Apply for a learner driver licence

To apply for a learner driver licence, you must be 16 years of age or older. You need to have passed a Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) online or in-person at a Service NSW Centre.

If you passed the test in DKT online you’ll still need to visit a service centre to prove your identity and have your eyes tested.

You can apply for a NSW Photo Card at the same time and take advantage of paying a reduced application fee for it.

Eligibility

• be 16 years of age or older
• have passed the Driver Knowledge Test.

What you need

• your Photo Card if you have one, or:
  • proof of identity documents
  • your proof of signature.

  Note: Original paper documents that have been laminated are not accepted as proof of identity.

  How to apply

  1. Download and complete the Licence Application – PDF.
  2. Tick the check box to apply for a Photo Card (if applicable).
  3. Visit a service centre and submit your application.

  More information

  • If you’re under 25, you must hold your learner licence for at least 12 months before you apply for a provisional P1 licence. You must complete 120 hours of supervised driving practice, including 20 hours of night driving. If you are 25 years or older, you are not required to log your driving hours in a log book and you can apply for your provisional P1 licence at any time after obtaining your learner licence.
  • If you live with disability, visit Your driver or rider licence – for people with disability to find out the options that are available to you when getting your NSW driver licence.
  • The Photo Card is voluntary – you do not have to have one, but you may find it useful to prove your identity in situations not related to driving.
  • For driver licence renewals or applications, a receipt is provided that allows you to drive until the card arrives in the post. The receipt is valid for 2 months.
  • The Driver Licensing Access Program supports disadvantaged communities enter or re-enter the NSW driver licensing system. The program helps with the management of outstanding fines, literacy support, understanding road rules, preparation for licensing tests and driving experience.
  • The Get licensed, get legal, get work program helps with the literacy, numeracy and computer skills needed to pass the DKT.

  Payment methods

  You can review transaction payment options on our payment methods page.