What do I need to get an Australian driver's license? Can the driver's license I got in my home country work? ...Surely, if you plan to drive a car in Australia, you have a thousand and one questions, but don't worry, Educonnecting will help you solve all your doubts.

Driving is an essential skill to survive in Australia, because of the long distances between one place and another and in case you want to go on a road trip. The process and time required to get a driver's licence in Australia varies in each state and territory. Generally, young, novice drivers tend to need a longer period to obtain their licence, while mature drivers or those with a licence abroad can often speed up the process.

Australia has established three types or Driver's License as it is known in the country. These are: Australian Driver's License for Learners Category, Driver's License for Probation Category and Driver's License for Full License Category.

Learner's Driver's License (L plates)

To obtain your learner license, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT).
• Proof of your identity.
• Pass an eyesight test.
• Pay license and trial fees, unless you are eligible for a grant.

Get your provisional license P1

To apply for your P1 driver's license, you must:

• Be at least 17 years old.
• Have had a learner's license for at least 12 months, unless you are 25 or older.
• Have recorded at least 120 hours of driving time in your Student Driver Log Book, including at least 20 hours of night driving, unless you are 25 or older.
• Proof of your identity.
• Pass an eyesight test.
• Pay license and trial fees, unless you are eligible for a grant.
• Pass the Hazard Perception Test (HPT).
• Pass the driving test.

Get your provisional P2 license

To apply for your P2 license, you must:

• Have had your P1 license for at least 12 months.
• Proof of your identity.
• Pay license and trial fees, unless you are eligible for a grant.

Vehicle and passenger restrictions for P1 and P2 drivers

If you are a P1 or P2 driver, it is normally limited by the number of passengers you can transport and the type of vehicles you can drive.

Get your full driver's license

Para solicitar tu licencia de conducir en Australia completa, debes:

• Have had your P2 license for at least 24 months.
• Proof of your identity.
• Pass an eyesight test.
• Pay license and trial fees, unless you are eligible for a grant.

Driving tips in Australia

Speed ​​limits

Speed ​​limits are clearly marked. A predetermined speed limit of 50 km / h applies in urban areas with lampposts in the rare case that there is no other limit. The marked school zones have a limit of 40 km / h during certain school hours, generally from 8am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm and are signposted in NSW and VIC. These limits also apply to the days when teachers, but not students, attend school. It's important to note that holidays vary from state to state, so suddenly crossing borders can mean you are in a school zone.

In South Australia, school zones have a limit of 25 km / h. In Queensland, school zones on roads with higher speed limits can also be signalled at 60 km / h or 80 km / h. Victoria may have 60 km / h school zones on roads with higher speed limits. The Australian Capital Territory.

Driving in the city

Australia's major cities generally remain a bit congested, so it's best to avoid driving in the Central Business District (DBD) during the morning and afternoon rush hours.  

Animals and road kill

Many accidents occur at night due to driver fatigue and the presence of native animals that become more active at night. This is why some car rental companies impose a curfew on driving after sunset in Western Australia and the Northern Territory for very good reasons.

Some endangered species, such as the cassowary, are especially at risk from vehicle strikes. So it is recommended that you try to reach your destination well before dusk. But if you are forced to travel at night, please slow down and stay very alert.

How to get my license

As we know, Australia has 6 states where its legislation is completely independent, so in each state a different driving license must be processed.

To take certain courses in order to obtain the Australian license, you must take into account that the exams, requirements, categories and type of license change depending on the state where you are.

This is why we recommend you enter the page of the transport entity in charge according to the state in which you live:

New south Wales:

Roads and Traffic Authority
 

Queensland:

Licensing and Registration

South Australia:

Transport, travel and motoring

My license

Victory:

VicRoads

Northern Territory:

NT GOV

Australian Capital Territory:

ACT Goverment

Tasmania:

Department of State Growth banner

Western Australia:

Departament of transport of Western Australia

It is important to keep in mind the restrictions of each state regarding the situation by COVID-19. Likewise, by entering the previous links you will find all the information to obtain your driver's license.

 Knowing how to drive may give you more possibilities when looking for a job.

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