One off practical driving assessment
More than 50% of people fail their driving test. Check the road rules.
You'll take your practical driving assessment with an ACT Government Licence Examiner using your own vehicle.
If you have an ACT learner driver licence, you can book your assessment by:
You need to be at least 17 years old on the day of the assessment. Make sure you book your assessment on or after your 17th birthday.
Find out what you need to do if you're a holder of an interstate or overseas driver licence.
Before your assessment
Prepare for your driving assessment by reviewing the:
Your supervised driver can use the standards during drives to help you get ready.
The most common mistakes that people make during their assessment include:
- not following speed signage or being mindful of speed changes, including in high pedestrian areas, school zones and construction zones
- not using head checks and mirrors to check what's in their blind spots before changing lanes or merging
- overrunning the stop or hold lines at a stop or give way sign.
Make sure you practise with your supervised driver.
To avoid a collision or dangerous situation during your test, your examiner may:
- give instructions
- take control of the steering wheel
- apply the handbrake.
What you’ll need on the day
You’ll need to:
- supply your own vehicle
- arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.
If you’re more than 5 minutes late to your assessment, you’ll need to rebook for the next available date and pay again.
Bring your:
- ACT learner driver licence or other proof of your identity
- completed logbook with all required driving hours accounted for
- Hazard Perception Test (HPT) certificate.
Read about how to get your provisional licence.
Your vehicle needs to:
- be registered – an unregistered vehicle permit is not acceptable
- be clean – stained seats or excessive dirt are not acceptable, use seat covers and floor mats if needed
- have clean windows that are free from any obstructions
- be roadworthy – have your tyres, brakes, brake lights and indicators checked
- have working seatbelts
- have a working centre-mounted park brake (electric or manual handbrake), which must be accessible from the front passenger seat
- be clear of loose items that may move in the cabin and become a hazard
- display ‘L’ plates on the front and back
- have at least a quarter tank of fuel
- have a working air-conditioning/heating system.
If your vehicle type was listed in the ACCC’s compulsory recall for Takata alpha airbags you’ll need to produce a document from the manufacturer stating the airbag has been replaced.
If your vehicle doesn't meet these requirements, you will not be able to do your assessment. You'll need to re-book and pay again.
You need to:
- give at least 48 hours' notice
- pay the fee for the change.
If you give less than 48 hours’ notice you'll lose your booking fee and you’ll need to pay it again in full.
If you need to reschedule, contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or visit an Access Canberra Service Centre.
You need to give at least 48 hours’ notice to receive a refund. A cancellation fee will be deducted from your refund.
If you give less than 48 hours’ notice you'll lose your booking fee and you won’t receive a refund.
If you need to cancel, contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or visit an Access Canberra Service Centre.
If you pass
The ACT Government Licence Examiner will tell you if you’ve passed the assessment and they'll update the driving registration database. You'll receive an email confirming your results.
Visit an Access Canberra Service Centre and bring:
- your ACT learner driver licence or other proof of your identity
- a VISA or MasterCard to pay the fee
- completed logbook with all required driving hours accounted for.
You must bring copies of any certificates you've completed such as:
- Safer Driver Course
- Learner Driver First Aid
- Vulnerable Road User Program.
You'll need to get copies from the training providers.
Getting your licence
If you’re under the age of 25 you’ll be mailed a P1 driver licence.
If you’re aged 25 or older, you’ll be mailed a P2 driver licence.
Access Canberra will give you a temporary licence. You can use this until your physical card arrives. This can take up to 21 business days.
An ACT Provisional Licence must be held for 3 years before becoming a full licence.
Read about licence classes and conditions.
If you don’t pass
If you don’t pass the examiner will:
- tell you why
- email you an assessment report that details why you’re 'not yet competent'.
This will help you practise the competencies you missed with:
- a supervised driver
- an external accredited driving instructor (ADI).
You need to wait 48 hours before you can do another assessment.