The Queensland practical driving test for a car licence usually takes 25 to 35 minutes. An examiner sits beside you and asks you to complete a series of driving tasks while following the road rules. At the end, they talk you through your result at the testing centre.
Knowing what's coming takes a lot of the pressure off. Here's how it works.
Before you can book
To book the practical test you need to have:
- Held your learner licence for at least 1 year
- Passed the car hazard perception test
- Had your learner logbook approved, if you're under 25 (see our logbook guide)
The car you use
The Department of Transport and Main Roads doesn't supply cars, so you bring one. It must be currently registered, roadworthy and have L plates displayed correctly. You'll need the registration number and the registered operator's permission to use it for the test.
If you'd rather sit the test in the car you've had lessons in, Easy L offers car hire for the test for an extra $200. We meet you at the Department of Transport where your test starts, and the price for transportation on test day changes based on your area.
On the day
- Arrive 20 minutes early. If you're late, your test fee won't be refunded.
- Register inside the centre with a customer service officer. If it's not open yet, wait outside for the examiner.
- Turn your phone off before the test starts.
- Listen to the instructions. Once the test starts, the examiner won't answer questions that could influence your driving. They'll never ask you to do anything illegal or unsafe.
Our test day checklist lists everything you need to bring.
Driver assist systems and mirrors
Many cars now have blind-spot mirrors, reverse cameras and sensors. You can use a car that has them, but you still need to show you can drive safely without them. That means checking over your shoulder even with blind-spot mirrors, and looking around you when you reverse even if there's a camera. Practise this in every lesson so it's automatic by test day.
How long it takes
For a car licence, allow 25 to 35 minutes of driving. Roadworks or crashes can make it longer.
The Q-SAFE manual
The Queensland Government publishes the Q-SAFE Driver Licence Assessment manual, which sets out how driving tests are run. It's publicly available, and worth a read in the weeks before your test so you know exactly what the examiner is assessing.
If you pass
- Pay the licence fee if you're on a learner, interstate or overseas licence.
- You'll get a licence receipt to drive on until your card arrives in the mail.
- Take your L plates off before you leave and display your P plates. Not displaying them carries a fine and 2 demerit points.
Under 25? You'll get a P1 licence. If you're 25 or older when you pass, you'll go straight to a P2. Our guide to P plates in Queensland explains the rules.
If you don't pass this time
Lots of good drivers don't pass first time. Before you leave, make sure you understand what went wrong. There's no limit on attempts, though you pay a fee each time. For a car licence, after a first unsuccessful attempt you can resit the next day. After a second you wait 8 days, and after a third or later attempt, 29 days. You can book your next test before the waiting period ends.
Get test ready with a female instructor
Our Test Ready pack is 5 standard lessons for $400, a good way to polish your driving in the weeks before your test. Easy L is a women-only driving school with female instructors who have over 20 years' experience in automatic cars, across southside Brisbane and Logan. Call 0433 190 838 to book.
