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Get your learner driver licence

In the ACT, to get your learner driver licence, also called 'your Ls' you need to:

Read about getting a motorcycle learner licence.

Do the pre-learner licence course

You can do the course and sit the ACT Road Rules test through an ACT-based training provider:

Some ACT schools offer the Pre-learner licence course to Year 10 students for free as part of the curriculum.

Read the ACT road rules handbook [PDF 5.5MB] [DOCX 4.7MB]

Apply at an Access Canberra Service Centre

Once you have completed the course and passed the test, visit an Access Canberra Service Centre to apply for a learner licence.

On the day:

  • you will do an eye test to make sure you pass minimum eyesight requirements
  • bring the certificate showing you passed the ACT Road Rules test
  • bring your proof of your identity and residency documents. If you are under 18 and do not have documents that show your address (for example, you do not receive mail in your name), a parent or legal guardian can attend the Access Canberra Service Centre with you and complete a written declaration confirming that you live with them
  • pay the fee.

Access Canberra will give you a temporary licence which you can use until your physical card arrives, which can take up to 21 business days. You will also be given a logbook, and a set of 'L' plates to display on your vehicle.

Renew your learner licence

A Learner licence is valid for 5 years.

The ACT Road Rules test is valid for 2 years. If you need to renew your learner licence, you need to complete and pass a new ACT Road Rules test.

Visit an Access Canberra Service Centre to renew your learner licence.

Rules for learner drivers

When driving with your learner driver licence you must:

  • display 'L' plates at the front and back of the vehicle
  • only drive if you have a person with a valid full Australian driver licence in the passenger seat
  • have a blood or breath alcohol concentration of zero
  • not tow a trailer with a Gross Vehicle Mass more than 750kg
  • not exceed posted speed limits
  • when driving interstate follow the state or territories learner driver rules.

Practising during the learner period

Before practising, make sure you review the road rules in the ACT road rules handbook [PDF 5.5MB] [DOCX 4.7MB].

Read about getting an ACT provisional driver licence.

If you want to upgrade to a provisional licence you need to drive a certain number of hours and record it in your learner logbook.

You can also do optional road safety courses for credit towards your driving hours.

If you already have a learner licence from another state or territory you may have your prior driving experience recognised.

Read about drivers with interstate licences.

If you already have a  licence from another country, you may have your prior driving experience recognised.

Read about drivers with licences from overseas.

Medical conditions and driving

If you hold an ACT driver licence you must tell Access Canberra if you have a permanent or long-term illness, injury, or incapacity that might impair your driving ability.

Access Canberra may ask you to demonstrate your fitness to drive to ensure you can safely operate a vehicle. This may involve one or both:

  • a medical examination
  • a driving assessment by an occupational therapist

Read about fitness to drive.

How to receive your new card

All cards issued by Access Canberra are posted to you and cannot be collected from an Access Canberra Service Centre.