WA Driving Test: Your Complete Guide to the Practical Driving Assessment

What You're Up Against

Western Australia has the lowest driving test pass rate in Australia. Just 35% of candidates pass the Practical Driving Assessment (PDA), compared to 75% in Victoria, 61% in Queensland, and 56% in NSW.

That's not a typo. Fewer than 1 in 3 WA candidates pass on their first attempt. At Mandurah — Australia's toughest test centre — the rate drops to 27%.

Why? WA only requires 50 hours of supervised driving before the test, compared to 100 hours in QLD and 120 in NSW and VIC. Fewer mandatory hours means learners arrive underprepared, and WA's strict competency-based assessment exposes that gap. The test itself isn't unreasonably hard — the preparation standard is just too low.

The good news: your first PDA attempt is free (included in the learner's permit fee). So if you prepare properly, you won't even pay for the test.

WA Licence System

Getting Your Learner's Permit

1. Pass the Computerised Theory Test (CTT) — 30 questions, need 24 correct (80%)
2. Pass a vision test
3. Pay the learner's permit fee — $143.30 (includes your first PDA)

The learner's permit is valid for 3 years. If you're under 25, you must hold it for at least 6 months before you can sit the PDA.

Building Your Hours

If you're under 25, you need 50 hours of supervised driving, including 5 hours at night. Log them via the Learn&Log feature in the Service WA app.

50 hours is the legal minimum. It's not enough. The data links WA's low pass rate directly to insufficient practice. If you want a realistic chance of passing, aim for 80 to 100 hours.

If you're 25 or older, there's no logbook or hour requirement.

Before You Can Book the PDA

You must also pass the Hazard Perception Test ($23.60) before booking your PDA. Many candidates don't realise this until they try to book.

P1 Restrictions

• 100 km/h maximum (110 km/h on designated roads if you're 19+)
• Zero alcohol
• No phone at all — not hands-free, not Bluetooth, not as GPS
• High-powered vehicle restrictions apply

The PDA Test Format

The PDA takes about 45 to 50 minutes and is divided into five sections. You must pass at least four out of five. Any "Discontinue" or "Fail" endorsement is an overall fail.

This video from Driving School WA (57K views) walks through the full test procedures at the Success centre — WA's highest pass rate location:

Section 1 — Pre-Drive Checks Demonstrate your vehicle controls: headlights, indicators, hazards, washers, horn, handbrake, demisters. Simple if you've practised once.

Section 2 — Basic Vehicle Control Moving off smoothly, stopping safely, controlled steering. The basics.

Section 3 — Low-Speed Manoeuvres Reverse parking (90-degree or 45-degree), three-point turn, or kerb-side stop. Some centres include a "Stop for Shopping" reverse bay task. You may glance at a reversing camera but must not rely on it — primary observation must be through mirrors and shoulder checks.

Section 4 — Traffic Driving The longest and most important section. Intersections, roundabouts, lane changes, speed management, merging. This is where most people fail.

Section 5 — Hazard Perception and Response Scanning ahead, mirror checks, decision-making, adjusting to changing conditions. The examiner assesses whether you're actively reading the road.

Instant Fail Items

One critical error = immediate termination. The rest of your driving doesn't matter.

These end your test on the spot:

1. Running a red light — including entering on a stale amber when you could stop safely
2. Speeding — even 1 km/h over the posted limit
3. Stop sign violation — must come to a complete stop, even if no traffic is visible
4. Failing to give way when required
5. Causing danger — forcing another road user to brake or swerve
6. Any collision — vehicles, objects, kerbs, people
7. Examiner intervention — dual brake, grabbing the wheel, verbal stop
8. Missing blind spot checks before lane changes or merging
9. Dangerous lane changing
10. Not yielding to emergency vehicles
11. Not giving way to a bus pulling out with its right indicator on (roads 70 km/h or less)

Why People Fail

1. Head Checks

The single biggest fail reason in WA. Examiners require obvious, exaggerated head turns — not a quick eye flick. You must physically turn your head far enough to see through the rear passenger window. Required before every lane change, merge, and pull-away.

2. Mirror Discipline

Check your rear-view mirror every 5 to 8 seconds. Additional checks are expected before braking, turning, at traffic lights, and after clearing an intersection. Make the head movement visible.

3. Speed Management

Even 1 km/h over ends the test. But driving more than 10 km/h below the limit without good reason loses marks for impeding traffic. Stay 2-3 km/h below the posted limit.

4. Roundabout Errors

Wrong lane, failing to give way to vehicles already in the roundabout, forgetting to signal left when exiting. Multi-lane roundabouts in particular require correct lane positioning before entry.

5. Following Distance

Maintain at least a 2-second gap behind the vehicle ahead. In wet conditions, double it.

6. Indicator Timing

Signal at least 3 seconds before turning or changing lanes. Too late or not at all is a common error.

7. Waving at Pedestrians

Don't gesture for pedestrians to cross. This can be counted as interfering with traffic flow. Let the road rules determine right of way.

Pass Rates by Test Centre

Data from EzLicence analysis (January 2022 to December 2023). Even Perth's best centre falls below the 62% national average.

Perth Centres

State Comparison

The 22-percentage-point gap between Success (49%) and Mandurah (27%) is massive. Choose your centre carefully, but only if you've actually practised in that area.

Regional centres in Albany, Bunbury, Geraldton, and Kalgoorlie may offer shorter wait times.

WA-Specific Rules

School Zones

Watch for electronic flashing signs. When the lights flash, the zone is active.

U-Turns

• Allowed unless a sign prohibits them
• Cannot make a U-turn at traffic lights unless a sign specifically permits it
• Must give way to all traffic and pedestrians

Keep Left Rule

Must keep left on roads with speed limits over 90 km/h or where "Keep Left Unless Overtaking" is signed.

Giving Way to Buses

On roads 70 km/h or less, you must give way to a bus pulling out with its right indicator on.

Automatic vs Manual — Important

If you pass in an automatic, your licence gets an "A" condition restricting you to automatics for 12 months. To remove it sooner, you must pass the PDA again in a manual vehicle. This is different from NSW and QLD, where your licence covers both regardless.

Unless you specifically need a manual licence, test in automatic. National data shows automatic candidates pass at 63% versus 59% for manual.

Costs (Current as of 2024-25)

Your first PDA is free — its cost is included in the learner's permit fee. If you pass first time, your total cost is around $167 (permit + HPT) plus the licence fee.

If you fail and need re-tests, each attempt costs $120.50. At the state's 35% pass rate, many candidates spend $240-$360+ on re-tests alone.

How to Book

• Online: DoTDirect — fastest method
• Phone: 13 11 56
• In person: Any DVS centre or regional licensing agent

You must give at least 2 business days' notice to cancel.

If You Fail

• Full re-test fee ($120.50) each attempt
• No limit on total attempts
• Focus on the feedback from your examiner — they'll tell you which sections you failed

Overseas Licence Conversion

Recognised Countries (No Tests)

Direct conversion for: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, and others.

2025 EDR Reform

From 1 November 2025, the Experienced Driver Recognition (EDR) pathway no longer exists in WA. Drivers from 16 "EDR countries" — including Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and South Africa — now must complete the CTT, HPT, and PDA to convert. Previously, those aged 25+ could convert directly.

Non-Recognised Countries (Including China)

You must complete:

1. Computerised Theory Test (CTT) — 30 questions, 24 correct
2. Vision test
3. Hazard Perception Test — $23.60
4. Practical Driving Assessment (PDA)

Documents

1. Original overseas licence
2. NAATI-certified English translation
3. Passport and visa
4. Proof of WA address
5. Payment

Deadline

• Citizens/permanent residents: Convert within 3 months
• Visitors: May use overseas licence with an English translation or IDP

Advice for Overseas Drivers

WA's PDA is especially tough for overseas drivers. The most common issues:

• Not performing visible head checks (this is the #1 fail reason)
• Unfamiliarity with Australian give-way rules at roundabouts
• Underestimating the assessment — "I've been driving for 20 years" is the most dangerous attitude to bring
• Take at least 5 professional lessons before booking

Tips for Passing

Preparation

1. Log 80 to 100 hours — well beyond the 50-hour minimum. This is the single most important thing you can do.
2. Take 5-10 professional lessons in the weeks before your test. An instructor who knows your centre's routes is invaluable.
3. Practise around your test centre — know every intersection, roundabout, and speed zone change.
4. Book mid-morning on a weekday — lighter traffic, no active school zones.
5. Pass your HPT first — you can't book the PDA without it.
6. Use Learn&Log in the Service WA app to track your hours accurately.

On Test Day

• Arrive 15 minutes early
• Vehicle check: no warning lights, good tyres, clean mirrors, L plates displayed
• Have P plates ready in the car
• Bring your learner's permit

During the Test

1. Exaggerate every head check. Turn your head far enough that the examiner has zero doubt. This alone will save you from the most common fail reason.
2. Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre — every time, in this order.
3. Stay 2-3 km/h under the limit. Better slightly under than 1 km/h over.
4. Check mirrors constantly — before braking, turning, at lights, and every few seconds in normal driving.
5. Drive smoothly. No jerky acceleration, harsh braking, or sudden steering.
6. Stop completely at stop signs — count to 3 with obvious head checks both directions.
7. Don't wave at pedestrians. Let the rules determine who goes.
8. Ask for clarification if you miss an instruction. This won't count against you.

Choosing Your Centre

• Best option: Success DoT (49%)
• Second choice: Butler DVS (46%)
• Avoid if possible: Mandurah DVS (27%), Mirrabooka DVS (30%)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the WA driving test? About 45 to 50 minutes, covering five sections.

How many sections do I need to pass? At least 4 out of 5, with no Discontinue or Fail endorsements.

How much does the PDA cost? Your first attempt is free (included in the $143.30 learner's permit fee). Re-tests cost $120.50 each.

How many practice hours should I do? The legal minimum is 50 hours. We strongly recommend 80 to 100 hours given WA's 35% pass rate.

If I test in automatic, can I drive manual? No. An automatic test gives you an automatic-only licence. You must re-test in manual to remove the restriction.

Can I use a reversing camera? You may glance briefly, but your primary observation must be through mirrors and shoulder checks.

What is the "Left Something Behind" task? The examiner asks you to pull over, then says you left something behind. You need to find a safe place to turn around and return. It tests your U-turn and hazard response skills. This video (74K views) demonstrates exactly how to handle it:

Why is WA's pass rate so low? Mainly because the 50-hour minimum is the lowest in Australia. Candidates with insufficient practice hours fail at high rates. Those who log 80+ hours pass at significantly better rates.

This article is current as of February 2026 and based on official DoT guidelines and EzLicence pass rate data (2022-2023). Rules and fees may change — always check the Department of Transport WA website or call 13 11 56 for the latest information.