT at the point the ACT learner licence is issued.

Where an overseas licence holder fails a practical assessment with a Government Examiner, the overseas licence is deemed to be invalid and the licence holder is required to take out a learner licence and abide by the conditions of that licence.

If you have never held a driver licence, you will be required to abide by the normal requirements to obtain an ACT licence, ie a Road Ready Course, a knowledge test, a learner licence and then a provisional licence.

Q 9. How and where do I book to do a knowledge test?
You do not need to book, simply go to one of the following venues and undertake the test:

Road Ready Centre, Block D, Canberra Technology Park, 47 Phillip Avenue, WATSON, Telephone 6162 5152, Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Saturday 9.00am till 12.00pm.

Road Ready Centre, 72 Townshend Street, PHILLIP, Telephone 6282 8990, Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Saturday 9.00am till 12.00pm.

To allow sufficient time for the knowledge test, it is suggested participants arrive no later than 1 hour before closing time.

Licence applicants can practise the knowledge test on the Road Ready website at www.roadready.act.gov.au

It should be noted that you will need to provide the appropriate Proof of Identity and Proof Of Residency at the time you present for the test. A list of Identity and Residency requirements can be found on pages 4, 5, and 6 of the ACT Road Rules Handbook. The ACT Road Rules Handbook can be found on the Road Transport website (www.transport.act.gov.au) under Driver and Vehicle Policy - Road Rules Handbook.

Q 10. How much does it cost to do the knowledge test?  $32.50.

Q 11. Is the knowledge test available in other languages?  No.

Q 12. My friend or wife, brother etc is from overseas, has a driver licence and wishes to do the knowledge test for an ACT driver licence but cannot read or speak English. What can be arranged to help with the test?
You should contact the appropriate Road Ready Centre office. They will arrange for an authorised interpreter and a booking time for the licence applicant to take the test.

Interstate Learner Licence

Q 1. I have an interstate learner licence. What do I need to do to transfer to an ACT learner licence?
A learner licence is not transferable. If you are 17 years of age, have a current interstate learner licence and have held a learner licence for at least six (6) months, you are permitted one (1) practical driver assessment with an ACT Government Licence Examiner. If the learner licence is not current or if you fail the assessment you will be required to undertake and pass the Road Ready Course and knowledge test and obtain an ACT learner licence.

Q 2. I have held an interstate learner licence for more than six (6) months and failed the practical assessment. After I do the Road Ready course and knowledge test, do I have to wait six months before I can go for my provisional licence test again?
No, provided that you can provide proof that you have held an interstate learner licence for six months or more, you will not be required to wait the normal learner licence period.

Learning to drive

Q 1. Who can teach me to drive?
You can learn to drive with a driving instructor, parents, relations or friends provided that the licensed driver is the holder of a full driver licence appropriate to the vehicle the learner driver is driving.

Q 2. Where can I do my assessment for a provisional licence?
You can obtain your provisional licence through one of two methods, the Competency Based Training and Assessment Scheme (CBT&A) (Logbook Scheme) or with an ACT Government Licence Examiner.

The logbook system is available through an Accredited Driving Instructor (ADI) accredited by the ACT Government to train and assess learner drivers for a provisional driver licence. For those seeking an ADI, a list of driving schools can be found in the Yellow Pages.

Ensure that the driving instructor that you select is in fact an Accredited Driving Instructor and ask to see his or her Accreditation Certificate before you begin your driving lessons.

Learner drivers wishing to obtain their licence with a Government Licence Examiner can book an assessment in person by attending a Canberra Connect Shopfront or the Road User Services Office at Dickson and pay the $78.40 assessment fee. The licence applicant or his or her representative can book the assessment.

Q 3. How many lessons would I need to obtain my licence through the logbook/CBT&A system?
The minimum number of lessons would be seven to eight (7-8) for a very good student who gets plenty of practice between lessons. The average number would be about 12 to 14 lessons with the number of lessons increasing if less time is spent in practice sessions. The lower the number of practice sessions, the higher the number of lessons likely to be required.

Q 4. What is the maximum speed permitted for ACT learner drivers driving in the ACT and driving interstate?
ACT learner drivers can drive to the posted speed limit in the ACT. However, when driving in NSW, learner drivers must not exceed 80 kilometres per hour. ACT learner drivers driving in other States and Territories will need to check with that jurisdiction for the rules pertaining to learner drivers.

Obtaining a Provisional Driver Licence

Q 1. What age must I be and how long must I have held my learner licence before I can go for my provisional licence?
A learner licence holder must be at least 17 years of age and have held a learner licence for a minimum of 6 months before being permitted to obtain a provisional driver licence.

Q 2. How many demerit points am I allowed on my provisional licence?
Four (4) points. In actual terms, three points - accumulate four points and your licence will be suspended for three months. The demerit points allowance will be increased to eight if you undertake the optional Road Ready Plus course. It should be noted that if a provisional licence is suspended for any period of the provisional licence, the suspension period will be added to the provisional licence period.

Q 3. How long must I display my ‘P’ plates for?
Three years ie the full term of your provisional licence. The ‘P’ plate will not need to be displayed if you undertake the optional Road Ready Plus course.

Q 4. How long am I required to hold a provisional licence before I go to a full licence? Three (3) years.

Q 5. Due to traffic infringements, I have reached my demerit points allowance (4 or 8), can I get a probationary licence, special licence or good behaviour period?
No. Provisional licence holders who attract all of their demerit points allowance will have their licence suspended for three months.

There are no provisions available for the reinstatement of a provisional licence during the suspension period either through the court or within the legislation. In other words, ‘If you do the crime - You do the time’.

Q6. What is the maximum speed limit permitted for ACT provisional drivers driving in the ACT and driving interstate?
ACT provisional drivers can drive to the posted speed limit in the ACT and in NSW. ACT provisional drivers driving in other States and Territories will need to check with that jurisdiction for the rules pertaining to provisional drivers.

Road Ready Plus

Q 1. Is there a special age group for the Road Ready Plus (P-Off) Course? 
Yes, the course is designed for provisional licence holders 17 to 25 years of age. Provisional licence holders aged 26 years or older are not eligible to attend the course. However, 6 months after obtaining their licence they are automatically given an increase of 4 demerit points for their demerit point allowance and they will no longer be required to display 'P' plates. These licence holders should check with the ACT Road Transport Authority to ensure that this has occurred before they remove the 'P' plates from their vehicle.

Q 2. Where do I book to do a P-OFF course and what does it cost?
The cost of the course is $75.00. A course can be arranged by contacting a Road Ready Centre on telephone 6162 5152 or 6282 8990 or at www.freebott.com.au

Q 3. After getting my provisional licence, how soon before I can do the Road Ready Plus course?
At least six (6) months after obtaining your provisional licence.

Q 4. Due to traffic infringements, I have reached my demerit points allowance. If I do the P-Off course before I pay the fine and receive a letter of suspension, will I get the increased 4 demerit points allowance (which is awarded upon completing the course) and be able to keep my licence?
No, your licence conditions at the time of the offence are noted and if your demerit points allowance at that time was 4 points, your licence will be suspended regardless of whether you attend the course or not. However, if you complete the course, your demerit points allowance will be increased to 8 points and the ‘P’ plates can be removed from your vehicle when your suspension period is completed. The course can be undertaken during a suspension period as there are no practical driving components in the course.

Motorcycles

Q 1. How old must I be before I can get my motorcycle learner licence? 
You must be at least 16 years and 9 months of age.

Q 2. What do I have to do to get an ACT motorcycle licence? 
Undertake and pass a pre-learner licence motorcycle training course with the ACT Government approved training and assessment provider (currently Stay Upright Motorcycle Techniques).

Q 3. Do I have to do the Road Ready course before I undertake the motorcycle training course? 
Yes. You will need to successfully complete and pass the Road Ready Course and the Road Rules Knowledge Test before attending a Stay Upright Course. However, this is not required if you hold a current ACT learner, provisional or full car licence. 

Q 4. How much does the Stay Upright Pre-Learner Course cost?  $235.00

Q 5. Where do I book to undertake the course?
To make a booking for the course, contact Stay Upright on telephone 6241 3963.

Q 6. Do I need to supply my own motorcycle or safety equipment?
The cost of the course includes safety equipment and the use of a motorcycle supplied by the provider.

Q 7. When I pass the course where do I get my learner licence and how much will it cost?
A learner licence can be obtained from Road User Services or from a Canberra Connect Shopfront. The cost of a learner licence is $34.40. ($43.75 if you do not already hold a driver licence, the additional cost includes a Road Ready Pack).

Q 8. How long must I have my learner licence and how old must I be before I can get my provisional licence?
You must be at least 17 years of age and have held your motorcycle learner licence for at least three (3) months.

Q 9. What is the cost of a rider assessment for a provisional licence? $45.00.

Q 10. If I fail the rider assessment can I just book to do the test again?
No. If an applicant fails their first rider assessment he or she will be required to undertake and pass a pre-provisional licence course. This course is free of charge to the applicant as course costs are borne by the Department of Territory and Municipal Services.

Q 11. If I fail my riding test again after completing the pre-provisional licence course, do I have to do any other courses? 
No. Where a person fails the assessment after completing the Pre-provisional course, he or she simply books again for a rider assessment. However, each rider assessment attracts the prescribed fee which is borne by the applicant.

Q 12. I have an overseas motorcycle licence and want to get an ACT motorcycle licence, what do I have to do?
If you are taking up permanent residency in the ACT and you are the holder of a full driver licence (learner or provisional licence is not acceptable) from an approved country, you will not have to do a licence knowledge test or practical test when you apply for an ACT motorcycle licence.

Note: This exemption from the licence knowledge test and practical test applies to car and motorcycle licence classes only. If you are not from an approved country, you will be required to undertake a licence knowledge test and a practical test.

Where an overseas licence holder fails a practical rider assessment with the authorised assessor, the overseas licence is deemed to be invalid and the licence holder is required to undertake the pre-learner motorcycle licence course, take out a learner licence and abide by the conditions of that licence.

Q 13. What happens if my learner motorcycle licence has expired?
If you wish to renew your learner motorcycle licence, you must undertake the Stay Upright pre-learner rider training course again.  If you do not hold a current class C car licence you will also be required to undertake and pass the Road Rules Knowledge Test again.

To obtain your provisional motorcycle licence you must pass a practical riding assessment.  If you fail the practical riding assessment you must complete a pre-provisional rider training course before being permitted to attempt any further rider assessments.

Heavy Vehicles

Q 1. Can a person on a provisional licence apply for an upgrade to a higher licence class ie C to HR?
Yes, provided that the driver meets the eligibility requirements. These requirements are as follows:

Light Rigid Vehicle (LR) or Medium Rigid Vehicle (MR) Driver Licence
An applicant for these licence classes must have held an Australian driver licence (including a provisional licence) of a class C (car) for a period of at least 12 months.

Heavy Rigid Vehicle (HR) Driver Licence
An applicant for this licence must have held an Australian driver licence (including a provisional licence) of a class C for a period of at least 24 months.

Heavy Combination Vehicle (HC) Driver Licence
An applicant for this licence class must have held an Australian driver licence (including a provisional licence) of a class MR or HR for a period of at least 12 months.

Multi-Combination Vehicle (MC) Driver Licence
An applicant for this licence class must have held an Australian driver licence of a class HC or HR for a period of at least 12 months.

Q 2. How do I get a heavy vehicle drivers licence?
For heavy vehicle classes Light Rigid (LR) to Heavy Combination (HC), you must meet the above eligibility requirements, then:

Undertake and pass the appropriate knowledge test (there are three knowledge tests, one for rigid vehicles, one for heavy combination vehicles and one for B-Doubles).

Undertake and pass a practical driver assessment in a heavy vehicle appropriate to the licence class required.

Q 3. Where do I do the knowledge test? 
The knowledge test can be undertaken at the following locations:

Road Ready Centre, Block D, Canberra Technology Park, 47 Phillip Avenue, WATSON, Telephone 6162 5152, Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Saturday 9.00am to 12.00pm.

Road Ready Centre, 72 Townshend Street, PHILLIP, Telephone 6282 8990, Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Saturday 9.00am to 12.00pm.

To allow sufficient time for the knowledge test, it is suggested participants arrive no later than 1 hour before closing time.

Q 4. What is the cost of the knowledge test and do I have to make a booking to undertake the knowledge test? 
The cost of a knowledge test is $32.50 and ‘no’ you do not have to book to undertake a knowledge test.

Q 5. Where do I book to undertake a practical driver assessment?
To book a driver assessment, contact any of the Heavy Vehicle Assessors on the list below.

 Heavy Vehicle Assessors List

Q 6. Do I have to supply my own vehicle for the driver assessment? 
Licence applicants have the option of providing their own vehicle or a company vehicle or arranging to use a vehicle supplied by the assessment provider.

Q 7. What is the cost of a practical driver assessment?
The cost of an assessment for vehicles LR to MC varies, depending on the class of licence sought. The current cost can be determined by contacting the private providers (see Q 5 above).

Q 8. What is the cost if I use the assessment provider’s vehicle?
Prices vary according to the type of vehicle used ie LR, MR, HR etc. You will need to check this with the provider, as vehicle hire costs are a commercial arrangement and are not subject to Department of Territory and Municipal Services approval.

Q 9. I come from overseas, what do I have to do to get an ACT Heavy Vehicle Licence?
If you are taking up permanent residency in the ACT and are the holder of a full driver licence (learner or provisional licence is not acceptable), you will need to pass a knowledge test for the required heavy vehicle licence class and a practical driver assessment in a heavy vehicle appropriate to the licence class you require.

List of Approved Overseas Licences

On 20 May 2002 recognition of approved overseas licences was introduced in NSW and in the ACT.

Clients applying for an ACT licence from 20 May 2002 who hold a current (or expired by less than 5 years) Full licence from an approved country will be entitled to an equivalent ACT licence when they:

1. Produce their overseas licence (if not in English, an official translation must be provided);
2. Produce Proof Of Identity and Proof Of Residency; and
3. Undertake an eyesight test.

They are exempt from having to do the licence knowledge test and practical test.

This applies to car and motorcycle licence classes only. Heavy vehicle licence classes will still require a heavy vehicle knowledge test and a practical test.

Please note:

• Clients are subject to the usual age requirements.
• This policy does not apply to Learner, Provisional or Probationary licence types.
• An international driving permit is not acceptable, the overseas licence must be produced.

Full licences issued by the following countries are approved:

For more information on driver licensing in the Australian Capital Territory please click on the link below.  It will take you to the rego.act website.

 http://www.rego.act.gov.au/licensing/licencemain.htm