Provisional P1 Licence NSW

You can attempt the driving test if you’re 17 or older, have completed your Learner Driver Log Book, and have held your learner licence for at least 12 months. If you pass, you’ll be issued a provisional P1 licence NSW.

Getting your P1 licence NSW

To apply for your P1 licence NSW, you must:

  • Be at least 17 years of age
  • Have held a learner licence for at least 12 months, unless you’re 25 or older
  • Have logged at least 120 hours driving time in your Learner Driver Log Book, including at least
  • 20 hours of night driving, unless you’re 25 or older
  • Prove your identity
  • Pass an eyesight test
  • Pay the licence and test fees, unless you’re eligible for a concession
  • Pass the driving test

Once you pay the required fees and pass the driving test, your photo will be taken. Depending on the location you attend, your licence card will either be handed over the counter or posted to you. If it’s posted, you’ll receive a temporary paper licence, which you can use to learn to drive, until your new licence card arrives.

Your P1 licence NSW is valid for 18 months. If you’ve not progressed to a P2 licence NSW at the end of the 18 months, you can renew your licence. You do not need to take the driving test again.

Restricted P1 licence NSW pilot for remote areas

Provisional P1 Licence NSWIf you’re below 25 and live in a specified remote area, you can apply for a restricted P1 licence after you’ve logged only 50 hours practical driving experience (including at least 10 hours of night driving) in your Learner Driver Log Book.

The restricted P1 licence NSW is designed to allow you to drive to work, education and medical related appointments. After six months, the restricted conditions will automatically expire, and the standard P1 rules will apply for the rest of your P1 licence period.

The restricted P1 licence is being piloted for two years, and aims to help young people living in remote areas access health, education and work opportunities by providing easier access to their provisional licence, under strict conditions.

Conditions on a restricted P1 licence NSW

In addition to the usual rules that apply to a P1 licence, the restricted P1 licence may only be used for the following reasons:

Trip purpose Where/when you can drive
Education
  • To or from education facilities/institutions or courses
  • As part of an education course
  • To enrol in an education course
  • To, from, and in the course of, vocational training
Employment
  • To, from, and in the course of, paid employment
  • Seeking paid employment (eg a job interview)
  • To, from, and in the course of, formal community service (eg Rural Fire Service or SES)
Medical appointments and/or treatment
  • To or from medical or health support, for yourself or another person.

Note: You are allowed to take a reasonable break during any of these trips for food, fuel and rest.

Who’s eligible for the restricted P1 Licence NSW?

You can apply for the restricted P1 licence if:

  • You live in Brewarrina, Walgett, Bourke, Broken Hill, Balranald or Hay
  • You’ve completed at least 50 hours on-road supervised driving, including at least 10 hours of night driving
  • You’ve held your learner licence for 12 months
  • You’ve passed a driving test.

How to apply for Provisional P1 Licence NSW

If you’re eligible, you can book a driving test by calling 13 22 13, or visiting the local registry or service centre in the areas listed.