Practical driving test
Practical driving tests in Queensland use the Q-SAFE system.
Booking your practical driving test
You can:
- book and pay either online or by calling 13 23 90
- pay the booking fee at a customer service centre and then book your test by calling 13 23 90
- pay the booking fee and then have your driver trainer book the test for you.
Preparing for your test
You must:
- arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment time
- complete an application form and provide evidence of identity
- organise a registered motor vehicle that meets the standard test vehicle requirements for the class of licence you are applying for. Note: The registered operator must authorise the use of the test vehicle by signing the application form.
- bring your current Queensland or foreign licence (including a recognised English translation if applicable)
- correctly display L-plates
Standard test vehicles
For your driving test, you must drive a vehicle that is representative of the type of vehicle as the licence class you are applying for. For example, you need a class LR licence to drive a bus less than 4.5t GVM which is built or fitted to carry more than 12 adults (including the driver). This vehicle cannot however, be used for the purpose of a practical driving test for a class LR as it is not considered to be representative of the range of vehicles that can be driven on a class LR licence. See the table below for examples of vehicles that meet the requirements for each class.
| Licence class | Type of vehicle |
|---|
| RE |
A learner approved motorbike
Note: You cannot take a test on a moped, conditionally registered motorbike, a motorbike with a sidecar attached or a motortrike. |
| 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 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 4.5t GVM but not more than 8t GVM |
| MR |
A bus or truck with not more than two axles
Note 1: The vehicle must be more than 8t GVM
Note 2: If the vehicle is more than 12t GVM, it must be equipped with at least 3 portable warning triangles for the test |
| HR |
A bus or truck with at least 3 axles
Note 1: The vehicle must be more than 15t GVM
Note 2: The vehicle must be equipped with at least 3 portable warning triangles for the test
Note 3: The test cannot be taken in a bobtail prime mover |
| HC |
A prime mover more than 15t GVM with at least 3 axles, towing a semitrailer with at least 2 axles; or
A truck more than 15t GVM with at least 3 axles, towing a trailer more than 9t GVM with at least 2 axles
Note: The vehicle must be equipped with at least 3 portable warning triangles for the test |
Changing or cancelling your booking
You need to contact us at least 2 full business days before your test if you want to change or cancel the booking. You can change your driving test booking:
- online
- or by calling 13 23 90.
Please call us or visit a customer service centre if you need to cancel your driving test booking. If you change or cancel your test less than 2 business days before the booking you will not get a refund. You will need to pay another fee before making a new booking. Your test fee will not be refunded if your test is cancelled for reasons such as:
- arriving late
- not meeting logbook requirements at the time of the test
- not having the registered operator's authorisation to use the vehicle for the test
- your test vehicle not being safe and suitable for the test.
Taking the test
Your driving examiner will give you instructions before you start your test. Listen carefully to the instructions and if you don’t understand something ask the examiner to explain. After the test has started, the driving examiner cannot answer questions that may influence your driving performance. During the test, your driving examiner will ask you to complete different tasks. You must complete these tasks while following the road rules. Remember:
- 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 before the test begins.
After you have completed all of the tasks, the driving examiner will direct you back to the testing centre. When you are back at the testing centre the driving examiner will discuss the results of your test with you. The length of your test will vary depending on the
type of licence you are being tested for.
| Licence class | Maximum on-road test time |
|---|
| RE and R |
35 minutes |
| C and LR |
35 minutes |
| MR and HR |
70 minutes |
| HC |
80 minutes |
After you pass the test
- If you hold a learner licence or foreign licence, you must pay the licence fee before your new licence can be issued.
- If you already hold a current Queensland provisional, P1 , P2 or open licence you will be issued a new licence showing the upgraded licence class at no cost.
- You must remove your L-plates before you leave the centre.
- If you are issued with a P1 or P2 licence, you must:
- display the relevant P-plates. Not displaying a P-plate also carries a fine and 2 demerit points.
- not drive a high-powered (performance) vehicle. This means, if you passed your driving test in a high-powered vehicle, you will not be able to drive it away from the testing centre.
Next steps if you don’t pass the test
- Before you leave, make sure you know exactly what you did wrong and how you can improve.
- Come back after more practice and try again.
- There is no limit to the number of times you may take the test, but you must pay a fee every time.
- You can only take one test per day.
