Photo: Chris Olszewski, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Q-Safe practical driving test is the on-road test you pass to move from a Queensland learner licence to your P plates. For a car (class C) it runs for no more than 35 minutes of driving (25 to 35 minutes on the road within a 45-minute test slot), but you should allow about an hour at the centre. This guide covers what you need before you book, the car you bring, what happens on the day and what the examiner assesses.
Before you can book
- You have held your learner licence for at least 1 year (TMR’s booking system only offers dates once you have).
- You are at least 17 if you are applying for a P1.
- You have passed the hazard perception test.
- If you are under 25, TMR has approved your learner logbook. Submit it at least 12 business days before the test and wait for approval.
Book online through TMR’s “Bookings online” service. You may not be able to book online if you hold an overseas licence, have ever held an interstate learner licence, are a returning driver, or have a logbook exemption. In those cases call 13 23 80. The booking is only confirmed once you have paid and received a booking reference. The test fee is $69.40 from 1 July 2026.
The test car
You supply the car. It must be:
- registered and roadworthy
- showing L plates correctly
- a car you have the registered operator’s permission to use
The examiner inspects the car just before the test. If it fails, the test does not go ahead and you lose the fee. If the car has a reversing camera, you must still use mirrors and look around physically when reversing. Read TMR’s driving test checklist and test vehicle requirements before the day.
On the day
- Arrive 20 minutes before your appointment with your learner licence, and register at the counter.
- Vehicle safety check. The examiner checks the car.
- Pre-drive check of controls. Be ready to show you know where the car’s controls are and how they work.
- The drive. 25 to 35 minutes for a car test, on a range of roads, with two manoeuvres.
- Result. The examiner tells you whether you passed.
What the Q-Safe examiner checks
| Skill | What they look for |
|---|---|
| Moving off and lane changes | Mirrors, indicate, then a head check over your shoulder every time |
| Stopping and giving way | Correct stopping position; giving way at signs, lights, roundabouts and crossings |
| Speed | Never over the limit; adjusting for conditions |
| Following distance | At least 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front |
| Scanning and mirrors | Regular mirror checks and looking well ahead and to the sides |
| Road position and lanes | Keeping left, staying within lanes, correct lane for turns |
| Signalling | Indicating in good time and cancelling afterwards |
| Car control | Steering, braking, gear changes and clutch control (manual) |
| Manoeuvres | Two set manoeuvres, at least one with reversing |
The manoeuvres and their tolerances are explained in Q-Safe manoeuvres and re-sit rules.
Why a test can be cancelled with no refund
TMR keeps the fee if:
- you arrive late or do not turn up
- you do not meet the requirements, such as an unapproved logbook
- you do not have the registered operator’s permission to use the car
- the car fails the pre-test inspection
To change or cancel a booking, give at least 2 working days’ notice.
After you pass
You are issued a provisional licence: P1 if you are under 25, or P2 if you are 25 or older. Put your red or green P plates on before you drive away alone. See Queensland P1 and P2 rules.
Common questions
How long is the Queensland driving test?
No more than 35 minutes of driving for a car. The overall appointment takes longer, so allow about an hour.
Can I use a car with a reversing camera or parking sensors?
Yes, but you must still use your mirrors and look around yourself when reversing.
Can I take the test in an automatic?
Yes. If you pass in an automatic car, your licence shows class CA, which means automatic cars only. (Condition code A is used for automatic-only entitlements in other classes; it does not apply to class C.) To drive a manual car, learn with a supervisor who has held an open licence for that class for at least a year, display L plates, and pass a practical test in a manual.
What if I fail?
You can re-sit after a cooling-off period that grows with each fail. See Q-Safe re-sit rules.
Back to the main guide: learning to drive in Queensland.
Sources
- Department of Transport and Main Roads, “Your keys to driving in Queensland”, No. 19, November 2022, complete PDF, Q-Safe practical driving test (pp. 29 to 34): test length p. 31, manoeuvres p. 33 (publications.qld.gov.au)
- Department of Transport and Main Roads, “Q-SAFE Queensland Driver Licence Assessment” manual, April 2026: test time (section 2.2) and class C manoeuvre requirements (publications.qld.gov.au)
- Department of Transport and Main Roads, “Bookings online: book a driving test” (service.transport.qld.gov.au)
- Queensland Government, “Practical driving tests” and “Test vehicle requirements” (qld.gov.au)
- Queensland Government, “Licence fees” (qld.gov.au)
- Queensland Government, “Transport Operations (Road Use Management: Driver Licensing) Regulation 2021” (legislation.qld.gov.au)
- Queensland Government, “Learner logbook” (qld.gov.au)
- Queensland Government, “Licence types, classes and conditions”, Department of Transport and Main Roads, last updated 3 April 2023: class CA and the automatic (A) condition (qld.gov.au)