Your Ultimate Guide to Driver Licence Classes and Requirements Across Australia

Australia’s licensing system promotes road safety through clear stages and national licence classes. Whether you’re aiming to drive a car, ride a bike, or handle heavy vehicles, here’s everything you need to know.

Graduated Licensing System

Under the National Driver Licensing Scheme (NDLS), all Australian states and territories follow a similar phased path—Learner → Provisional (P1/P2) → Full licence. This ensures consistent safety standards nationwide (Austroads).

Australian Licence Stages by State & Territory

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Learner: 15 years 9 months minimum, 12‑month holding period, hazard perception test before P1.
P1: ~1 year, zero BAC, passenger/speed restrictions.
P2: ~2 years before full licence.
ACT official information: Access Canberra – Driver licensing

New South Wales (NSW)

Learner: 16+ years, 12 months if under 25, 120 hours logged (20 at night).
P1 (red P): 12 months, speed/pax limits, zero BAC.
P2 (green P): 24 months before full licence.
Read more: Getting your driver licence – NSW Government

Northern Territory (NT)

Learner: Minimum 16, 6‑month holding, no logbook hours required.
P1/P2: Combined provisional system; 2 years (or 1 year if over 25).
Official: NT Government – Driver licences

Queensland (QLD)

Learner: 16+ years, complete PrepL or written test, 12‑month holding, 100 hours logged (10 at night).
P1: Typically 1 year, zero BAC, passenger restrictions for under 25.
P2: Typically 2 years before full licence.
More info: Getting a learner licence – Queensland Government
PrepL information: PrepL online learning and assessment – QLD Government
Steps to provisional: Steps from a learner to a provisional licence – QLD Government

South Australia (SA)

Learner: 16, held 12 months if under 25.
P1: 12 months, zero BAC, restrictions on high‑powered vehicles.
P2: 24‑month holding period.
Official: My Licence – SA Government

Tasmania (TAS)

Learner: 16 years, hold for 12 months minimum, 80 logged hours (15 at night).
P1: 12 months.
P2: 24 months.
Official: Transport Services Tasmania – Licences

Victoria (VIC)

Learner: 16, hold 12 months if under 21, 120 logged hours.
P1: 12 months, zero BAC, passenger rules.
P2: 36 months if under 21, shorter if older.
Official: VicRoads – Licences

Western Australia (WA)

Learner: 16, hold 6 months, 50 logged hours.
P1: 6 months, must pass hazard perception test.
P2: 18 months before full licence.
Official: Transport WA – Licensing

Licence Classes Across Australia

These nationally recognised classes are consistent across all jurisdictions (Wikipedia summary of licence classes):

• Class C – Car licence: Vehicles up to 4.5 t GVM, seating up to 12 adults.
• Class R / RE – Motorcycle licence: RE is restricted for learner-approved motorcycles (LAMS), upgrade after 12 months to full R.

Heavy vehicle classes:
– LR (Light Rigid): 4.5–8 t GVM
– MR (Medium Rigid): > 8 t GVM, up to 2 axles
– HR (Heavy Rigid): > 8 t, 3+ axles
– HC (Heavy Combination): Prime movers with trailers > 9 t
– MC (Multi Combination): Road trains/B‑doubles

Heavy‑vehicle upgrades require training and assessment via government‑approved bodies (Getting a heavy vehicle licence – QLD Government).
QLD class page: Driver licensing – QLD Government

Overseas Licence Holders

Licences from recognised countries may be directly converted.
Others must pass theory and practical tests; IDP or certified translation may be required.
Temporary residents may use valid overseas licences for defined durations.
Full official policy: Overseas drivers – Austroads

Demerit Points & Road Rules

All states enforce demerit-point systems; thresholds vary (e.g. QLD full licence = 12 points over 3 years).
QLD: Demerit points – QLD Government
NSW: Referenced within NSW driver licence guidance

Key rules: drive left, seat belts mandatory, zero BAC for learner/P drivers, obey speed and passenger restrictions.

Timeframes & Estimated Costs

Typical progression:
– Learner permit: AUD 25–60
– Theory/PrepL: AUD 20–40
– Practical test: AUD 50–100
– Holding periods & logged hours: vary by state as above
– Completion to full licence: ~3–4 years

Refer to your state’s transport site for up‑to‑date fees and eligibility details.

Driving Licence Classes at a Glance

Australia’s licensing framework ensures novice drivers gain experience gradually, safely transitioning from learner status to unrestricted licences across all vehicle types and regions. For precise requirements in your state or territory, always refer to the official licensing authority site.