Minimum age for a car driving licence in Northern Territory (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: The Northern Territory issues a learner licence from 16 and allows the practical test for a provisional licence after 6 continuous months, so unsupervised driving is possible from 16 years 6 months. No minimum supervised hours or passenger limits apply.

RuleWhat applies
Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence16.5 years [1]
Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence16 years [1]
Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licenceA class C learner licence is available from 16 (driver knowledge test or the DriveSafe NT program). The practical driving test needs the learner licence held for a continuous 6 months. The provisional licence lasts 2 years (1 year if 25 or older) before a full licence. No minimum number of supervised hours is required. [1]
Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licenceA visitor from interstate must hold a current interstate licence. A visitor from overseas must hold a current licence from their own country, with an International Driving Permit or an official English translation if it is not in English. A person who has been in the NT for more than three months and wishes to continue to drive must apply for an NT licence. The handbook states no age condition for visitors. [1]
Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence16 years [1]
Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licenceNo minimum number of supervised driving hours is required before a provisional licence; learners are encouraged to get as much practice as they can. [1]
Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence⚠ Not yet verified
Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licenceProvisional (P plate) drivers have no limit on passengers. [2]
Tests for a first car licenceCar (category B) driving licenceLearner licence: the Driver Knowledge Test at an MVR office (or enrolment in DriveSafe NT). Provisional licence: a practical driving test. [1]
How long the licence is validCar (category B) driving licenceA provisional licence is for two years (one year if 25 or older). A learner licence can be renewed for another two years by re-sitting the theory test. [1]

Notes

  • Northern Territory: licences are issued in stages. The minimum age shown is the earliest age for the provisional licence (a learner licence from 16 held for 6 continuous months); the learner stage is shown separately.

Sources

  1. Northern Territory Government (Motor Vehicle Registry): Road Users' Handbook, section 2 Licences (Internet Archive snapshot of 19 February 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Northern Territory Government (DriveSafe NT): What am I going to learn? | DriveSafe NT (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Northern Territory

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Hire e-scooters only (Beam) · Minimum age: 18 (hire e-scooters)
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Offence; up to 50 g may get an infringement notice · Growing at home: Banned; up to 2 plants may get a notice
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 60 km/h (many towns 50 km/h or less) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 110 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, container deposit scheme · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Prohibited drug in body is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC detected
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes, on 1 July (Territory Day) only · Minimum age to buy: 18+
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, for up to 3 months · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Transfer within 3 months of living in the NT
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Approval needed · Nature of the parental duty: School or approval
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without lawful excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick, butterfly and sheath-concealed knives prohibited
  • MopedsMinimum age to ride: From 16 · Licence: Class R (VM: moped only)
  • 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: Hand-held banned; L/P: any phone
  • 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
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 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: 0.05% (low range) · 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.