Getting your Queensland learner licence

By the end of this topic you can

• You can choose between PrepL and the written road rules test and explain the difference.
• You can list what to bring when you apply for your learner licence.
• You can explain who is allowed to supervise you once you have your licence.
• You can say how long a Queensland learner licence lasts.
• You can find where to apply if you live in a rural or remote area.

What you need to know and understand

• You must be at least 16 to hold a learner licence, but you can enrol in PrepL from 15 years and 11 months.
• PrepL is an online course with a 30 question test at the end; you need 90 percent (27 out of 30) to pass.
• The written road rules test is taken in person and can only be sat from 16.
• You must be medically fit to drive and may need a medical certificate if you have a condition that affects driving.
• The learner licence is issued for 3 years; the fee was $80.15 as at 1 July 2026, plus $29.70 for PrepL or the written test.
• Your supervisor must currently hold an open licence for the class and have held it for at least 1 year.
• After you pass, you get access to the Queensland Learner Logbook app, and a paper logbook if you ask for one.

Two ways to show you know the rules

PrepL is the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) online learning program. It mixes videos, activities and scenarios, takes about 4 to 6 hours, and you have 12 months from enrolment to finish it. If you pass PrepL you do not need to sit the written road rules test.

The written road rules test is done at a transport and motoring customer service centre. It has 30 multiple choice questions in two parts: you need at least 9 out of 10 on giving way and 18 out of 20 on road rules and licence requirements. If you fail, you can try again the next working day, but you pay the fee each time.

Applying for the licence

1. Pass PrepL or the written road rules test.
2. Gather your evidence of identity documents (originals, not copies).
3. If you have a medical condition that could affect your driving, get a medical certificate from your doctor saying you are fit to drive.
4. Visit a TMR customer service centre, a participating QGAP office, or a licence-issuing police station in rural or remote areas.
5. Pay the licence fee (and the test fee if you sat the written test). Customer service centres no longer need the F3000 application form, but police stations and most QGAP offices still do.
6. You will receive a driver licence receipt that lets you drive (supervised) until your card arrives, and you can also load your licence into the Digital Licence app.

Once you have your Ls

Our deeper guides on Queensland licence and test fees and on learning to drive in Queensland explain the full journey from PrepL to your open licence.

• Display L plates (black L on yellow, at least 14.6 cm square) so they can be seen from 20 metres at the front and rear.
• Carry your licence (card, receipt or Digital Licence app) whenever you drive.
• Keep a zero blood alcohol reading and do not drive affected by any drug.
• If you are under 25, do not use a mobile phone at all while driving, including hands-free and loudspeaker.
• Start recording every supervised trip in your logbook straight away.

Common mistakes

• Bringing photocopies of identity documents. TMR needs originals.
• Practising with a friend who has only just got an open licence. Your supervisor must have held an open licence for that class for at least 1 year.
• Forgetting to declare a medical condition. You must be medically fit to drive and may need a certificate.
• Leaving the L plates off for a short trip. You and your supervisor can both be fined, and you get 2 demerit points.

Test yourself: Getting your Queensland learner licence

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Queensland Licence and Test Fees
• Learning to Drive in Queensland
• Moving to Queensland