Getting your Western Australia learner licence

By the end of this topic you can

• You can check whether you are old enough to apply.
• You can gather the right original identity documents before you go.
• You can describe the checks done on the day, including eyesight and medical questions.
• You can list the fees involved and what the application fee includes.
• You can choose between the paper log book and the free digital Learn&Log.

What you need to know and understand

• You must be at least 16 to apply for a car learner's permit.
• You apply in person at a Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) service centre or regional agent, using Form DLA1.
• Identity documents must be originals. Photocopies, certified copies and digital versions are not accepted.
• You must pass an eyesight test. If you need glasses or contacts to pass, your permit will say you must wear them when driving.
• You must declare any medical condition or medication. You may need a medical assessment before the permit is issued.
• The application fee includes one Practical Driving Assessment (PDA).
• The permit is valid for 3 years.

Proving who you are

First-time applicants must show a combination of original documents that together prove your full name, date of birth and home address. The handbook lists five documents across several categories, such as an Australian birth certificate or passport, a Medicare card, a bank card, and something showing your current address.

If you are young and do not have many documents in your own name, a parent or guardian can come with you and complete a statutory declaration (form E41) to help confirm your identity. Check the DTMI identity requirements page before you go, because the rules are strict and names must match across documents.

What happens at the counter

If you completed the Keys4Life program at school, bring your certificate. It lets you skip the CTT.

1. Hand in your completed DLA1 form and your original identity documents.
2. Declare any medical conditions or medications on the form.
3. Do the eyesight test.
4. Sit the CTT (you can do this on the same day, but it must start before 3.45 pm at DTMI centres).
5. Once you pass, pay the learner's permit application fee and choose your log book.

Fees to budget for

At the time of writing (November 2026), DTMI lists these car fees. Fees change, usually each July, so confirm them before you go.

• CTT: $22.40, and $19.20 for each resit.
• Learner's permit application, including one PDA: $150.80.
• Printed Learner Log Book: $10.70.
• Learn&Log digital log book in the ServiceWA app: free.

Common mistakes

• Bringing photocopies or phone photos of documents. Only originals are accepted.
• Turning up late in the afternoon. The CTT must be started before 3.45 pm at DTMI centres.
• Leaving a medical condition off the form. Not declaring it can cause problems later; always be honest.
• Using a commemorative birth certificate. It will not be accepted; bring the full original certificate.
• Forgetting your glasses. If you need them to see clearly, wear them for the eyesight test.

Test yourself: Getting your Western Australia learner licence

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

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive in WA
• Moving to WA
• WA Green P Plates and Getting Your Full Licence