Photo: Thennicke, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
You can sit the learner knowledge test in a language other than English in most Australian states, but how depends on where you live. NSW offers the test in 9 languages online and 10 in person. Victoria offers 13 other languages in person. Queensland, Tasmania and the NT provide interpreters, and WA has an oral test with an accredited translator. This checklist sets out each state’s options as of November 2026, plus help for people who find reading hard.
Key facts
- Online learner courses are mostly English only. For another language you usually have to book the test in person.
- NSW and Victoria publish fixed language lists. In other states, ask for an interpreter or an oral test when you book.
- Interpreters are free in NSW, Victoria, Queensland (driving tests) and Tasmania (in-shop knowledge test). In the NT, non-residents may pay a fee to the interpreting service.
- If you need an interpreter, book it well ahead. Queensland asks for at least one week’s notice for driving tests.
Learner test languages by state
| State | Test in other languages | Interpreter or oral test |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | DKT online: English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Arabic, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Thai, Farsi. In person: English, Greek, Turkish, Croatian, Serbian, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese | Free interpreter or Auslan, in person only. Assistant reader available in person |
| VIC | Online test: English only. In person: Albanian, Arabic, Cambodian, Chinese (Mandarin), Macedonian, Persian, Russian, Serbian, Sinhalese, Somali, Spanish, Turkish, Vietnamese | Free interpreter if your language is not listed; Auslan on request |
| QLD | Ask TMR which languages the written test is offered in | If you cannot complete PrepL online, TMR can arrange an interpreter or staff member to help with the written road rules test at a licence office |
| WA | Ask the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure which languages are offered | Oral test for people who have trouble reading or using computers, which can be done in another language with a NAATI translator. One attempt a day; not every centre offers it |
| SA | Not stated in the handbook | Ask Service SA (13 10 84) when you book |
| TAS | Online Plates Plus course in English; learn-to-drive videos in English and four other languages | Online: someone may translate for you. In-shop test: a professional interpreter is free |
| ACT | Check with Access Canberra | Ask Access Canberra when you book |
| NT | Ask the MVR which languages are offered | Verbal (spoken) test or interpreter at some MVR offices, through the Interpreting and Translating Service NT. Non-residents may have to pay the interpreter fee |
NSW: online or in person?
- The online DKT is in 9 languages, and you can enrol from 15 years and 11 months.
- You must book the in-person DKT if you need an interpreter, Auslan, an assistant reader, or a language only offered in person, such as Greek or Turkish. The in-person test is for people aged 16 or over.
- Fees differ. Online, you pay one test fee however many times you retake. In person, you pay each attempt.
- The Road User Handbook comes in English and 8 community languages: Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese.
Full details: NSW Driver Knowledge Test.
Victoria: in person for other languages
The online Learner Permit Test course is English only. To sit it in another language, book the in-person test at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. If you fail in person, VicRoads says you can still get a free first attempt by then enrolling online. Translated editions of the Road to Solo Driving handbook are listed on the Transport Victoria handbooks page. See VicRoads learner permit test.
Hazard perception tests in other languages
| State | HPT language support |
|---|---|
| NSW | 10 languages with audio. Free interpreter for others (call 13 22 13). Staff can read and explain questions if you arrange it before booking |
| VIC | The handbook says the HPT is available in some languages; check the list with VicRoads |
| Other states | No language list published; ask when you book |
| NT | No HPT in the NT licensing path |
Compare formats in hazard perception tests in every state.
Interpreters for the driving test
- Queensland: interpreters are free through TMR but not at every location. Book at least one week before the test. If you bring your own, they must be NAATI accredited.
- Tasmania: you must book the P1 driving assessment in person if you need an interpreter.
- Other states: ask when you book. Allow extra time to arrange it.
If English is your second language: how to prepare
- Read the official handbook in your language where one exists (NSW has 8 community-language editions; Victoria lists translated editions).
- Also read the English edition, so you know terms like “give way”, “dividing line” and “demerit points”. Our Australian driving terms glossary explains them.
- Learn the signs by shape and colour. They are the same whatever language you test in.
- Book the in-person or interpreted test early, because places can be limited.
- Bring identity documents in English, or with an approved translation. See proof of identity for a learner licence.
Help if you find reading difficult
- NSW: an assistant reader is available for the in-person DKT.
- WA: an oral test is available for people who have trouble reading or using computers.
- NT: a verbal test is available at some MVR offices. Talk to MVR before booking if you have a physical or mental impairment.
More support options are in learning to drive with a disability in Australia.
Common questions
Can I take the NSW DKT in Chinese?
Yes. Simplified and Traditional Chinese are offered online, and Simplified Chinese in person.
Is the VicRoads learner test available in Arabic?
Yes, in person. The online version is English only.
Can a friend or family member translate for me?
In Tasmania, someone can translate for you during the online course. For tests, most states use professional interpreters. Queensland requires a NAATI-accredited interpreter if you arrange your own for a driving test. Queensland also warns of serious penalties if someone else completes PrepL for you.
Do interpreters cost money?
Interpreters are free in NSW and Victoria, for Queensland driving tests and for the Tasmanian in-shop test. In the NT, non-residents may be charged by the interpreting service.
Is the hazard perception test in other languages?
In NSW it is in 10 languages with audio. Victoria offers some languages. Elsewhere, ask when you book.
I hold an overseas licence. Do I still need the knowledge test?
It depends on your country and state. See driving in Australia on an overseas licence.
Related guides
- Learner licence rules in every Australian state compared
- Learner knowledge tests in every state compared
- PrepL and the Queensland written road rules test
- WA computerised theory test
- SA myLs or the in-office theory test
- Tasmanian driver knowledge test
- ACT pre-learner course and road rules test
- NT driver knowledge test
Sources
- NSW Government, “Driver Knowledge Test” (nsw.gov.au)
- NSW Government, “Hazard Perception Test” and “Road User Handbook” (nsw.gov.au)
- VicRoads, “Learner permit test” (vicroads.vic.gov.au)
- Department of Transport and Planning, “Road to Solo Driving” handbook (transport.vic.gov.au)
- Queensland Government, “Transferring to a Queensland licence” and “Practical driving tests” (qld.gov.au)
- Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure WA, “Computerised theory test” (transport.wa.gov.au)
- Department of State Growth, “Driver knowledge test” (platesplus.tas.gov.au)
- Northern Territory Government, “Get your driver licence” (nt.gov.au)
- Government of South Australia, “The Driver’s Handbook” (mylicence.sa.gov.au)