Provisional Driving Licence Guide WA

By Michael Robinson

All You Need to Know About a Provisional Driving Licence in Western Australia (WA)

Gaining your driving licence is an exciting milestone, but it comes with a series of steps designed to ensure new drivers are confident and safe on the roads. One of the key stages in this process in Western Australia is obtaining a provisional licence. Here's everything you need to know about provisional licences in WA, how to get one, and what happens next.

What is a Provisional Licence?

A provisional licence, often referred to as a "P" licence, is the step between being a learner driver and holding a full licence. It allows new drivers to drive independently under specific conditions and restrictions designed to promote safe driving habits.

In WA, provisional licences are typically marked with either a red "P" plate (P1) or a green "P" plate (P2), depending on your stage of the provisional licensing period. Source: WA Department of Transport.

How to Get a Provisional Licence in WA

The process for obtaining a provisional licence in Western Australia includes the following steps:

Hold a Learner's Permit

Before applying for a provisional licence, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months. Source: DOT WA.

Complete Required Driving Hours

Learner drivers under the age of 25 in Western Australia must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 5 hours of night driving, and log these hours in a learner logbook. However, applicants aged 25 years or older are exempt from the requirement to complete a logbook. Source: WA Government Website.

Pass a Hazard Perception Test (HPT)

This computer-based test evaluates your ability to recognise and respond to potential hazards on the road. You must pass this test before progressing to the Practical Driving Assessment (PDA).

Pass a Practical Driving Assessment (PDA)

This test assesses your ability to drive safely and competently. You can book this assessment online or at a licensing centre. If you're looking for automatic driving lessons in Perth, we can help you prepare.

How to Get a Full Licence After a Provisional Licence in WA

Once you’ve held your provisional licence for the required duration, you can progress to a full licence by:

Meeting Time Requirements

In WA, the provisional licence period is 2 years. You must use red P plates for the first 6 months, then switch to green P plates for 18 months or until you turn 19, whichever is longer, before you can apply for a full licence. Source: WA Department of Transport.

Maintaining a Clean Driving Record

Avoiding traffic violations and licence suspensions is critical. Accumulating too many demerit points can lead to disqualification from driving or the cancellation of your license.

Applying for a Full Licence

Once you meet all the requirements, you can apply for a full licence at a licensing centre or online through the Department of Transport (DoT).

How Much is a Provisional Licence in WA?

The cost of obtaining a provisional licence in WA includes:

Application and Test Fees: These cover the application fee and practical driving assessment, which costs $143.30. The cost of a PDA resit is $114.50.
Hazard Perception Test Fee: The fee for a Hazard Perception Test is $28.40 for the initial test, and $22.90 for each re-sit.

How Long Are You on Your Provisional Licence in WA?

In Western Australia, the duration of your provisional licence depends on your age and driving record. The provisional licensing period is split into two phases:

P1 Licence: This phase lasts for 6 months.
P2 Licence: This phase lasts for 18 months, or until you turn 19, whichever is longer.

Drivers 19 years and older may have slightly different requirements and durations for their provisional period. Source: WA Department of Transport.

Key Restrictions for Provisional Drivers in WA

While driving on a provisional licence in WA, you must adhere to specific restrictions, which include:

Displaying "P" plates on your vehicle.
Maintaining a zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Not using a mobile phone, even hands-free, while driving.
Restricting the number of passengers if you are under 25 and driving late at night.