NT Driving Test: Your Guide to Passing in the Northern Territory

Overview

The Northern Territory driving test is administered by the Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR), but unlike most Australian states, the practical test itself is conducted by private certified examiners rather than government officials. The NT has several unique features that set it apart: it is the only Australian jurisdiction with no minimum supervised driving hours, the L plate is valid for just 6 months (the shortest in the country), and every driving test is video-recorded. This guide covers the full process for obtaining your licence in the NT, with a particular focus on Darwin, where the majority of tests take place.

NT Graduated Licensing System

The NT licensing system is simpler than most states, reflecting the Territory's smaller population and unique road conditions.

Learner Licence (L)

• Minimum age: 16 years
• How to get it: Pass the theory test (30 multiple-choice questions, 26/30 to pass)
• Valid for: 6 months only (the shortest in Australia)
• Can be extended: Up to 2 years, but you must re-sit the theory test
• Supervised driving hours: No minimum required (the only jurisdiction in Australia with this policy)
• Recommended practice: 20 hours of vehicle control + 80 hours of low-risk driving (government recommendation, not mandatory)
• Speed limit: 80 km/h (unless accompanied by a licensed driving instructor)
• BAC limit: Zero

Why No Minimum Hours?

The NT government recommends 100 hours of practice but does not enforce it. This policy reflects the Territory's unique demographics — many residents live in remote communities where strictly supervised driving hours are impractical. However, this does not mean you should skip practice. Adequate preparation is still essential for passing the test and driving safely.

Provisional Licence (P)

• How to get it: Hold L plate for at least 6 months and pass the practical driving test
• Duration: 2 years (under 25) or 1 year (25 and over)
• Speed limit: 100 km/h
• BAC limit: Zero (Z condition — applies until age 25 or 12 months after obtaining Full licence)
• Automatic restriction: If you pass in an automatic vehicle, you can only drive automatic for the first 12 months

Full Licence (Open)

• Minimum age: 18 years 6 months
• Available after the P plate period expires
• No additional test required

The Theory Test

Before you can book a driving test, you must pass the theory test at an MVR office.

• Format: 30 multiple-choice questions
• Pass mark: 26 out of 30 (87%)
• Cost: $20
• Topics: Road rules, safe driving practices, road signs, and NT-specific regulations
• Available at: MVR offices in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek, and Nhulunbuy

Practice tests are available online through resources such as Drive Test Academy on YouTube. The questions are drawn from a bank of several hundred, so thorough study is recommended.

Important note for overseas licence holders: Once you pass the theory test, your overseas licence (and any translation or International Driving Permit) becomes invalid for driving independently in the NT. You will receive an interim licence with an 80 km/h speed limit and must be supervised until you pass the practical test.

What the Practical Test Covers

The NT practical driving test takes approximately 40 minutes and covers a route through Darwin suburbs.

Test Format

• Conducted by: A private certified examiner (not an MVR employee)
• Video-recorded: The entire test is recorded by a camera in the vehicle. The examiner must retain the recording for up to 6 months, and it can be used for quality assurance and dispute resolution
• Scoring: Out of 100 marks, you need 90/100 to pass
• 19 instant fail items are listed on the score sheet

Skills Assessed

Basic Vehicle Control

• Moving off and stopping smoothly
• Steering control and road positioning
• Appropriate use of gears and brakes

Required Manoeuvres

• Three-point turns
• Reverse parallel parking
• Pulling over and stopping safely
• U-turns (where permitted)

Traffic Driving

• Intersections (traffic lights, stop signs, give-way signs)
• Roundabouts
• Lane changes and merging
• Speed management across different zones
• Following distance
• Observation and hazard awareness
• Responding to pedestrians and other road users

Test Routes

Test routes typically cover Darwin suburbs including Palmerston, Nightcliff, and Casuarina. Examiners use route codes (such as CAS2) to select from a set of predetermined routes. Each route includes a mix of residential streets, main roads, and roundabouts.

Private Examiner System

One of the NT's most distinctive features is that driving tests are conducted by private certified examiners, not government staff. This means:

• You book directly with an examiner, not through the MVR
• Each examiner sets their own fees (typically $165 to $180 per test)
• Examiners also offer driving lessons ($70 to $85 per hour), and many candidates learn with the same person who will eventually test them
• You can choose your examiner based on recommendations and availability
• Weekend tests are available — Saturday and Sunday tests are offered by some examiners, with the advantage of lighter traffic

Well-Known Darwin Examiners

Based on community feedback, here are some of the established examiners in Darwin (fees as of 2025-2026):

Using your own car: If you prefer to use your own vehicle rather than the examiner's, the test fee is typically around $150, but your car must have a reversing camera and a mount for the recording camera.

Choosing the Right Examiner

• Ask for recommendations from people who have recently passed
• Consider whether you want to learn and test with the same person (this can help with familiarity but means the same person teaches and assesses you)
• Some examiners are reported to be stricter than others — consistency in your preparation matters more than examiner choice
• Pay in cash at each session (this is standard practice with private examiners)

DriveSafe NT — Government Subsidised Program

DriveSafe NT is a government-funded program designed to make driver training more accessible, particularly for young people and those in remote communities.

• Registration fee: $110
• Government subsidy: Over $600 in training value
• Includes: Educational workshops, supervised driving sessions, and structured training
• Eligibility: Available to NT residents, with priority for those who may face barriers to obtaining a licence

This program offers significant value, especially for candidates without access to a private vehicle or family members who can supervise practice. Check the DriveSafe NT website or contact MVR for current availability.

Costs

Government Fees (MVR)

Private Examiner Fees

Total Cost Estimates

• DriveSafe NT pathway: From $110 (heavily subsidised)
• Private examiner pathway (overseas licence holder): Approximately $500 to $850
  • Theory $20 + L plate $29 + 5 lessons at $80 + test $180 + P plate $39 to $59

Converting an Overseas Licence in the NT

Recognised Countries (No Test Required)

Drivers from 26 recognised jurisdictions can convert directly. These include the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, and most EU countries.

2025 EDR Reform

From 1 May 2025, the Experienced Driver Recognition (EDR) pathway has been removed in the NT. Drivers aged 25+ from 16 "EDR countries" — including Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and South Africa — now must complete the full testing process below. Previously, they could convert directly.

Non-Recognised Countries (Including China)

The conversion process for non-recognised countries:

1. Eye test at an MVR office
2. Theory test (30 questions, 26/30 to pass)
3. After passing the theory test, you receive an interim licence (valid for 1 year, limited to 80 km/h, must be supervised)
4. Practical driving test with a private examiner
5. After passing, you receive a P plate licence (1 year for 25+, 2 years for under 25)

Key Rules for Overseas Licence Holders

• You must convert within 3 months of becoming an NT resident (one of the shortest deadlines in Australia)
• Temporary visa holders can drive on their overseas licence plus an IDP or certified translation for up to 3 months
• Once you sit the theory test, your overseas driving authority in the NT ceases — you must be supervised until you pass the practical test
• Overseas drivers from non-recognised countries receive a P plate regardless of their overseas driving experience

Most Common Reasons for Failing

1. Insufficient shoulder checks — Particularly during three-point turns and parallel parking. You must visibly turn your head to check blind spots.
2. Turning too fast — Taking corners at excessive speed, especially left turns where you should slow down or stop to check.
3. Speeding — Even 1 km/h over the limit can cost marks. The video recording means there is clear evidence.
4. Late or missing indicator use — Signalling too late or forgetting entirely.
5. Rough stopping and starting — Pulling over needs to be smooth and controlled.
6. Not checking through the rear window — During parallel parking and three-point turns, you must look through the rear window, not just rely on mirrors.
7. Insufficient mirror checks — Examiners expect regular mirror scanning throughout the drive.
8. Misunderstanding instructions — Some examiners have accents that may be unfamiliar. Always ask for clarification rather than guessing.

Tips for Passing First Time

Before the Test

• Take at least 3 to 5 professional lessons, even if you are an experienced driver. The lessons will familiarise you with the examiner's expectations and the test routes.
• Practise in the test area — drive through Palmerston, Nightcliff, and Casuarina to learn the roads, speed zones, and roundabout layouts.
• Consider booking a weekend test — Saturday and Sunday traffic in Darwin is noticeably lighter than weekday traffic.
• Complete the theory test early — remember, your L plate is only valid for 6 months, so plan your timeline carefully.

On Test Day

• Pay the examiner in cash before the test begins
• Ensure the vehicle is clean, registered, and roadworthy
• If using your own car, confirm it has a reversing camera and a suitable mount for the recording camera
• Stay hydrated — Darwin's heat can affect concentration

During the Test

• Shoulder checks must be obvious — the video camera will record whether you turned your head
• Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times unless operating controls
• At stop signs, come to a complete stop and count to 2 before proceeding
• When turning left, approach from the left side of your lane and reduce speed. When turning right, position toward the centre of your lane
• During parallel parking and three-point turns, look through the rear window — not just the mirrors
• If you miss a turn or take a wrong direction, do not panic. Tell the examiner and they will guide you back to the route. You will not be penalised for the navigation error, only for unsafe driving
• Maintain a steady speed — do not accelerate and decelerate erratically

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NT driving test? Approximately 40 minutes.

How much does it cost? The test fee ranges from $150 to $180 depending on the examiner and whether you use their car or your own.

Is the test recorded? Yes. All NT driving tests are video-recorded from inside the vehicle.

Do I need minimum practice hours? No. The NT is the only Australian jurisdiction with no mandatory minimum supervised driving hours. However, the government recommends 100 hours.

How long is the L plate valid? Only 6 months, the shortest in Australia. It can be extended for up to 2 years if you re-sit the theory test.

Can I choose my examiner? Yes. You book directly with a private certified examiner of your choice.

What score do I need to pass? 90 out of 100, with no instant fail items triggered.

What is an interim licence? When overseas licence holders from non-recognised countries pass the theory test, they receive an interim licence. This is valid for 1 year, limits you to 80 km/h, and requires supervision. You upgrade to a P plate after passing the practical test.

What is DriveSafe NT? A government-subsidised program that provides driver education and training for a registration fee of $110, with over $600 in subsidised training value.

What if I fail? You can rebook with the same or a different examiner. There is no mandatory waiting period (check with your examiner for their next available slot). You pay the full test fee each time.

Information in this guide is current as of February 2026. Fees and rules may change — always check the NT Government driving website for the latest information.