A parent's guide to their child’s driving licence

The Graduated Driver Training and Licensing process has a number of steps including supervised driving on different roads, in different traffic conditions, and over a long period of time to build your experience:

The six steps to getting your first driver's licence are:

Step 1 – Get a Learner’s Permit

Learn the road rules (study the handbook) for a theory test

Pay the Learners Permit fee

Pass the theory test  

Pass the eyesight test

Medical test (declare any medical conditions)

Receive your Learner’s logbook (printed or digital)  

Step 2 - Learn to Drive

Learn to drive with a registered driving instructor or someone you know.  

Log the hours you have driven and whether it was in the dark or raining or on a busy road.  

All learner drivers under the age of 25 must complete a minimum 50 supervised driving hours to be eligible for a WA driver's licence. Five of those hours must be completed at night (between sunset and sunrise).  

Step 3 – Complete the Hazard Perception Test (HPT)

Pay the HPT fee

Take the hazard perception test at least 6 calendar months after receiving your learner’s permit.

The HPT is a computer-based test featuring a series of video clips of traffic situations. The test will be used to measure your ability to assess road hazards and make safe driving decisions.

Step 4 – Continue to practise

After passing your HPT, keep practising your driving to build on your experience.  

Step 5 – Pass your PDA

Book your practical driving assessment (the cost of your first test is included in your learner’s permit fee).

Arrive 15 minutes before your test time.

Check your logbook carefully to make sure it’s been completed and signed correctly, or you may not be able to take your test and you will then have to rebook and pay for another one.  

Pass your practical driving assessment. Hooray!!  

Step 6 - Get your P Plates

Have your photo taken

Pay the fee for your provisional licence

For the first six months you must display white on red P plates, and you will be subject to night driving restrictions.

For the remaining period you must display white on green P plates.  

This process can vary depending on your age and driving experience. Go to the Department of Transport website to check which documents you will need to provide at each stage of the process.

Source: https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/

‍