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Navigating the licensing system can be overwhelming, especially for new and overseas drivers. Our Licence Process provides step-by-step guidance to help you understand how to obtain or convert your driver’s licence in South Australia. We’ll walk you through everything—from obtaining a learner’s permit to passing your practical driving test.

Steps to Getting Your Driver’s Licence

Getting your car driver's licence in South Australia is a step-by-step process. You'll move through several stages — from your Learner's Permit (L's) to your Provisional Licence (P's), and finally, to your Full Licence.

Note: The process is different if you're a returning driver, transferring an interstate or overseas licence, or applying for a motorbike licence.

Step 1

Check You're Eligible to Drive

Before you start, make sure you:
  • Meet the age and time requirements
  • Are medically fit to drive
  • Are not disqualified from driving

Step 2

Apply for Your Learner's Permit (L's)

You can begin preparing at 15 years and 9 months, but issued only when you're at least 16 years old.
  • Study and pass the Learner's Theory Test
  • Visit a Service SA Centre with ID for verification and photo capture
  • Your learner's permit is valid for 2 years

Step 3

Drive on Your L's

Once you have your L's, you can drive under supervision
  • Complete 75 hours of driving, including 15 hours at night
  • Record all driving in your logbook
  • Permit holding requirements:
    • Under 25 years old — hold for at least 12 months
    • 25 or older — hold for at least 6 months

Step 4

Apply for Your Provisional Licence (P's)

When you're ready to progress:
  • Be at least 17 years old
  • Have held your L's for the minimum required time
  • Have completed 75 hours of driving (with at least 15 at night)
  • Then, pass one of the following:
    • Vehicle On-Road Test (V.O.R.T.) with an authorised examiner, or
    • Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBT&A) course
  • You must also pass the Hazard Perception Test to get your P's

Step 5

Drive on Your P's

Your Provisional Licence lasts for 3 years
  • P1 (1 year)
  • P2 (2 years)
  • While on your P's, you can drive independently but must follow P-plate conditions
  • Your licence will automatically upgrade from P1 to P2 when:
    • You are 18 or older, and
    • You've held your P1 licence for 12 months

Step 6

Full Licence

You'll automatically receive a renewal notice when eligible
  • Be at least 20 years old
  • Have held a provisional licence for 3 years (minimum 12 months on P1 and 2 years on P2)
  • After your P2 licence expires, your full driver's licence begins
🎉 Congratulations!

How to Transfer Your Overseas Driver's Licence to a South Australian Licence

If you already hold an overseas driver's licence, you can transfer it to a South Australian licence by following these steps. The type of licence you receive depends on how long you've held your overseas licence.

🚘 Licence Type You'll Receive

Full Licence

Held your overseas licence for 3+ years and are 20 years or older.

P2 Licence

Held your overseas licence for 1–3 years.

P1 Licence

Held your overseas licence for less than 1 year.

Upgrade Information: You can upgrade to a Full Licence once your total driving experience (overseas + South Australian) equals 3 years, and you are at least 20 years old.

⏱ Important: Licence time is counted from your original overseas licence issue date.

Follow These Steps to Transfer Your Licence

Step 1
Prove Your Identity at Service SA

Provide three identity documents (at least one primary ID)

Primary ID examples:
  • Current passport
  • Australian birth or citizenship certificate
  • Australian visa with grant notice
  • Permanent resident evidence document
Secondary ID examples:
  • Medicare card
  • Bank or credit card (with name and signature)
  • Utility bill (phone, internet, gas, water, etc.)
  • Lease agreement or rent receipt
  • Proof of age card

After identity verification, Service SA will issue a Client ID and give you access to your mySAGOV online account.

Step 2
Complete the Theory Test
  • Study the South Australian road rules
  • Take the myLs online theory test via your mySAGOV account, or
  • Sit the test in person at a Service SA Centre

💰 Fee: Around $41

Step 3
Pass the Hazard Perception Test (HPT)

You can complete the HPT either:

  • Online via your mySAGOV account, or
  • In person at a Service SA Centre

💰 Fee: Around $35 per attempt

Step 4
Practical Driving Assessment

With My Driving Trainer, we start with a $90 assessment session to evaluate your driving skills, confidence, and road rule knowledge.

We'll then:
  • Recommend how many lessons you may need
  • Help you prepare for your V.O.R.T. (Vehicle On-Road Test)
  • Arrange your test booking once you're ready
Step 5
Get Your South Australian Licence

After passing the required tests, visit a Service SA Centre to finalise your licence.

💳 Licence Fee: Approximately $75–$85, depending on the licence period.

Depending on your country and experience, you'll be issued a P1, P2, or Full Licence.