What you need to do to get a Queensland learner's permit
In Queensland, you get your learner's permit (called a learner licence) by passing the written test at the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming, then holding that licence for a minimum period before you can sit your practical driving test. You cannot drive on public roads without a valid learner licence in your name, and you must display L-plates and follow specific restrictions — including having a supervising driver with you at all times.
The process starts with the written test, which covers road rules, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to Queensland. Once you pass, you receive your learner licence card. You then need to hold this licence for at least 12 months (or six months if you are over 25) before you can book your practical test. During this time, you build supervised driving experience and can only drive under the conditions printed on your licence.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass the Queensland written test at a Service Queensland office or approved testing provider before you can get a learner licence.
- The written test covers 50 questions about Queensland road rules, signs, and safe driving; you need 43 correct answers to pass.
- After you pass, you hold your learner licence for at least 12 months (six months if you are 25 or older) before you can sit the practical driving test.
- While you hold a learner licence, you must display L-plates, have a supervising driver aged 21 or over with a full licence in the car, and follow speed and other restrictions.
- You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your process form to the testing centre on the day of your written test.
Documents you need before you test
Before you sit the written test, you must bring original documents that prove your identity and that you live in Queensland. The Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming accepts a limited list of documents, and photocopies or digital copies are not accepted — you must bring the originals.
For proof of identity, you can bring a birth certificate, passport, or proof-of-age card. For proof of residency, you can bring a recent utility bill (electricity, gas, water), a council rates notice, a lease agreement, or a mortgage statement — the document must show your name and current Queensland address and be dated within the last three months. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a statutory declaration from someone who lives with you, plus their proof of identity and residency.
You will also need to complete the process for a Learner Licence form before you arrive. You can read this from the Service Queensland website or collect it from a Service Queensland office. Bring the completed form with you on the day of your test.
How to book and sit the written test
You book your written test through Service Queensland, either online at their website, by phone, or by visiting an office in person. When you book, you choose a date, time, and location that suits you — testing centres operate across Queensland, and you can usually find an appointment within one to two weeks. There is a fee for the written test; the amount varies depending on whether you book online or in person, so check the Service Queensland website for current pricing.
On the day of your test, arrive at least 15 minutes early. Bring your original identity and residency documents, your completed process form, and a pen. The test itself takes about 30 to 45 minutes. You will sit at a computer and answer 50 multiple-choice questions about Queensland road rules, road signs, and safe driving. You have 45 minutes to complete it, and you need to answer at least 43 questions correctly to pass.
If you pass, you receive your learner licence on the spot — usually a card that is valid for three years. If you do not pass, you can book another test. There is no waiting period between attempts, so you can sit the test again as soon as you have booked another appointment.
Restrictions and rules while you hold a learner licence
Your learner licence comes with specific conditions printed on the back. You must follow these conditions every time you drive, or you risk losing your licence and facing a fine. The main restrictions are that you must display L-plates on the front and back of the car, you must have a supervising driver aged 21 or over with a full Australian driving licence sitting next to you, and you cannot drive alone under any circumstances.
You are also restricted on speed: you cannot drive faster than 80 kilometres per hour, even on roads where the speed limit is higher. You cannot tow a trailer or caravan, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work or a medical appointment. Some of these restrictions may vary slightly depending on the type of vehicle you are learning in, so check your licence card to confirm what applies to you.
During your 12-month (or six-month) holding period, you should aim to build a range of driving experience — different road types, different weather conditions, different times of day. This experience will help you pass your practical test and become a safer driver. Many learner drivers keep a logbook to track their hours, though this is not a legal requirement in Queensland.
When you are ready to book your practical driving test
Once you have held your learner licence for the minimum period (12 months, or six months if you are 25 or older), you can book your practical driving test. You book through Service Queensland using the same method as you used for the written test — online, by phone, or in person. The practical test usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes and covers your ability to control the car, follow road rules, and respond safely to traffic and road conditions.
You must bring your learner licence, proof of identity, and your supervising driver to the test. Your supervising driver must be aged 21 or over and hold a full Australian driving licence. The test examiner will ask you to perform a range of driving tasks — starting the car, reversing, parking, turning, and driving on different road types. If you pass, you will be issued a provisional licence, which allows you to drive unsupervised but with some restrictions that vary by age.
What happens if you do not pass the written test
If you do not reach 43 correct answers on your first attempt, you have not passed and will not receive a learner licence. You can book another test when ready — there is no waiting period. Many people find it helpful to study the Queensland Road Rules handbook and take practice tests online before sitting again. Service Queensland provides free study materials on their website, including the official road rules handbook and sample test questions.
You can sit the written test as many times as you need until you pass. Each attempt has a fee, so budgeting for multiple attempts may be wise if you are not confident about the first test. Most people pass within one or two attempts once they have studied the material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sit the written test before I turn 17?
No. You must be at least 17 years old to sit the written test and hold a learner licence in Queensland. You can prepare and study before your 17th birthday, but you cannot book or sit the test until you reach that age.
Do I need to do a hazard perception test as well as the written test?
No. Queensland does not currently require a separate hazard perception test. The written test covers road rules and signs, and once you pass that, you move straight to holding your learner licence and building driving experience before your practical test.
What if I fail the practical driving test?
You can book another practical test. There is usually a short waiting period (often one to two weeks) before you can sit again. You can continue to drive on your learner licence while you wait for your next test appointment, as long as you have held the learner licence for the required minimum period.
Can I sit the written test online from home?
No. The written test must be sat in person at a Service Queensland office or approved testing centre. You cannot sit it remotely or at home.
How long is my learner licence valid for?
Your learner licence is valid for three years from the date it is issued. If you do not sit and pass your practical driving test within three years, your learner licence will expire and you will need to sit the written test again to get a new one.