Minimum age for a car driving licence in New South Wales (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: New South Wales issues a learner licence from 16 and the P1 provisional licence, the first without a supervisor, from 17. Under 25 the P1 needs 12 months as a learner and 120 hours of supervised driving. A P1 driver under 25 may carry only one passenger under 21 between 11pm and 5am.

RuleWhat applies
Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence17 years [1]
Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence16 years [2]
Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licenceThe P1 provisional licence is available from 17. Under 25: the learner licence must be held for at least 12 months and 120 hours of driving recorded before the driving test; the Hazard Perception Test can be taken after 10 months as a learner. From 25: no log book is needed and the tests can be taken when ready. [1]
Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licenceAn interstate or New Zealand licence holder may drive in NSW on a current licence for up to three months. An overseas visitor on a temporary visa who arrived on or after 1 July 2023 may drive on a current overseas licence for up to six months. Permanent residents must convert to an NSW licence within three months. The page states no age condition for visitors. [3]
Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence16 years [2]
Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licenceUnder 25: 120 hours of supervised driving including 20 hours at night, recorded in a log book (a Safer Drivers Course adds 20 bonus hours). From 25: no log book is required. [2]
Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence⚠ Not yet verified
Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licenceA P1 driver under 25 must not drive with more than one passenger under 21 between 11pm and 5am, unless an exemption has been granted. [1]
Tests for a first car licenceCar (category B) driving licenceLearner licence: Driver Knowledge Test and an eyesight test. P1 licence: Hazard Perception Test and the driving test. [2]
How long the licence is validCar (category B) driving licenceA learner licence is valid for 5 years. It can be renewed, but each renewal requires passing the Driver Knowledge Test again. [2]

Notes

  • New South Wales: licences are issued in stages. The minimum age shown is that of the P1 provisional licence, the first licence that allows driving without a supervisor; the learner stage is shown separately.

Sources

  1. Transport for NSW: Provisional P1 licence | NSW Government (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Transport for NSW: Learner driver licence | NSW Government (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Transport for NSW (NSW Government): Visiting NSW with an overseas learner or provisional licence | NSW Government (consulted 15 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in New South Wales

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Banned (private e-scooters) · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, Return and Earn · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Any trace is an offence · THC threshold: Any active THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules · Minimum age: None at present (12-16 planned)
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licence needed)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, up to 6 months as a temporary visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent resident: NSW licence within 3 months
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without reasonable excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Auto-opening knives prohibited
  • Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
  • Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Cradle only, touch limited; L/P: none
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, all homes · Minimum alarms and where: At least one working smoke alarm complying with Australian Standard 3786 on each level of the premises.
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: Under 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.