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

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: South Australia issues a learner's permit from 16 and a P1 licence from 17 after 12 months as a learner (6 if 25 or older) and 75 hours of supervised driving, 15 at night. A provisional driver under 25 is limited to one passenger aged 16 to 20 between midnight 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 licenceA P1 provisional licence needs age 17 or older, the permit held for 12 full calendar months (6 months if 25 or older), the hazard perception test, 75 hours of supervised driving including 15 at night, and a certificate of competency from a Vehicle On Road Test or a competency based training course. [1]
Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licenceShort-term visitors with temporary visas can drive in South Australia on a current interstate or overseas licence, but only the type of vehicle authorised by that licence. A South Australian licence is needed if the licence expires during the stay or the visitor becomes a permanent resident. The page states no age condition. [3]
Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence16 years [2]
Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licenceAt least 75 hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours at night, recorded in the Driving Companion log book. [1]
Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence⚠ Not yet verified
Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licenceA provisional licence holder under 25 must not drive between midnight and 5am with more than one passenger aged 16 to 20 (excluding immediate family members), unless a qualified supervising driver is seated next to them or an exemption applies. [1]
Tests for a first car licenceCar (category B) driving licenceP1 licence: the hazard perception test and a certificate of competency, issued after passing a practical driving test or completing competency based training and assessment. [1]
How long the licence is validCar (category B) driving licenceA provisional licence is issued for 3 years: 1 year on P1 and 2 years on P2. [1]

Notes

  • South Australia: 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's permit is shown separately.

Sources

  1. Department for Infrastructure and Transport (South Australia): My Licence - The Driver's Handbook - Obtaining a provisional licence (Internet Archive snapshot of 23 November 2025) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Department for Infrastructure and Transport (South Australia): My Licence - The Driver's Handbook - Obtaining a permit (Internet Archive snapshot of 23 November 2025) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Department for Infrastructure and Transport (South Australia): My Licence - My car licence - International drivers (Internet Archive snapshot of 21 November 2025) (consulted 15 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in South Australia

  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Offence; usually an expiation notice (fine) · Growing at home: Banned; small numbers expiable
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h (110 km/h where signed)
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, since 1977 · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Prescribed drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC detected
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (general use only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes for short-term visitors · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent resident: SA licence within 90 days
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Approval (exemption) needed · Nature of the parental duty: School attendance
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence under s 21E (details not read)
  • MopedsLicence: Any SA licence
  • 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: Mounted, or used without touching; L/P1: 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
  • 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%

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