What you need to know about Queensland learner's permits

A Queensland learner's permit (also called a learner licence) is a provisional driving credential that lets you learn to drive under supervision before you sit your driving test. You must hold a learner's permit for a minimum period — currently six months for car drivers, or twelve months if you're under 25 — before you can book a practical driving test. The permit itself is not a full licence; it comes with specific conditions about who can supervise you, what vehicles you can drive, and when you can drive.

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) issues learner's permits. You explore through them directly, either online, by mail, or at a service centre. The process involves passing a hazard perception test and a road rules knowledge test before DTMR will issue your permit. Both tests are computer-based and taken on the same day at an approved testing centre.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old to hold a Queensland learner's permit for a car, or 17 for a motorcycle.
  • Before DTMR issues your permit, you must pass both the hazard perception test and the road rules knowledge test on the same day at an approved testing centre.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for three years from the date of issue, but you must hold it for a minimum of six months (or twelve months if you're under 25) before you can book a practical driving test.
  • You must display L-plates on your vehicle at all times while driving on a learner's permit, and you must be supervised by a licensed driver aged 21 or over who is sitting in the front passenger seat.
  • The cost of a learner's permit in Queensland is a set fee charged by DTMR; you also pay separately for each test attempt if you do not pass on your first try.

Age requirements and who can hold a learner's permit

You must be at least 16 years old to hold a learner's permit for a car or light vehicle in Queensland. If you want to learn to ride a motorcycle, you must be at least 17 years old. There is no upper age limit; adults of any age can obtain a learner's permit if they have never held a full driving licence in Queensland or any other state or territory.

If you already hold a full licence from another Australian state or territory, you do not need a learner's permit — you can transfer your licence to Queensland. If you hold a licence from outside Australia, you may be able to drive on that licence for a limited period while you arrange to transfer or convert it, but the rules depend on which country issued your licence and how long you plan to stay in Queensland.

The two tests you must pass before your permit is issued

DTMR requires you to pass two separate computer-based tests before issuing your learner's permit. Both tests must be completed on the same day at an approved testing centre. You cannot receive your permit until you have passed both.

The road rules knowledge test covers Queensland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It contains 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 43 out of 50 to pass. The test is based on the Queensland Road Rules and the official learner's guide published by DTMR. You can study using the free online resources on the DTMR website or purchase study materials from approved providers.

The hazard perception test shows you video clips of real driving situations and asks you to identify hazards as quickly as possible. You must score at least 67 out of 100 to pass. This test assesses your ability to spot developing dangers on the road, not just stationary hazards. There is no way to study for this test in advance; it measures your natural perception and reaction time.

If you do not pass one or both tests on your first attempt, you can retake them. You must wait at least one day before retaking a failed test, and you pay a separate fee for each attempt. Many people pass both tests on their first try, but it is common to need a second or third attempt at the hazard perception test.

How to book your tests and explore for your permit

You can book your tests online through the DTMR website, by phone, or in person at a service centre. When you book, you choose a testing centre location and a date and time that suits you. Testing centres are located across Queensland, including in most regional areas. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, and contact details when you book.

On the day of your tests, bring a form of identification — your passport, birth certificate, or proof of age card are all acceptable. You will also need to bring proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months. Arrive at least 15 minutes early; if you are late, you may not be allowed to sit the tests and you will lose your booking fee.

Once you have passed both tests on the same day, DTMR will issue your learner's permit. You can collect it when ready at the testing centre, or it will be mailed to you within a few business days if you choose the postal option. Your permit is valid for three years from the date of issue.

Conditions and restrictions on your learner's permit

While you hold a learner's permit, you must follow strict conditions. You must display red and white L-plates on the front and back of your vehicle at all times. You must be supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and holds a current full licence for the same class of vehicle you are driving. That supervisor must sit in the front passenger seat next to you.

You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive at night between midnight and 5 a.m. You cannot tow a trailer or caravan. You must not use a mobile phone while driving, even if it is hands-free. You must wear a seatbelt, and all passengers must wear seatbelts. Speed limits for learner drivers are the same as for other drivers, but you must not exceed 90 km/h on any road.

If you break any of these conditions, you can be fined or have your permit cancelled. DTMR can also cancel your permit if you accumulate demerit points — learner drivers have a lower demerit point threshold than full licence holders.

Minimum holding period before you can book your driving test

You must hold your learner's permit for a minimum period before DTMR will let you book a practical driving test. For drivers aged 25 and over, the minimum holding period is six months. For drivers under 25, the minimum holding period is twelve months. This rule applies regardless of how many supervised hours you have completed or how confident you feel.

The holding period is calculated from the date your permit was issued, not from the date you passed your tests. If your permit was issued on 1 March, you can book your driving test on 1 September (six months later) if you are 25 or over, or on 1 March the following year if you are under 25.

Once you reach the end of your minimum holding period, you can book your practical driving test through DTMR. The test itself is conducted by an approved examiner and takes about 45 minutes. You must pass the practical test to receive your full licence.

Cost and payment

DTMR charges a set fee for your learner's permit, and you also pay separately for each test attempt. The exact fees change from time to time, so check the DTMR website for current pricing. You pay the test fee when you book your tests, and the permit fee when your permit is issued (if you pass both tests).

If you do not pass one or both tests on your first attempt, you pay the test fee again for each retake. There is no refund if you do not sit a test you have booked, so make sure you can attend before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive interstate with my Queensland learner's permit?

No. Your Queensland learner's permit is only valid in Queensland. If you travel to another state or territory, you cannot drive on your learner's permit. You would need to hold a full licence or a learner's permit issued by that state. Check the rules of the state you are visiting before you travel.

What happens if my learner's permit expires before I pass my driving test?

Your permit is valid for three years. If it expires before you pass your practical driving test, you must explore for a new learner's permit and pass both the road rules and hazard perception tests again. You do not need to repeat the minimum holding period if you reapply within a certain timeframe — check with DTMR for the current rules.

Can someone supervise me if they hold a full licence from another state?

Yes, as long as their licence is current and valid. Your supervisor must hold a full driving licence for the same class of vehicle you are driving — for example, a full car licence if you are learning to drive a car. An interstate or overseas licence counts as long as it is not suspended or cancelled.

Do I need to complete a certain number of supervised driving hours before I can book my test?

Queensland does not have a mandatory logbook or minimum hours requirement for learner drivers. However, DTMR recommends at least 120 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 20 hours at night. The more practice you complete, the more likely you are to pass your practical driving test.

What if I fail my practical driving test?

If you do not pass your practical driving test, you can retake it. You must wait at least one day before booking another test, and you pay the test fee each time. Your learner's permit remains valid, so you can continue to practise with a supervisor. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test as long as your permit has not expired.