Steps to getting a driver's licence

Getting a car driver’s licence involves gradually progressing through a series of stages until you qualify for a full licence.

There is a different process for:

• returning drivers
• transferring an interstate and overseas licence
• motorcycle licence.

Check you're allowed to drive

• meet the age and time requirements
• be medically fit to drive
• not be disqualified from driving.

Apply for a learner's permit

• study for and pass a theory test
• attend a Service SA centre to provide evidence of identity, have your photo taken, and apply for your learner's permit.

Your learner's permit will be valid for 2 years.

Driving on your L's and progressing to a provisional licence

• have a learner's permit for at least:
  • 12 months if you're between 17 and 24 years old
  • 6 months if you're at least 25 years old
  • Vehicle on Road Test (VORT) practical driving test with a VORT authorised examiner
  • Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBT&A) course

  Find out more about the Learner's stage.

  Apply for a provisional licence

  • learner's permit
  • certificate of competency
  • Driving Companion with your completed declaration showing completion of the compulsory driving hours
  • a completed application form (237.2 KB PDF) .

  Once you've passed the test at the centre you'll be issued a provisional licence (P's).

  Driving on your P's

  • you're at least 18 years old
  • you've held a P1 licence for a minimum of 12 months.

  Full licence

  • be at least 20 years old
  • held a provisional licence for at least 3 years - including at least 12 months on P1 and at least 2 years on P2.

  Renew online or go to a Service SA centre to get your full licence: