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WA Driver’s Licence FAQ

How Do I Apply for my Western Australia Learner's Permit? Frequently Asked Questions

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  • What age do I have to be to apply for my Western Australia learner's permit?

    The Western Australia Department of Transport (DoT) allows you to apply for a learner's permit when you’re 16.
  • What documents will I need to bring when I apply for my Western Australia learner's permit?

    A completed 'Licence application' form.
    Your required proof of identification documents:
    • At least one of the following ‘Category A’ documents:
      • Original Australian or New Zealand birth certificate (not an extract) issued by an Australian or New Zealand Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (RBDM). (Commemorative certificates will not be accepted.)
      • Australian citizenship or naturalisation documentation issued by Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) or Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
      • Confirmation/recognition of birth letter issued by an Australian RBDM
      • New Zealand citizenship or naturalisation documentation issued by Department of Internal Affairs
      • Permanent Residence Evidence (PRE) ImmiCard issued by DIBP
      • Evidence of Immigration Status (EIS) ImmiCard issued by DIBP
      • Residence Determination ImmiCard (RDI) issued by DIBP
      • Certificate of Evidence of Resident Status (CERS) issued by DIBP
      • Evidence of immigration status, including electronic visas, issued by DIBP
    • At least one of the following ‘Category B’ documents:
      • WA driver’s licence or learner’s permit card that displays the holder’s photo and signature (This document must be current or not have expired by more than five years.)
      • Australian driver’s licence or learner’s permit card not issued in WA that displays the holder’s photo and signature (This document must be current or not have expired by more than two years.)
      • Australian passport not expired by more than two years.
      • Overseas passport that is current (expired
      • passports will not be accepted.)
      • Consular photo identity card issued by DFAT
      • WA photo card
      • WA photographic firearms identification card
      • Document of Identity issued by DIBP
      • Maritime Security Identity card
      • Aviation Security Identification card
      • Parental identification and statutory declaration (A parent must attend with their child and present their current driver’s licence for identity verification.)
    • Two of the following ‘Category C’ documents:
      • Australian EFTPOS or credit card that is current
      • Australian bank statement or letter, less than six months old
      • Australian utilities account or notice, such as a gas, water, electricity or telephone bill, less than six months old
      • ˆAustralian Tax Office Tax File Number Letter (original) or Tax Notice of Assessment Letter (original)
      • Official document or letter from a government agency showing residential address, less than six months old
      • Residential tenancy agreement that is current and shows residential address
      • Electoral enrolment letter showing residential address, less than two years old
      • Centrelink or Department of Veteran Affairs health care or pensioner concession card
      • Medicare card
      • WA Seniors card
      • WA vehicle licence (registration paper)
      • WA Proof of Age card
      • Australian Capital Territory Proof of Age Card
      • New South Wales Photo Card
      • Northern Territory Evidence of Age Card
      • Tasmanian Personal Information Card
      • Queensland Adult Proof of Age Card
      • South Australian Proof of Age Card
      • Victorian Proof of Age Card
      • Marine licence indicator card
      • Worksafe high risk work card
      • Dangerous goods security card
      • Security guard/crowd control licence
      • Photographic Police or Australian Defence Force identification card (excludes civilian cards)
      • WA working with children card
      • Australian Keypass identity card
      • WA Recreational Skipper’s Ticket
      • Employee photo identity card issued by state/territory or commonwealth government
      • Australian Defence Force discharge papers, less than 12 months old
      • Student photographic identification issued in WA
      • School report, certificate of accomplishment or enrolment issued by a secondary school in WA, less than six months old
      • WA Keys for Life certificate issued in WA, less than two years old
      • Australian or New Zealand RBDM issued marriage, divorce or name change certificate (Commemorative certificates will not be accepted.)
    • At least one of the following ‘Category D’ documents:
      • Letter from current employer showing residential address, less than 6 months old
      • Recognised educational institution letter from the principal showing residential address, less than 12 months old
  • Where should I go to apply for my Western Australia learner's permit?

    You can visit any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre or regional agent, or book an appointment online.
  • What’s the best way to contact the nearest Western Australia Department of Transport (DoT) Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) Centre?

    The Western Australia DoT Licensing Department can be reached on 1300 782 713 or by going online to http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/visit-a-licensing-centre-or-agent.asp.
  • Who can come with me for my Western Australia learner's permit theory test?

    You can bring along anyone you’d like - but the WA DoT doesn’t have any requirements about bringing anyone with you.
  • Wil I have to get a physical exam in order to get a Western Australia learner's permit?

    No, but the Western Australia DoT does require that you fill out their medical reports if you have a medical condition, or if you take any prescribed medications that may impact your driving ability.
  • Do I need to take a vision test when applying for a Western Australia learner's permit?

    Yes, you’ll have to pass a vision test when you go to apply for your Western Australia driver’s licence. In order to pass this test, you’ll have to demonstrate that your visual acuity is at least 0.5 (6/12) according to the Snellen scale. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you can (and should!) wear them for your vision test.
  • Where should I go to get my photo taken for my Western Australia learner's permit or driver’s licence?

    You can get your licence or permit photo taken at any Driver and Vehicle Services centre or regional agent, or at any PhotoPoint location.
  • Are there any colours I should avoid wearing when I’m getting my licence or permit photo taken?

    No, there’s no need to avoid any particular colour. Just wear whatever colors you like best!
  • Should I put up my hair when I get my permit or licence photo taken?

    You should wear your hair in the same way you normally do - it just can’t be covering your face or eyes, since this photo is going to be used to identify you. So don’t be shy!
  • Can I wear makeup for my licence or permit photo?

    Yes, you’re welcome to wear the same makeup you normally do. Again, the idea is to make your photo look as much like “everyday you” as possible!
  • Can I smile in my licence or permit photo?

    No, the Western Australia DoT doesn’t allow you to make any facial expressions in your photo. They want to make sure your photo can easily be used to establish your identity.
  • What else can I do to make sure I get the best licence or permit photo possible?

    Not much - just look straight into the camera and try not to blink!
  • I’ve sent in my Western Australia learner's permit application. What’s my next step?

    Be sure to book an appointment to sit your learner's permit theory test. After you’ve passed that test - as well as a simple eyesight test - you’ll receive your learner's permit. As long as you’re driving on a permit rather than a full licence, you’ll be required to:
    • carry your learner's permit card or receipt at all times when you’re driving
    • display ‘L’ plates on the front and rear of the vehicle, and make sure they’re visible from 20 metres’ distance
    • have an experienced, fully licenced driver with you in your car at all times when you’re driving
    • keep a 0.00% Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at all times when you’re driving
    • never use a mobile phone or messaging application when you’re driving
    • not tow a trailer or any other vehicle
  • I don’t see my question here. How can I find out the answer?

    You can use our Beginner Driver Q & A Section to get a quick answer from our professional driving experts! You’re also welcome to send us an email: https://aussie-driver.com/contact-us/
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