The Big Test

To move from your Ls to your Ps you need to pass a practical driving test. During the test, a testing officer will sit in the car with you as you drive. They will provide you with instructions about where to drive and ask you to perform specific driving tasks. At the end of the test, they will tell you whether you’ve passed or not.

A learner can have a go at the driving test after logging at least 120 hours at the wheel and holding their learner licence for at least 12 months. You also have to be at least 17 years old.

Advantages of undertaking your driving test with AHAH Driving School:

  • We will book the test on your behalf (you then reimburse the RMS test booking fee – currently $50.00).
  • We will ensure that your test booking is at the best time and location.
  • We will check that your Logbook is properly completed (the RMS may cancel your test if the Logbook is not filled out correctly).
  • We will provide a Licence Application form for you to complete.
  • We will undertake one or more ‘Trial Tests’ with you to confirm that your driving is up to the RMS Driving Test standard.
  • We will provide a ‘warm up’ lesson immediately prior to your driving test to ensure that you are at your peak driving ability.
  • We will pick you up from home (or other agreed location) prior to your lesson and test.
  • We will provide feedback after you have completed your test.
  • We will take you back home (or other agreed location) after the test.

Includes a 1 hour ‘Trial Test’ lesson prior to test plus use of vehicle for the RMS driving test plus transport to and from Motor Registry.

Phone or SMS Lawrie now on 0404 354 291 or email AHAH Driving School to arrange your driving test and Lawrie will take care of all the details.

Click here for the full range of driving lesson prices, packages and gift vouchers.

If you want to book the test yourself, you can do it here: Book, Change or Cancel your Test.

Read some helpful advice from RMS Driver Testers here

Download ‘A Guide to the Driving Test’ here

When you’ve passed

After you’ve finished celebrating your new independence, you need to get your head around a few things. First, you need to realise that P1 drivers are at the highest risk of crashing – go to the Driving section of the GEARED website for heaps of tips on safe driving including how to negotiate those first few weeks alone at the wheel.

Next, you need to grasp the list of special rules that P1 drivers have to follow when they’re on the road. Get familiar with this list to avoid a hefty fine or losing your licence.

  • Have P plates (red P on white background) displayed conspicuously at the front and rear of the car when driving. You can’t put them on the inside of the windows – they must be fixed to the exterior of the car. If towing a trailer, a P plate must be on the back of the trailer.
  • P1 drivers will have their licence automatically suspended for at least three months for ANY speeding offence. The minimum penalty is four demerit points, a fine and three month licence suspension.
  • ALL mobile phone use is banned for P1 drivers and provisional motorcycle or scooter riders – this applies to all use, including hands-free sets and phones set to speaker. The penalty is three demerit points and a fine.
  • P1 drivers will only be able to carry one passenger under the age of 21 between 11pm and 5am (there are some exemptions). The penalty is three demerit points and a fine.
  • Not exceed zero blood alcohol concentration (in effect,this means you cannot drink before driving).
  • Observe a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h.
  • Observe towing restrictions (you are only allowed to tow light trailers of up to 250 kilograms unloaded weight).
  • Not accumulate more than three demerit points.
  • Be restricted to driving an automatic transmission car (depending on the vehicle in which the driving test is undertaken).
  • Not supervise a learner driver.
  • Not upgrade the licence to a higher class.
  • Only carry the number of passengers that can be properly seated in seats and restrained by approved seatbelts or child restraints.
  • Only drive a vehicle with a seatbelt fitted to the driver’s position and wear the seatbelt.
  • Not drive with any passengers in or on the boot of the vehicle.

There are also restrictions on the kinds of vehicles that can be driven by P platers. Click here for full details.

Ready to move on?

Your P1 licence is issued for 18 months. After 12 months you can have a go at the Hazard Perception Test – or HPT. If you pass this test, you can get your P2 licence. Click here for all the info on the HPT and P2 licences.