Get a licence to drive a car

Find out the steps to getting your driver’s licence for the first time.

Before you get your learner's permit you will need to prove your identity.
You will need to supply your original birth certificate (not a copy or commemorative certificate). If your parent or legal guardian attends a centre with you, you can complete a Secondary Identification Statutory Declaration (E41) form. You can also use a school report and your school ID and ask your school for a letter with your current residential address on it. Make sure you bring physical records – digital versions will not be accepted. Read more about proof of identity requirements.

On this page you find the steps you need to follow to get your first driver's licence, from getting your learner’s permit to driving on your P plates.

If you have a current interstate or New Zealand learner’s permit, you may apply to have your learner’s permit recognised in WA. Find out more on our visiting or moving to WA page.

How to get your first driver's licence

Step 1: Learn the road rules

You will need to know the Western Australian road rules to get your learner’s permit.

You can learn everything you need to know by reading the Drive Safe handbook.

You can also test your knowledge using our online Road Rules theory test quiz.

Step 2: Get your learner's permit

You need to get your learner’s permit before you can learn to drive a car.

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for learner’s permit to drive a car.

A learner’s permit is valid for 3 years. If your learner's permit has expired, you will need to reapply to continue to learn to drive.

How to apply

To apply for your learner’s permit, you will need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre or regional agent and:

• submit a completed driver's licence application form (Form DLA1) (below)
• show the required proof of identity documents
• pay a fee for your application, theory test and learner log book
• take and pass the theory test
• take an eyesight test

Medical declaration

When you complete your application form, you must declare whether you have any medical conditions and/or take any medication.

You will be advised if you need a medical assessment before you are granted your learner's permit.

You must go and get the medical assessment before you can continue with your application.

Learner’s permit application fees

Your learner’s permit application fee includes the cost of your first practical driving test.

Learner's permit application fees

Computerised theory test fees