licence classes

  • C - Car - Vehicles up to 4.5 tonne Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM). Vehicles that seat up to 12 adults, including the driver. A Class C licence allows you to drive cars, utes, vans, some light trucks, car-based motor tricycles, tractors, and implements such as graders.
  • R - Rider Motorcycle and scooter riders must have a Class R licence. See Rider licences for more information.
  • LR - Light Rigid - Rigid vehicles with a GVM of more than 4.5 tonnes, but not more than 8 tonnes. Any towed trailer must not weigh more than 9 tonnes. Vehicles up to 8 tonnes GVM which can carry more than 12 adults, including the driver. There are no restrictions on the number of axles for the LR licence class. With an LR licence you can also drive any vehicle covered by a Class C licence, but not motorcycles and scooters. See Heavy vehicle licences for more information.
  • MR - Medium Rigid - Rigid vehicles with 2 axles and a GVM of more than 8 tonnes. Any towed trailer must not weigh more than 9 tonnes. With an MR licence you can also drive any vehicle covered by a Class LR licence. See Heavy vehicle licences for more information.
  • HR - Heavy Rigid - Rigid vehicle with 3 or more axles and a GVM of more than 8 tonnes. Any towed trailer must not weigh more than 9 tonnes. Articulated buses. With an HR licence you can also drive any vehicle covered by a Class MR licence. See Heavy vehicle licences for more information.
  • HC - Heavy Combination - Heavy combination vehicles, such as a prime mover towing a semi-trailer, or rigid vehicles towing a trailer with a GVM of more than 9 tonnes. With an HC licence you can also drive any vehicle covered by a Class HR licence. See Heavy vehicle licences for more information.
  • MC - Multi Combination - Multi combination vehicles such as road trains and B-doubles. With an MC licence you can also drive any vehicle covered by a Class HC licence. See Heavy vehicle licences for more information.

Getting a car licence

With statistics showing that young drivers, aged 17-25, are more likely to be involved in crashes resulting in death or injury than other drivers, NSW introduced the Graduated Licensing Scheme.

The scheme gives new drivers the chance to safely build experience on the road and improve driving skills as they move from a learner to a full licence.

It takes a minimum of four years to progress through all the licence stages.

Overview – from learner to full licence

There are seven steps to progress from a learner to a full licence:

  • Pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) – get your learner licence
  • Hold your learner licence for at least 12 months, and complete 120 hours of supervised driving practice, including 20 hours of night driving (unless you’re 25 or older)
  • Pass the Driving Test – get your provisional P1 (red) licence
  • Hold your P1 licence for at least 12 months
  • Pass the Hazard Perception Test (HPT) – get your provisional P2 (green) licence
  • Hold your P2 licence for at least two years (24 months)
  • Pass the Driver Qualification Test (DQT) – get your full licence.

Driver knowledge test

The Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) is the first stage in the licensing process. You must pass the DKT to get your learner licence.

What is the DKT?

The DKT is a computer-based road rules knowledge test. You have to answer 45 questions. A test fee is payable each time you attempt the test.

The computer selects the questions at random from a question bank of more than 600 questions.

There are specific tests for each class of licence:

  • Car (class C)
  • Rider (class R)
  • Rigid heavy vehicle (classes LR, MR and HR)
  • Combination heavy vehicle (classes HC and MC).

In the first part of the test, you’ll be asked 15 general knowledge questions, and you need to get at least 12 correct. You’ll then be asked 30 road safety questions (including traffic signs), and you need to get at least 29 correct.

If you get four questions wrong in the general knowledge section, or two wrong in the road safety section, the test will be automatically terminated.

There’s no time limit for completing the test – take your time to carefully read and consider each question.

Studying for your DKT

Everything you need to know to pass the DKT is included in the handbooks which you can access for free online, or buy from any registry or service centre:

There are no shortcuts to passing the test. If you don’t study the Road Users’ Handbook, you are unlikely to pass.

DKT Question Banks

You can access DKT Question Banks, which include all of the questions you can be asked during the test. There are three answer options given for each question, with the correct answer shown as the first option, and in bold text.

Question Banks:

  • Car
  • Rider
  • Rider - special mobility vehicle
  • Heavy - rigid
  • Heavy - combination

Practice DKT

Once you’ve studied for the test, you can take the free online practice DKT. It is designed to help you become familiar with the test, and decide if you’re ready to attempt the test for real.

Experienced drivers can also take the practice test to check their knowledge of the road rules.

The practice test looks and operates like the real test. It consists of 45 questions drawn from the DKT Question Bank, and is available in the same languages as the real test.

Unlike the real test, the practice DKT allows you to finish all 45 questions, regardless of how many you get wrong. At the end of the practice test, you’ll be advised whether you passed or failed.

DKT iPhone app

The DKT iPhone app is available for download from the App Store or through iTunes. The app is identical to the online practice test, but with the added convenience of being available on your iPhone.

You will require an internet connection to access the DKT through the app.

The app is free to download, however normal internet fees and charges associated with your phone still apply. Check with your phone service provider for a breakdown of costs.

Booking your DKT

When you’re ready to take the test, you’ll need to make a booking, and pay the test fee. You can book online, by phoning 13 22 13, or in person at any registry or service centre.

Taking the test

At your booked time, you’ll need to attend the nominated location to do your test. You’ll need to provide a completed Licence Application form and prove your identity.

Proving your identity

Proof of your identity is essential when dealing with Roads and Maritime Services for many of our products and services. While our requirements may seem strict, they’re necessary to protect your identity and privacy, and to ensure the accuracy and integrity of our records. http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/identity/index.html

What you need to provide

To prove who you are to Roads and Maritime, you’ll need to provide:

  • A NSW photo driver/rider licence or NSW Photo Card that is current, or has expired within the last two years (provided it’s not recorded as lost, stolen or destroyed). General boat and Personal Watercraft driving licences are not acceptable

    OR

  • Two documents – one from List 1 and one from List 2.

Important: In all cases, your identity documents must be originals. Copies and certified copies are not acceptable.

If you’re providing documents from List 1 and List 2, y*our name should be the same on both documents*. If they’re different, see Changing your personal details. Your gender (if shown) should also be the same on both documents.

Proof of your NSW residential address

One of your documents should show your current NSW residential address.

If it doesn’t, you’ll need to provide one of the following documents that does show your current address:

  • A current certificate of registration, issued by Roads and Maritime
  • A licence or registration renewal notice for the coming period, issued by Roads and Maritime
  • A contract of sale, lease agreement or rental receipt for your place of residence, up to two years old.

If you can’t provide proof of your residential address, you’ll need to provide a Reference statement.

Your signature

One of your proof of identity documents should show your signature.

If it doesn’t, you’ll need to provide a statement from one of the following people witnessing your signature:

  • Your employer
  • Bank manager
  • School principal
  • Accompanying parent or guardian.

Our application forms generally include a section for the witness to complete, if necessary. You can also download a Witness Letter.

Reference statement

If you can’t provide proof of your residential address, or you’re applying for a replacement licence or NSW Photo Card and can’t provide acceptable proof of identity documents, you’ll need to provide a reference statement.

This needs to be from someone who has known you for at least 12 months, and who holds a current NSW unrestricted licence. We may contact your referee to confirm their statement.

Our application forms generally include a section for the referee to complete, if necessary.

List 1

Important: Your List 1 document must show your full name, and the day, month and year of your birth. Roads and Maritime may verify any document with the issuing authority.

Documents must be original. Copies and certified copies are not acceptable.

The List 1 documents are:

  • An Australian full birth certificate showing parental details issued by a Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriage. Historic Certificates issued in 1987 and 1988 are also acceptable.

    • Commemorative certificates are not acceptable. A standard Birth Certificate is issued with a Commemorative Certificate as a package, this is the only certificate accepted. See the Births, Deaths and Marriages website for information
  • An overseas birth certificate showing parental details, provided a passport or an official Australian travel document is also shown
  • A current Australian passport or one that expired within the last two years. Validation with the Australian Passport Office may be required for passports issued within the last two years. Passports that have been cancelled for any reason, are not accepted
  • The following travel documents issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade:
    • A current Certificate of Identity
    • A current Document of Identity
    • A current Titre de Voyage
  • A current overseas passport. Passports that have been cancelled for any reason, are not accepted
  • An Australian naturalisation or citizenship document, issued by the Australian Government
  • The following documents issued by the Australian Government:
    • A Visa Evidence Card
    • A Document for Travel to Australia (up to five years from the date of issue on the accompanying visa)
    • Evidence of Immigration Status (EIS) ImmiCard
    • Permanent Resident Evidence (PRE) ImmiCard
    • Residence Determination ImmiCard (RDI)
    • Australian Migration Status (AMS) ImmiCard
  • A Roads and Maritime issued NSW photo driver licence or NSW Photo Card that has been expired more than two years, but less than five years. The licence must display a card number and not have been revoked or reported as lost, stolen or destroyed
  • A current photo driver licence from another Australian state or territory, or one that expired within the last two years. If your interstate licence shows your middle name(s) as initial(s), you’ll require another supporting List 1 or List 2 document that shows your full name
  • A current photo identity card for the NSW Police Force, excluding civilian staff or family
  • A current consular photo identity card, issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

List 2

Important: Your List 2 document must show at least your family name and your first given name in full. It should also match your List 1 document. See List 2 name differences for more information.

Documents must be original. Copies and certified copies are not acceptable.

The List 2 documents are:

  • A current green or blue Medicare card, Pensioner Concession Card, Department of Veterans' Affairs entitlement card or any other current entitlement card issued by the Australian Government
  • A current plastic credit card or account card issued by a bank, building society credit union, American Express or Diners Club International, showing your name and signature
  • A passbook or account statement or letter up to 12 months old, issued by a bank, building society, credit union, American Express or Diners Club International, as long as it includes the following:
    • Customer's family name and first given name in full
    • Customer's residential or mailing address
    • Account number or account type
    • Financial institute letterhead or financial institute branch stamp.
  • A telephone (landline only), gas or electricity bill up to 12 months old
  • A water rates, council rates or land valuation notice up to 12 months old
  • A current student identity card displaying your photograph, issued by an Australian secondary school, TAFE or university. Where a student identity card has an issue date but no expiry date, it may be accepted up to two years from the date of issue
  • Evidence of enrolment at an Australian secondary school, TAFE or university up to 12 months old, on the institution's letterhead and showing your name and address
  • A current Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS) permit issued by Roads and Maritime, with or without a photo
  • A current Roads and Maritime issued NSW photo Firearm, Security Industry or Commercial Agents and Private Inquiry Agents operator licence
  • A current photo identity card for the Australian Defence Force, excluding civilian staff or family.

List 2 name differences

If there are differences between the names shown on your List 1 and List 2 documents, see the following table. In all cases, if your List 2 document shows initials, the initials need to match your full name(s) as shown on your List 1 document.

Documents not in English

If any of your identity documents are not written in English, you’ll need to provide an official translation.

Translations are only acceptable if they’re from:

  • Multicultural NSW (previously Community Relations Commission of NSW*)*. Visit the MNSW website for more information
  • The Free Translating Service provided by the Department of Social Services (DSS) or previously the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, now the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP). The free translation service is only available to eligible people. Visit the DSS website for more information.

Translations obtained through any other means are not acceptable.

Proof of identity for organisations

If you’re dealing with Roads and Maritime on behalf of an organisation, for example to register a vehicle in a company name, the Director or an authorised delegate must complete the relevant application form, provide their own proof of identity, and:

  • Complete and sign the Representative’s Authority section on the Application form OR
  • Provide a letter of authorisation on company letterhead, AND
  • Provide proof that the company or organisation is a legal entity by providing evidence of its Australian Company Number (ACN):

Please contact Roads and Maritime by calling 13 22 13 for more information about proof of identity requirements for other types of organisations.

Why do I need to prove who I am?

Protecting your identity is important for you and for Roads and Maritime. Because licences and NSW Photo Cards are used by many individuals and groups as a reliable form of identification, we have to ensure the integrity of these cards is protected.

Identity fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in Australia, costing the Australian community billions of dollars every year. Someone could steal your identity and use it for fraudulent purposes. Examples include:

  • Financial fraud, taking out loans with a false identity
  • Immigration fraud, including people smuggling and undetected movement of criminals between countries
  • Unlawful use of licences, leading to traffic offences and demerit points being incorrectly assigned to you

We’ve worked closely with the NSW Police and other relevant agencies on our proof of identity arrangements. While the arrangements may seem strict, they’re necessary to protect your identity and privacy, as well as the driver licensing system.

More information about identity fraud

When you’ll be asked to prove your identity

Roads and Maritime will ask you to prove your identity:

  • When you apply to obtain, renew or replace any NSW-issued card with a photo on it:
    • Driver and rider licences
    • NSW Photo Cards
    • Mobility Parking Scheme cards
    • Driving Instructor licences
    • Firearms, security industry and CAPI licences
  • If you request a new vehicle registration, or transfer registration into your name
  • When you apply for special number plates, and for other number plate related transactions
  • When applying for an E-toll tag.

Identity protection measures

In addition to our stringent proof of identity requirements, Roads and Maritime also has a number of other measures in place to help protect you from identity fraud:

  • Comparison of photo images, using facial recognition technology
  • Significant security features on licences and other photo cards
  • Recording licences and other photo cards reported as lost, stolen or destroyed when an application for replacement is made
  • Referral of difficult or suspicious customer identification cases to a specialist unit
  • Validation of key proof of identity documents with the issuing authorities, where appropriate.

In a small number of cases, the checks we make may take a number of days. If this applies to you, you’ll be advised as soon as enquiries are completed.

Concerned you’re a victim of identity fraud?

If you believe that somebody may have stolen your identity, we can place a restriction on your Roads and Maritime records, so that full proof of identity is required by anyone attempting to do business with us in your name. Call us on 13 22 13 for assistance.

Fees

Fees and charges for Roads and Maritime Services licences, NSW Photo Cards, tests, handbooks and training/testing schemes http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/fees.html

Licence fees

(effective 1 July 2016)

Alcohol Interlock Program administration fee

(effective 1 July 2016)

NSW Photo Card fees

(effective 1 July 2016)

Handbook and log book fees

(effective 1 July 2016)

Test fees

(effective 1 July 2016)

Exemption letter fees

Application for Exemption from Provisional Licence Conditions fees.

(effective 1 July 2016)

Motorcycle Rider Training Scheme fees

(effective 1 July 2016)

Older Driver Assessor Workshop fee

(effective 1 July 2016)

Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment (CBA) fees

See Heavy vehicle licence fees.

Concessions and discounts

Pensioners

Eligible pensioners receive the following products free of charge:

  • Licences
  • Driving tests
  • Riding skills test
  • Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment (CBA) log book and guide
  • Replacement learner driver log book
  • NSW Photo Cards (Carers and Seniors Card holders also receive a NSW Photo Card free of charge).

An eligible pensioner is anyone who holds or receives one of the following:

  • A current Pensioner Concession Card (PCC), issued by the Department of Human Services-Centrelink or the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), showing a NSW address
  • A DVA Gold Card endorsed 'TPI' (Totally & Permanently Incapacitated)
  • A DVA Gold Card endorsed 'EDA' (Extreme Disablement Adjustment)
  • A letter or statement/determination from the Department of Veterans' Affairs, stating that you receive a disability pension of 70 per cent or higher, or an Intermediate or Extreme Disablement Adjustment Pension, or you have been assessed under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, at 50 or more impairment points
  • A DVA Gold Card endorsed 'War Widow'
  • A DVA Gold Card endorsed 'War Widower'.

Interstate-issued pensioner concession cards are not acceptable for claiming a concession in NSW.

Your eligibility for the concession will be validated electronically.

Discount for safe drivers

If you have a good driving record, you may be eligible for a 50% discount on the licence renewal fee, under the fair go for safe drivers scheme.