Getting Your Licence

So, you've studied The Driver's Handbook, practiced our Learner Driver test, and now feel ready to get your driver's licence?

The biggest choice you will need to make is whether to learn to drive using the competency-based “Log Book” system, or opt for a driving test (vehicle on road test or VORT) after a series of driving lessons.

Both methods are good, but be aware that you will almost certainly need some lessons with a qualified driving instructor if you choose the driving test method. The number of lessons will vary, depending on your ability and the amount of practice you can manage with a licensed driver between lessons.

The same goes for the Log Book method. The more practice you have, the quicker you will get your licence - and the best practice will occur under the guidance of an experienced driver.

Local research suggests there is no significant difference in terms of subsequent crash involvement between the Log Book and driving test method. While it might be tempting to try and save money by choosing the test method, be careful as the cost of a number of failed attempts can soon outweigh the cost of Log Book lessons.

Whichever method you choose, you need to also consider the conditions of the Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS).

If you have a learner's permit

• You must complete at least 75 supervised driving hours (including 15 hours at night).
• If you are under the age of 25, you must hold a learner’s permit for at least 12 months.
• If you are 25 years or older, you must hold a learner’s permit for at least six months.      

Once you have your P1 provisional licence

• If you are under the age of 25, you must not drive a high-powered vehicle.

That means:

• Vehicles with engines of eight or more cylinders.
• Vehicles with turbocharged or supercharged engines (excluding diesel powered vehicles).
• Vehicles that have been modified to increase engine performance.

High-powered vehicle restrictions do not apply:

• When you turn 25 years of age.

Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS) changes

As announced in March 2013, several changes will be made to the current Graduated Licensing Scheme to help save the lives of young drivers and passengers on South Australian roads.

These changes include:

• A passenger restriction for P1 drivers aged under 25 years allowing no more than one passenger aged 16 to 20 years for the duration of their P1 licence (immediate family members are exempt).
• A restriction on driving between midnight and 5am for P1 drivers aged under 25 years for the duration of their P1 licence (with an exemption system).
• The passenger and night-driving restrictions will not apply if a QSD is present in the vehicle. A QSD is a driver who has held a full driver’s licence for at least two years continuously without disqualification.
• Exemptions will be available for employment and training purposes. Police members driving on duty and members of other emergency services, both paid and volunteer, driving an emergency vehicle on duty will also be exempt.
• Extending the total minimum provisional licence period from two to three years for drivers under 25 years.
• Removing regression to a previous licence stage following a disqualification period.

These changes are yet to take place, but will likely come into effect towards the end of the year. Click here to view FAQ's on the Graduated Licensing Scheme changes for P1 drivers.

For more information go to MyLicence (www.mylicence.sa.gov.au)