skip to content

Refine results


Search by

Search by Algolia
Law Handbook banner image

Learner's Permit

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for a C class Learner's Permit an applicant must:

  • be of or above the age of 16, and
  • have passed a theoretical exam.

Practice questions for the theory exam are available on the RAA's website.

Time held

If aged under 25 years, must be held for a minimum of 12 months. If aged 25 or over, must be held for a minimum of 6 months [Motor Vehicles Act 1959 (SA) s 79A].

Conditions and rules
  • must be accompanied whilst driving by a Qualified Supervising Driver* (unless the vehicle is a motor bike);
  • must not drive a motor vehicle, or attempt to put a motor vehicle in motion, on a road whilst there is any concentration of alcohol in their blood or prescribed drugs in their blood or oral fluid;
  • must not drive a motor vehicle at a speed exceeding 10 km/h or more of any speed limit under the Road Traffic Act 1961 (SA)and the Motor Vehicles Act 1959 (SA);
  • must not exceed the 100 km/h speed limit;
  • must not accumulate 4 or more demerit points during the Learner’s Permit period;
  • must display prescribed L plates when driving a motor vehicle (cars must display two plates whilst motor bikes need only display one);
  • must carry the Learner’s Permit at all times whilst driving;
  • no mobile phone use while driving.

* A Qualified Supervising Driver (QSD) must hold an unconditional licence (i.e. cannot be on provisional or probationary licence or be subject to a good behaviour bond) of the class appropriate to the vehicle being driven and have held this licence for the previous 2 years without disqualification. They must occupy the seat next to the permit holder and must not have a blood alcohol reading of more than 0.05. As a consequence of the minimum time requirements for having a full licence, a Qualified Supervising Driver must be aged at least 21 years.

Breach of a Learner's Conditions

(including accumulation of 4 or more demerit points)

  • a disqualification period of 6 months, and
  • cancellation of the permit
Appeals - Breach of Conditions

Learner’s permit drivers cannot appeal a disqualification resulting from breach of conditions.

After disqualification

For applicants under 25 years of age, the total amount of time they must have held a Learner’s Permit is a period totalling 12 months, of which there must be a continuous period of not less than three months since the end of the period of disqualification.

For applicants aged 25 or over, the total amount of time they must have held a Learner’s Permit is for a period totalling at least six months, of which there must be a continuous period of not less than three months since the end of the period of disqualification [Motor Vehicles Act 1959 (SA) s 79A].

For more information see the My Licence SA - Learner's Permit website.

Learner's Permit  :  Last Revised: Tue Apr 14th 2020
The content of the Law Handbook is made available as a public service for information purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. See Disclaimer for details. For free and confidential legal advice in South Australia call 1300 366 424.