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Applying For Or Obtaining Your Australian Drivers’ Licence

Like any developed country, Australia has strict eligibility norms in place for applying and obtaining a drivers’ licence.

By: Hugh McInnes
Category: Automotive
: Insurance:Auto
Posted: May 24, 2011
Updated: May 24, 2011
Views: 107


There is a test of knowledge and a test of eyesight, as well as a structured driving test to pass before you are given a licence. The individual States or Territories issuing the licence have different regulations and you will have to normally wait for a quarter to get your licence.

In the interim, you are allowed to use your existing licence. Once you do obtain your licence, you are expected to have it on you every time and there is no leeway granted for this.

The practical driving test is a mandatory one except in cases where:

- You already possess a New Zealand licence
- You have in the past had an Australian drivers’ licence, but currently hold only your overseas one. You may have to check the regulations as they do vary from State to State.
- If your existing licence is one that has been obtained from one of the European Union countries that follow the Australian system.
- If you possess a licence that has been with you for a long time, albeit from a country not recognised. In this case, some of the probationary stipulations may not be enforced.

For new applicants, the Driver Licensing System that has been developed is a well tried and tested one. The authorities designing it have ensured that the applicant is exposed to a variety of road scenarios and challenging traffic conditions stretched over time, so that he or she is fully road confident and is a responsible driver following all rules. It has been developed to not only inculcate good driving skills but also the right habits on the road.

There have been many cases of road rage leading to terrible mishaps simply due to the fact that a particular driver did not possess the right attitude and displayed lack of courtesy to fellow traffic or pedestrians.

Essentially there are six stages you have to undergo to get the licence. They are:

a) The issue of the learner permit (or ‘L’ Plate), which indicates to others on the road your driving capability status.
b) The actual driving lessons stage, where you get to know the nuances of taking a vehicle on the roads.
c) An assessment of your driving skills.
d) Inspection of your driving log book that will give the authorities confidence concerning your capability and experience.
e) A test of your ability to perceive and react to hazards or untoward events that can take place.
f) The fixing of provisional plates (or ‘P’ plates).

The test for driving theory is normally a computer-based one and you are allowed a number of attempts at it,after paying for each attempt. However if you do not clear the practical test, you will lose the privileges extended to visiting drivers and you will have to go through the entire process of obtaining a learner’s licence again.

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