West Australians are required to be 17 years old to drive. When a learner driver is at least 16 years old, he or she can drive under the supervision of a licensed driver. Upon obtaining a license, a driver remains subject to restrictions for a probationary period of two years. Before getting the P plates in WA let’s get a brief bout the learning license as well
A learner’s license
After passing a computerized driving theory test and an eyesight test, anyone aged 16 or older can obtain a learner’s permit to drive in Western Australia. Learner’s license holders may only drive when accompanied by either a qualified driving instructor or an experienced driver who has held a valid license of the same type for four years. Drivers who are learning to drive must display a black-on-yellow “L” plate and must not drive with a blood alcohol level over 0.00%. Almost all learning permits expire after three years. Due to a recent law passed by Parliament, Stage 1 drivers can now travel on Perth’s freeways as well as any other roads outside of Kings Park.
Hazard Perception Test
Those holding a learner’s permit for 6 months or more (and who are at least 16 years and 6 months old) can take the computerized “Hazard Perception Test (HPT)”. When drivers have passed the HPT, they can take their practical driving test.
Provisional license
Learner drivers aged 17 or older who complete 50 hours of driving experience in their roadbook and pass a practical driving test with an examiner employed by the government are granted a provisional license. The provisional license is valid for two years following the passage of the law. With a provisional license, drivers must display white-on-red “P” plates in WA while driving for the first 6 months, are allowed to drive unaccompanied, but cannot drive if their blood alcohol concentration exceeds 0.00%. Driving is not permitted between 12 pm and 5 am except for people driving to and from work or school.
During the past 18 months, drivers with provisional licenses have been required to display white-on-green “P” plates in WA and cannot drive with a blood-alcohol level over 0.00%.
Learner Authorization Process Changes
Since October 9, 2017, the Ministry of Transport has introduced a change in the process of obtaining a driver’s license. The new process requires candidates to pass the hazard perception test before the practical driving assessment. Applicants must still be at least 16 years old to obtain a learner’s permit, but must now be at least 16 years and 6 months old for the hazard perception test and at least 17 years old for the practical driving assessment. At the previous process, candidates were allowed to take the practical driving assessment at 16 years and 6 months, followed by a computerized test of perceived hazards at 17 years of age. This is the minimum age for holding a provisional license.
Graduated merit points
In December 2010, the Government of Western Australia implemented a new graduated demerit point system for novice drivers (including L and P plate in WA). The system permits a driver to accumulate less than 4 demerit points in the first year of their provisional license and less than 8 points in the second year before losing their license. Demerit points accumulated before the periods of 1 and 2 years are included in these limits.
Full driving license
The provisional license automatically becomes a full license after the 2-year probationary period. The blood alcohol content of drivers with a full license must be below 0.05%, they can accumulate less than 12 demerit points before they are disqualified, and they can drive at a maximum speed of 110 km/h (the speed limit in the state). Those with “P” plates in WA can also drive up to 110 kilometers per hour, if permitted by the state.
WA has two classes of driver’s licenses: C which allows driving of any vehicle weighing less than 4.5 tons CA which allows driving of any vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission and weighing less than 4.5 tons.
Double or nothing
When a driver has accumulated 12 or more demerit points, he or she can choose to continue driving if they drive well for 12 months. The license is forfeited if more than two demerit points are accumulated during the 12-month period (even on different fines). The period of forfeiture is usually double the original disqualification period, usually six months (3 months x 2).
Identification
Driving licenses are commonly used as photo identification in Australia since there is no national identity card. Non-drivers can also obtain photo identification cards. These can also be used as proof of age at places with age restrictions, such as places selling alcohol.
Photographs, signatures, addresses, birth dates, and holograms are affixed to licenses and photo cards.
Driver’s licenses can be (partly) used for establishing online electronic identification for certain services, such as activating SIM cards and opening bank accounts.
The Australian Department of the Attorney General offers a document verification service that permits the validation of certain licenses.
A reputable driving school would be an excellent place to take defensive driving lessons before you apply for your P plate in WA. As a result, you’ll receive professional instruction and improve your driving skills.
