Learning to drive is a significant milestone for young Australians, but the journey from learner permit to full licence involves meeting specific age requirements that vary by state and territory. Understanding these age thresholds helps you plan your path to independent driving and ensures you meet all legal requirements along the way.

The Graduated Licensing System

All Australian states and territories use a Graduated Licensing System (GLS) that progressively introduces young drivers to more complex driving situations as they gain experience. This system recognises that inexperience, combined with the still-developing cognitive and risk-assessment abilities of young drivers, increases crash risk. The GLS typically includes a learner phase, one or two provisional phases, and finally a full licence.

Each phase has specific age requirements, minimum holding periods, and conditions. Knowing your exact age is essential for planning when you can progress to the next stage. Use our age calculator to determine exactly when you'll become eligible for each licensing phase.

New South Wales Licence Requirements

In NSW, you can apply for a learner licence from age 16. You must pass a Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) and hold the learner licence for at least 12 months while accumulating a minimum of 120 hours of supervised driving (including 20 hours at night).

At age 17, you can take the driving test for a provisional P1 licence (red P plates), which must be held for at least 12 months. After that, you progress to a P2 licence (green P plates), held for at least 24 months. You're eligible for a full licence at minimum age 20, though your exact eligibility depends on when you obtained your P1 licence.

Victoria Licence Requirements

Victoria allows learner permits from age 16, requiring completion of a computer-based learner permit test. Learners must complete 120 hours of supervised driving (including 20 night hours) and hold the permit for at least 12 months.

At 18, Victorians can apply for a P1 licence after passing the drive test. The P1 phase lasts at least 12 months, followed by P2 for at least 36 months. The earliest age for a full licence in Victoria is typically 22, making it one of the longer pathways in Australia.

Queensland Licence Requirements

Queensland's system begins with a learner licence available from age 16. Learners under 25 must complete 100 hours of supervised driving (including 10 night hours) and hold the learner licence for at least 12 months.

From age 17, you can obtain a P1 licence (held for at least one year), then a P2 licence (held for at least two years). Full licence eligibility begins at age 20 for most drivers, or earlier if you obtained your licence later in life, as the provisional periods are shorter for those who start at 25 or older.

South Australia Licence Requirements

South Australia permits learner's permits from age 16, requiring a theory test pass. Learners must complete 75 hours of supervised driving (including 15 night hours) under the Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBT&A) system or meet alternative requirements.

The P1 licence is available from age 17 after passing the practical driving assessment (VORT). P1 must be held for at least 12 months, followed by P2 for 24 months. Full licence eligibility is from age 20, though some restrictions may continue until age 25 for those who obtained their licence before 20.

Western Australia Licence Requirements

WA offers learner's permits from age 16, requiring a computerised theory test. Learners must complete 50 hours of supervised driving (no specific night hours required) and hold the permit for at least six months.

At 17, you can obtain a provisional licence after passing the practical driving assessment. The provisional period lasts at least two years for drivers under 25 (or six months for those 25 and over). Full licences are available from age 19 for most young drivers.

Tasmania Licence Requirements

Tasmania allows learner licences from age 16. Learners must complete a minimum of 80 hours supervised driving (including 15 night hours for those under 25) and hold the L1 licence for at least 12 months before progressing to L2.

The L2 phase involves more advanced supervised driving. P1 licences are available from age 17, held for at least 12 months, followed by P2 for 24 months. Full licence eligibility begins at age 20.

Northern Territory Licence Requirements

The NT has one of Australia's more streamlined systems. Learner licences are available from age 16, requiring a theory test. Learners must hold the licence for at least six months and complete supervised driving hours (amount varies by age).

Provisional licences are available from age 16 years and 6 months for car licences. The provisional period is 12 months for drivers under 25. Full licences are therefore potentially available from age 17 years and 6 months, though restrictions may apply until age 25.

Australian Capital Territory Licence Requirements

The ACT permits learner licences from age 15 years and 9 months, one of the earliest in Australia, though driving is only permitted from age 16. Learners must complete a Road Ready course and hold the licence for at least 12 months while accumulating supervised driving hours.

Provisional licences (P plates) are available from age 17 and must be held for at least three years (or until age 20, whichever is longer). Full licence eligibility is from age 20.

Special Considerations

Several factors can affect age requirements. Mature-age learners (typically 25 and over) often have reduced hour requirements and shorter provisional periods. Some states offer exemptions for those who can demonstrate prior driving experience from overseas. Regional and rural areas may have modified requirements for necessary travel.

Medical conditions may affect licence eligibility regardless of age. Certain conditions require medical clearance, and some may result in conditional licences or additional testing requirements.

Heavy Vehicle and Motorcycle Licences

Age requirements differ for non-car licences. Motorcycle learner permits generally require you to be at least 16 years and 9 months old (varying by state). Heavy vehicle licences (for trucks and buses) typically require a full car licence first and have minimum ages of 18 to 21 depending on vehicle class.

Interstate Recognition

Australian licences are recognised across all states and territories. If you move interstate, you generally have three months to transfer your licence to the new jurisdiction. Your licence conditions (including P plate requirements) typically transfer, though some states may apply their own rules.

Conclusion

Understanding age requirements for driving licences helps young Australians plan their path to full driving privileges. Each state and territory has specific ages and holding periods for learner, provisional, and full licences. Use our age calculator to determine exactly when you'll reach each milestone on your licensing journey. Remember that meeting minimum ages is just one requirement; you must also complete all training, testing, and supervised driving hours. Safe driving habits developed during the learner and provisional phases form the foundation for a lifetime of safe driving.