WA Drive Safe Handbook Study Guide 2026

How licensing works in WA

Western Australia uses a graduated licensing system with seven steps: learn the road rules, apply for a learner's permit, pass the Computerised Theory Test (CTT), learn to drive and log hours, pass the Hazard Perception Test (HPT), pass the Practical Driving Assessment (PDA), then get your provisional licence.

Step	Minimum age	Key points
Learner's permit and CTT	16	Pass the theory test and an eyesight test. Permit valid for 3 years.
Hazard Perception Test	16 years and 6 months	Held your permit at least 6 months.
Practical Driving Assessment	17	Held your permit 6 months, 50 hours logged if under 25, HPT passed.
Red P plates	After the PDA	First 6 months: night curfew and one passenger.
Green P plates	After red Ps	The remaining 18 months, or until you turn 19 if that is longer.

If you pass the PDA in a manual car you get a C class licence, which covers manual and automatic cars. If you pass in an automatic, you get a C-A licence for automatics only.

The Computerised Theory Test

30 multiple-choice questions on WA road rules.
Pass mark: 24 of 30 (80%).
You can sit it on the same day you apply for your learner's permit.
No phones, devices or the Drive Safe handbook during the test.
A pass is valid for 5 years. If you fail, you resit and pay a resit fee.
Students who finish the Keys4Life school program do not need to sit the test.

When you apply you also pass an eyesight test and declare any medical conditions or medicines.

Rules for learner drivers

Learners must never go faster than 100 km/h, even where the limit is 110 km/h.

Alcohol: 0.00% blood alcohol.
Speed: never over the posted limit and never over 100 km/h.
L plates: on the front and back of the car whenever you drive.
Places: learners cannot drive in some areas, such as Kings Park.
Demerit points: 4 points means your permit is suspended or you are disqualified.

Logbook hours

If you are under 25, log at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 5 hours at night (sunset to sunrise). Use the free Learn&Log in the ServiceWA app or a printed logbook. Drivers aged 25 or over do not need logged hours, but 50 hours is still the recommended minimum.

The HPT and the Practical Driving Assessment

The Hazard Perception Test is a computer test. You watch traffic scenes and click when it is safe to start a manoeuvre or to act to avoid a crash. You can sit it at 16 years and 6 months, after holding your permit for 6 months. A pass is valid for 5 years. You must pass it before your PDA.

For the PDA you must be 17, have held your permit for at least 6 months, and bring your signed logbook or Learn&Log declaration. Arrive 15 minutes early in a roadworthy car of the right class.

Driving on your P plates

Red P plates (first 6 months): no driving from midnight to 5 am, except to or from work or school by the shortest route. Only 1 passenger, unless the others are immediate family or one has held a full car licence for at least 4 years.
Green P plates: the remaining 18 months, or until you turn 19, whichever is longer.
Alcohol: 0.00% for all P drivers.
Phones: never text, read messages or use social media while driving. You may only accept or end calls if the phone is in a cradle or voice activated.

Novice period	Demerit point limit
Learner's permit to end of first year on Ps	4 points
Until end of second year on Ps	8 points

Demerit points are added from the day you get your learner's permit. Reaching the limit can lead to suspension or cancellation of your permit or licence, and to disqualification.