Photo: Outrune, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The WA Computerised Theory Test (CTT) has 30 multiple-choice questions on the road rules and safe driving, and you need at least 24 correct to pass. That means you can get no more than 6 wrong. This guide is for anyone applying for a car learner’s permit in Western Australia. It covers what to bring, the fees as of November 2026, the oral and translated options, and who can skip the test through Keys4Life.
Key facts
- 30 questions, pass mark 24 out of 30 (80 per cent).
- Sit it at a DTMI service centre or regional agent, usually on the day you apply for your learner’s permit.
- No appointment needed at metro service centres. The test must start before 3.45pm, Monday to Friday.
- Fee: $22.40. Each resit: $19.20 (as of November 2026).
- A pass is valid for 5 years.
- Completed Keys4Life at school in the last 2 years? You don’t need to sit it.
What is on the WA theory test?
Drive Safe says the test is made up of multiple-choice questions on the road rules and safe driving practices, and that the handbook contains the information you need to answer them. You cannot use your phone, any device or the handbook during the test.
Questions draw on the whole of Drive Safe. The parts that hold the most testable rules are:
- Part 1: speed, alcohol and BAC limits, seat belts, fatigue, mobile phones and other road users
- Part 2: learner and provisional licence conditions
- Part 3: speed limits, following distances, signs, road markings, traffic lights, indicators, roundabouts, freeways, intersections, overtaking, stopping and parking
- Part 5: demerit points and vehicle rules.
Our Drive Safe handbook study guide pulls out the numbers and rules worth memorising from each part.
How to practise
DTMI publishes 11 free road rules quizzes for cars on its website, each based on Drive Safe. You must answer every question to see your result, and you can retake each quiz as many times as you like. A workable plan:
- Read Drive Safe Parts 1 to 3 first.
- Do two or three quizzes and note every rule you got wrong.
- Go back to that section of the handbook, then try the next quizzes.
- Book in when you are consistently scoring well above 24 out of 30.
What to bring on the day
- A completed Driver’s Licence Application (Form DLA1).
- Your original proof of identity documents (no copies or digital versions). See learning to drive in WA for the identity list.
- Glasses or contact lenses if you wear them. You also take an eyesight test.
- Money for the test, the permit application and, if you want it, the printed logbook.
You must declare any medical conditions or medication on the form. Staff will tell you if you need a medical assessment first.
Opening times
- Tests must start before 3.45pm, Monday to Friday.
- Joondalup Driver Assessment Centre allows starts from 7.15am until 4.45pm, Monday to Saturday.
- Metro centres need no appointment, unless you need a translator. Regional centres and agents may ask you to call ahead.
Fees (as of November 2026)
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Computerised Theory Test | $22.40 |
| Each resit | $19.20 |
| Learner’s permit application (includes your first PDA) | $150.80 |
| Printed Learner Log Book (optional) | $10.70 |
| Learn&Log digital logbook | Free |
You pay the permit application fee only after you pass the test.
If you fail
You resit on another day and pay the $19.20 resit fee. Use the gap to go back over the topics you were unsure of.
Oral and translated tests
- Oral (spoken) test: for people who have trouble reading or using computers. It can be done in a language other than English with a NAATI translator. You can only attempt it once a day, and not every centre offers it, so ask when you apply.
- Computer test with a translator: DTMI organises the translator, so tell them in advance.
Skipping the test with Keys4Life
Keys4Life is a pre-driver course taught in many WA schools to students in Years 10 to 12. If you completed it within the last 2 years:
- bring your Keys4Life certificate when you apply
- you don’t sit or pay for the theory test
- the certificate also counts as a Category C identity document.
After you pass
You pay for your learner’s permit and get your L plates. Choose the paper logbook or the free Learn&Log app, then start driving with a supervisor. The rules from here are in WA learner rules and the 50 hour logbook. Your next test is the WA Hazard Perception Test.
Common questions
How many questions can you get wrong on the WA learners test?
Six. You need 24 of the 30 questions right.
Can I sit the theory test online at home in WA?
No. The practice quizzes are online, but the real test is taken at a DTMI service centre or regional agent.
Can I sit the test before I turn 16?
The car learner’s permit has a minimum age of 16, and you usually sit the test as part of that application.
Is the motorcycle theory test the same?
No. Motorcycle and moped learners sit a separate test of 35 questions and need 28 correct.
Do I need to book?
Not at metro centres, unless you need a translator. Call regional centres first.
Sources
- Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure WA, “Take the Computerised Theory Test (CTT)” (transport.wa.gov.au)
- Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure WA, “Road rules theory test quiz” (transport.wa.gov.au)
- Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure WA, “Apply for your learner’s permit” (transport.wa.gov.au)
- Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure WA, “Keys4Life program” (transport.wa.gov.au)
- Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure WA, “No more roadblocks: 7 steps to getting your first licence in WA” (transport.wa.gov.au)
- Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure WA, “Drive Safe: A handbook for Western Australian road users”, revised 5 August 2026 (transport.wa.gov.au)