Practical driving test
All practical driving tests are competency based and objective. All tests, whether by Transport and Main Roads staff or Queensland Police, are conducted in accordance with Q-SAFE policy and procedures and are delivered consistently across the state.
Q-SAFE was developed through a process of extensive consultation and is regularly updated to reflect any changes to the Queensland Road Rules.
Principal Advisors (Driver Assessment) are employed to analyse driver testing data including driving examination standards and pass/fail rates.
Browse the following links to find the information you need.
- How do I book and pay for a practical driving test?
- What do I need to do to take the test?
- What if I need to change the time of my test or cancel my test appointment?
- What is a standard test vehicle?
- When will I be told what driving tasks I have to do on the test?
- How long does the test take?
- What do I do after I have passed the practical driving test?
- What if I fail the practical driving test?
- How many practical driving tests can I take?
- How do I upgrade my licence to a multi-combination (class MC)?
How do I book and pay for a practical driving test?
You can:
- book and pay online
- visit a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre, authorised Queensland Government Agency Program office or licence issuing police station where you can pay the booking fee and then either book the test online or call 13 23 90b
- have your driver trainer book for you.
What do I need to do to take the test?
You must:
- bring your current learner, provisional or open Queensland or foreign licence with you
- arrive at least 10 minutes before the time allocated for the test
- organise a registered motor vehicle to use for the test. The test vehicle must be a standard test vehicle (details below) for the class of licence you are applying for
- ensure your vehicle displays the correct L-plates
- complete a Driver Licence Application/Renewal Form (F3000) form and make sure the registered operator of the vehicle has signed question 19 on the form.
Note: If you are driving in Queensland on a foreign driver licence that is in a language other than English, you must always carry a recognised English translation of it when driving.
What if I need to change the time of my test or cancel my test appointment?
You need to advise the Department of Transport and Main Roads at least two full days before your test if you wish to change your appointment time or cancel your test. If you do not give the required notice, you will forfeit the practical driving test fee and have to book and pay for another driving test later on. You can contact the department to change your appointment on 13 23 90b or reschedule your appointment online.
Your practical driving test fee will not be refunded if your test is cancelled for reasons such as:
- arriving late
- not having the registered operator's permission to use the vehicle for the test
- the test vehicle failing a basic safety check
- failing to display the required L-plates
- failing to provide a test vehicle (other than a motorbike) with fitted seatbelts for both front seats (unless the vehicle is exempt from seatbelt requirements)
- failing to provide a test vehicle that is the relevant standard vehicle for your test
- failure to pass your logbook requirements at the time of the test.
What is a standard test vehicle?
A standard test vehicle is a vehicle that can be driven under the class of licence you are applying for.
The following table sets out the standard test vehicles for each licence class:
| Licence class | Type of vehicle |
|---|---|
| RE | A learner approved motorbike |
| R | A motorbike not stated on the learner approved motorbike list which is published on the department's website Note: You cannot take a test on a moped, conditionally registered motorbike, a motorbike with a sidecar attached or a motortrike. |
| C | A vehicle (other than a motorbike) of not more than 4.5 tonne (t) gross vehicle mass (GVM), built or fitted to carry no more than 12 adults, including the driver Note: The test cannot be taken on a moped. |
| LR | A bus or truck more than 4.5 t GVM but not more than 8 t GVM |
| MR | A bus or truck with not more than two axles Note 1: The vehicle must be more than 8 t GVM Note 2: If the vehicle is more than 12 t GVM, it must be equipped with at least three portable warning triangles for the test |
| HR | A bus or truck with at least three axles Note 1: The vehicle must be more than 15 t GVM Note 2: The vehicle must be equipped with at least three portable warning triangles for the test Note 3: The test cannot be taken in a bobtail prime mover |
| HC | A prime mover more than 15 t GVM with at least three axles, towing a semitrailer with at least two axles; or A truck more than 15 t GVM with at least three axles, towing a trailer more than 9 t GVM with at least two axles Note: The vehicle must be equipped with at least three portable warning triangles for the test |
Note: If you pass the test in a type of vehicle that has an automatic transmission or a synchromesh gearbox, your licence will be endorsed with the relevant licence condition code.
When will I be told what driving tasks I have to do on the test?
You will be assigned a driving examiner who will make the following statement to you before you start your test.
"Q-SAFE is designed to evaluate your ability to drive safely and correctly in different driving situations which may include a variety of speed zones. I will be asking you to perform a series of driving tasks throughout your driving test. You will be given clear instructions in ample time. If I don't give you any specific directions, please follow the road and be directed by the road signs, signals and markings."
Listen carefully to the driving examiner's instructions and ask for clarification if you do not understand any part of an instruction before you start your test. The driving examiner cannot answer any questions that may influence your driving performance once the test begins.
You will be expected to perform the driving tasks according to the road rules.
You will not be asked to do anything illegal or unsafe.
If your test vehicle is fitted with blind-spot mirrors, you must still look over your shoulder to make sure there are no vehicles in either blind spot.
Turn off your mobile phone during the test.
After you have completed all of the driving tasks, the driving examiner will direct you back to the testing centre. The driving examiner will discuss the results of your test with you on your return to the centre.
How long does the test take?
The following table sets out the average on-road test times for each licence class:
| Licence code | Average on-road test time |
|---|---|
| RE and R | Not more than 35 minutes |
| C and LR | Not more than 35 minutes |
| MR and HR | Not more than 70 minutes |
| HC | Not more than 80 minutes |
What do I do after I have passed the practical driving test?
If you hold a learner licence or foreign licence, you are required to pay the licence fee before your provisional (P1 or P2 type) or open licence can be issued.
If you already hold a Queensland provisional (P1 or P2 type) or open licence, a new licence showing the upgraded class, will be issued to you free of charge.
If you are under 25 years of age and pass the practical driving test in a high-powered or high performance vehicle you are not allowed to drive away from the testing centre in this vehicle. Some restrictions apply to provisional licence holders.
You must also remove your L-plates before you leave the centre and replace with the relevant P-plates. You are no longer a learner licence holder. Displaying L-plates on a vehicle when you are not the holder of a learner licence carries a monetary fine. Not displaying a P-plate also carries a monetary fine as well as two demerit points.
What if I fail the practical driving test?
If you fail the test, do not panic. Ask the driving examiner what driving tasks or skills you specifically need to work on, take the time to practice and book another test.
How many practical driving tests can I take?
You may take as many tests as you need, but you are only allowed to take one test in any given day. You will be required to pay the fee each time you undertake the practical driving test.
How do I upgrade my licence to a multi-combination (class MC)?
The Department of Transport and Main Roads does not conduct practical driving tests for the licence class MC.
To upgrade to a class MC licence, you must either:
- complete a training course through any of the Department of Transport and Main Roads approved multi-combination training providers (PDF**, 16KB)
- complete the Multi-Combination Driving Experience Declaration Form (F3272) and provide evidence confirming your ability to drive a B-double or road train.
or
For more information, call the department on 13 23 80b or visit a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre .
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Last updated 14 October 2009
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