Getting your learner’s permit in WA is the first major step towards becoming a licensed driver. If you’re a new driver in Perth, understanding the process before you apply can make the experience much easier.
From learning the road rules and passing the theory test to gaining supervised driving experience, there are several steps to complete before you can progress towards your Practical Driving Assessment (PDA).
If you’re looking for driving schools in Perth, a professional driving instructor can also help you develop safe driving habits from your first lesson and prepare you for the requirements of the WA driving test.
In this guide, we’ll explain the learner’s permit process in WA and what you need to know before starting your driving journey.
What is a Learner’s Permit in WA?
A learner’s permit allows you to legally learn to drive a car under supervision.
In Western Australia, you must be at least 16 years old to apply for a learner’s permit to drive a car. The permit is valid for three years.
Once you receive your permit, you can begin building your driving skills with a supervising driver or professional driving instructor in Perth.
Step 1: Learn the WA Road Rules
Before getting behind the wheel, it’s important to understand the road rules that apply to drivers in Western Australia.
Learning the road rules will help you prepare for the Computerised Theory Test (CTT) and, more importantly, help you become a safer driver.
You should understand areas such as:
- Road signs and markings
- Speed limits
- Giving way
- Traffic lights
- Parking rules
- Safe following distances
- Intersections
- Pedestrian safety
- Lane changing
- Sharing the road with other vehicles
The WA Department of Transport provides learner-driver resources, including the Drive Safe handbook, practice tests and other learning materials.
Step 2: Apply for Your Learner’s Permit
Once you’re ready to apply, you need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre or regional agent.
You’ll generally need to:
- Complete the required driver licence application
- Provide proof of identity
- Pay the relevant fees
- Complete an eyesight test
- Pass the Computerised Theory Test
You’ll also need to complete a medical declaration as part of the application process. If a medical assessment is required, you’ll be advised before your application can continue.
How Much Does a WA Learner’s Permit Cost?
As of July 2026, the WA Department of Transport lists:
- Learner’s permit application fee including the first PDA: $150.80
- Printed Learner Log Book: $10.70
- Learn&Log digital log book: No fee
- Computerised Theory Test: $22.40
- Subsequent CTT resit: $19.20
Government fees can change, so always check the current WA Department of Transport information before applying.
Step 3: Pass the Computerised Theory Test
The Computerised Theory Test (CTT) checks your knowledge of WA road rules and safe driving practices.
Preparing properly before your test can help you feel more confident. Use official practice resources and make sure you understand the rules rather than simply memorising answers.
If you don’t pass the first time, you can resit the test after paying the applicable resit fee.
Step 4: Start Your Driving Lessons
Once you have your learner’s permit, it’s time to start building real driving experience.
This is where professional lessons can make a significant difference.
At Brilliant Driving School, learners can work with an experienced instructor to develop practical driving skills and confidence in real Perth traffic conditions.
Professional lessons can help you practise:
- Steering and vehicle control
- Starting and stopping smoothly
- Lane changing
- Parking
- Turning
- Intersections
- Roundabouts
- Speed management
- Hazard awareness
- Safe following distances
- Traffic observation
- Test-style driving skills
If you’re specifically looking for affordable driving schools near Perth, compare more than just the lesson price. Consider the instructor’s experience, lesson structure, vehicle, service areas and whether the training matches your learning needs.
Step 5: Record Your Supervised Driving Hours
If you’re under 25, you need to record at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 5 hours of night driving between sunset and sunrise, before taking your driving test. You can use the paper Learner Log Book or the digital Learn&Log system.
The 50-hour requirement is a minimum. The WA Department of Transport recommends getting additional supervised experience across different traffic, road and weather conditions so you’re better prepared to drive independently.
If you’re 25 or older, you don’t need to log supervised driving hours before applying for your driving test.
Step 6: Take the Hazard Perception Test
Before taking your Practical Driving Assessment, you’ll need to pass the Hazard Perception Test (HPT).
The HPT assesses how well you recognise and respond to potential hazards while driving.
Good hazard perception is an important part of becoming a safe driver—not just passing the test.
Step 7: Book Your Practical Driving Assessment
Once you’ve completed the requirements, you can book your Practical Driving Assessment (PDA).
For applicants under 25, the current requirements include being at least 17, holding the learner’s permit for at least six months, completing the required supervised driving hours and passing the HPT.
The PDA assesses your ability to:
- Control and guide the vehicle
- Apply road rules correctly
- Interact safely with other traffic
- Recognise and respond to hazards
- Complete required driving exercises
The WA Department of Transport states that the assessment takes approximately 45–50 minutes.
Manual or Automatic Driving Lessons in Perth?
One of the first decisions many learners make is whether to learn in a manual or automatic vehicle.
Manual Driving Lessons
Manual lessons can help you learn clutch control, gear changes and other skills required to drive a manual vehicle.
If you’re specifically searching for manual driving lessons Perth, choose an instructor who can provide structured practice and help you become comfortable with manual vehicle control.
Automatic Driving Lessons
Automatic vehicles can be easier for some beginners because you don’t need to manage a clutch and manual gear changes while learning other essential driving skills.
However, your licence conditions can depend on the vehicle used for your PDA. If you pass your PDA using an automatic vehicle, WA currently restricts the licence to automatic vehicles.
How Can a Driving School in Perth Help?
Learning to drive with a professional instructor isn’t only about preparing for your driving test. It’s about developing safe and confident driving habits that you can use after getting your licence.
A good driving instructor in Perth can help you identify areas that need improvement and create lessons around your current skill level.
At Brilliant Driving School, learners can receive practical training designed around their individual driving experience and goals.
Whether you’re a complete beginner, preparing for your PDA or looking for additional practice, structured driving lessons can help you build confidence behind the wheel.
How to Choose the Right Driving School in Perth
When searching for driving schools Perth, consider:
Experienced Instructors
Look for instructors who can explain driving techniques clearly and patiently.
Flexible Lesson Options
Choose lesson times that fit around school, university, work or other commitments.
Suitable Training Vehicle
Make sure the vehicle is appropriate for the type of licence you want to obtain.
Test Preparation
If your goal is to pass your PDA, choose a school that provides practical test preparation.
Local Perth Knowledge
An instructor familiar with Perth roads and traffic conditions can provide useful local driving experience.
Value for Money
Don’t choose solely based on the cheapest advertised lesson. Consider the overall quality and structure of the training.
Ready to Start Driving in Perth?
Getting your learner’s permit is only the beginning. The right training and regular practice can help you become a safer, more confident driver.
Whether you’re searching for manual driving lessons Perth, a driving instructor Perth, driving schools Perth, or affordable driving schools near me, Brilliant Driving School can help you take the next step in your driving journey.
Ready to start learning? Contact Brilliant Driving School today and book your driving lesson in Perth.