Step 1 - Basic Requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Be a Queensland resident
• Have proof of identity and residency
• Register and complete PrepL

Step 2 - Bring the following to a TMR Service Centre:

• Proof of ID (Category A and B documents)
• Proof of QLD address
• Payment for the learner's permit
• You’ll apply in person, and if successful, you’ll be issued your QLD learner's permit card.

Step 3 - After You Get Your Learner Licence:

• Display L-plates whenever you drive
• Drive with a supervising driver (must hold an open licence for at least 1 year)
• If you're under 25, you must:
• Log 100 hours of supervised driving (10 hours must be at night)
• Use the QLD Learner Logbook App or a physical logbook

Note: Learner's permits are issued for 3 years and TMR Licencing Costs can be found by following the link.

To be eligible for a P1 provisional licence, you must:

• Be at least 17 years old
• Have held your learner's permit for at least 12 months (in the last 5 years)
• Have passed the hazard perception test
• Logged 100 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night
• Submit and get approval for your logbook
• Pass the Q-SAFE practical driving test

To be eligible for a P2 provisional licence (if you're over 25), you must:

• Be at least 25 years old
• Hold a valid learner's permit for 12 months
• Have passed the hazard perception test
• No logbook or supervised driving hours required
• Pass the Q-SAFE practical driving test

In rare cases, you can get your learner or provisional licence early if you prove a special need that causes serious hardship and there are no reasonable transport alternatives.

Early Learner Permit eligibility:

• Under 16 years old
• Evidence that not having a licence causes serious hardship (e.g., main caregiver or income earner)

Early Provisional Licence eligibility:

• Under 17 years old
• Hold a learner licence
• Completed and have 100 hours in logbook approved
• Passed the hazard perception test
• Evidence of serious hardship without the licence

Supporting documents needed:
Letter from doctor, employer or school principal plus proof of hardship (bank statements, rental receipts, etc.)

Transport options to consider first:
Public transport, taxis, rideshare, community transport, walking, cycling, travelling with others.

How to apply:
Complete the Special Need Application form (F4028) and send with documents by email, in person, or post to TMR.

Next steps:
TMR assesses your application and informs you. If approved, you must complete required courses and tests before getting your licence.

If you’ve moved to Queensland, you must apply for a Queensland driver licence if you are:

• An Australian citizen living in Queensland for 3+ months
• A resident visa holder (before or after moving) living in Queensland for 3+ months

A resident visa means permanent or special category visa allowing indefinite stay—not temporary or business visas.

Before visiting the TMR centre:

Gather documents:

• Original interstate learner permit
• Proof of identity
• Proof of Queensland residency

Complete PrepL:

• Complete the PrepL online road rules program or take the written test at the TMR centre if required.
• Check logbook requirements:
• If you’re under 25, you’ll need to use the Queensland Learner Logbook. You can apply to have your previous interstate driving hours counted, but this is at TMR’s discretion.

At the TMR centre:

• Surrender your interstate learner permit.
• Apply and pay fees for your Queensland learner licence (may include transfer fees).

After receiving your QLD learner permit:

Use the QLD Learner Logbook App:

• Record your supervised driving hours if required.
• For interstate or overseas hours you can fill out a form for prior driving experience.

Complete the Hazard Perception Test:

• Eligible after holding the QLD learner permit for at least 6 months.

Book your practical driving test:

• After passing the hazard perception test and completing required logbook hours, book your Q-SAFE driving test.

All learner drivers regardless of their age, must complete and pass a car hazard perception test.

There are no exemptions from taking this test—please contact TMR on their message us or call TMR 13 23 80 if you are unable to complete the online car hazard perception test.

You can book your Q-SAFE test:

• Online via the TMR website
• By calling 13 23 80
• Through Learn to Drive NQ

Notes:

• You must complete the Hazard Perception Test prior to booking your practical driving test.
• Your logbook must be submitted and approved before sitting the test (if under 25). Logbook processing can take up to 14 business days.

The practical driving test goes for 25 minutes to 35 minutes and you can read the Q-Safe Driving Manual to clarify:

• what you may be asked to do during your test
• how you will receive instructions from your driving examiner
• how your driving performance will be scored
• critical driving errors that mean your test will be stopped immediately

Learn to Drive NQ has multiple automatic and manual cars available to hire for the practical driving test. Contact us for a quote.

If using your own vehicle for the test you can book a lesson and ask our driving instructors to help conduct a mock vehicle inspection.

You must bring a safe, clean, roadworthy vehicle to your test. It will be inspected by the examiner before the test. If it fails, your test will be cancelled and your fee won’t be refunded.

Must Be:

• Registered and roadworthy
• L-plates displayed correctly
• No Takata airbag recalls or personal imports with airbags
• Hybrid/Electric/LPG/Hydrogen cars must have correct labels
• Permission from vehicle owner (must not be dealer-registered)
• Vehicle must match the licence class you're testing for
• COI (Certificate of Inspection) must be current (if applicable)
• Mobile phones must be turned off; Bluetooth auto-connect disabled

Vehicle Inspection Checklist:

Lights & Horn:

• Indicators (including bull bar indicators)
• Headlights & tail lights
• Brake lights (including centre light)
• Horn

Mirrors & Doors:

• Working doors (open/close properly)
• Adjustable rear and side mirrors

Windows & Windscreen:

• Windows open/close properly
• Clear visibility
• No chips or cracks in the wiper-swept area
• Working wipers
• Sunroof/convertible top must be closed

Seats & Brakes:

• Working seatbelts and headrests in front seats
• Parking brake functions properly

Tyres:

• Good condition, no cracks or bulges
• Minimum 1.5mm tread depth around the full tyre
• Heavy vehicles: 1.5mm tread across 75% of tyre width

Reporting that you need glasses or contacts

You do not need to submit a full medical certificate. Instead, you can simply notify TMR of your requirement to wear corrective lenses.

When to report:

• When applying for or renewing your licence, and you've started wearing glasses or contact lenses to drive.
• If your vision has changed, and you now require correction (even if your licence previously had no conditions).

How to report:

• Online through TMR's medical condition reporting service
• In person at a Transport and Motoring Service Centre
• By post or email (optional for simple vision changes)

Note: When reporting just the need for glasses, you usually won’t need to fill out a medical certificate, unless TMR specifically requests it.

What happens next:

A licence condition will be added (commonly "S") to indicate you must wear corrective lenses while driving.

Note: If you drive without wearing them, you may be fined and face demerit points.

Reporting a Medical Condition (QLD Licence)

If you have a permanent or long-term medical condition that may affect your ability to drive safely, you're legally required to let TMR know.

Important Note: If you suffer from a permanent medical condition, you cannot sit a test or drive without a medical certificate.

This includes:

• A new medical condition affecting your driving
• A change or worsening of an existing condition
• Medicated diabetes types 1 or 2
• Epilepsy
• Heart conditions

Do I Need a Medical Certificate?

Yes, in most cases. You’ll need a Medical Certificate for Drivers from your doctor — unless you’re simply reporting that you need to wear glasses or contact lenses to drive.

How to Report Your Medical Condition
Option 1: Report Online

You can notify TMR quickly online — with or without a medical certificate.

Report your condition online.

Option 2: Email, Post or In-Person

Complete the Medical Condition Notification Form (F4355)

Include your Medical Certificate for Drivers, if you have it

Send your completed form:

Email: [email protected]

Post:

Medical Condition Reporting Unit
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Locked Bag 2000
Red Hill QLD 4701

Visit: Any TMR Service Centre

Important Note: Failing to report a medical condition could lead to; fines or legal action and invalidate your driver’s licence or insurance.

What Happens Next?

A licence condition will be added (commonly "M") to indicate you must carry a medical certificate while driving.

Note: If you drive without it, you may be fined and face demerit points.

If you’ve moved to Queensland, you must apply for a Queensland driver licence if you are:

• An Australian citizen living in Queensland for 3+ months
• A resident visa holder (before or after moving) living in Queensland for 3+ months

A resident visa means permanent or special category visa allowing indefinite stay—not temporary or business visas.

How to Apply:

• Apply for the same licence class as your overseas licence by visiting:
• A Transport and Motoring Customer Service Centre
• A participating Queensland Government Agent Program (QGAP) office
• Licence-issuing police stations (in rural/remote areas)

Note:

• No need to complete application forms at Customer Service Centres, but you do at police stations/QGAP offices.
• Your overseas will be invalid for driving in Australia once you receive your Queensland licence.
• Your Queensland licence will have the same class and conditions unless you provide proof to remove conditions.
• Drivers 75+ need a medical certificate.

Transferring an Overseas Licence

The requirements vary based on where your licence was issued:

• New Zealand
• Recognised countries/jurisdictions (e.g., Canada, UK, Singapore)
• Experienced driver recognition countries (e.g., Bulgaria, South Korea, Taiwan) – currently under review
• Non-recognised countries (e.g., China, India, Mexico)

What You Need to Do:

• Bring your overseas licence
• Provide a NAATI-certified English translation if your licence isn’t in English
• Bring original identity documents (no copies), including proof of Queensland residency (your address)
• Declare you are medically fit to drive (may need a medical certificate if applicable)
• Pass and pay fees for road rules (PrepL) and Q-Safe practical driving tests unless exempt
• Pay the licence fee (cost depends on licence duration)

Important:

• Only original documents are accepted—no photocopies or certified copies.
• Documents may be verified with issuing agencies or verification services.
• You might be asked for extra information if your licence details or vehicle class can’t be verified.

If you're new to Queensland and hold a valid international licence, professional driving lessons can help you confidently prepare to pass your Q-SAFE driving test and safely adjust to local road rules.

You can book driving lessons if you:

• Hold a current overseas licence (not expired)
• Have not failed the Q-SAFE practical driving test yet

Important: If you fail your practical driving test while holding an overseas licence, you must stop driving immediately — including for lessons — until you get a Queensland learner's permit.

Why take lessons?

Driving lessons help you:

• Understand Queensland road rules and signs
• Get familiar with local driving conditions and expectations
• Prepare for the Q-SAFE practical driving test
• Reduce anxiety and increase confidence behind the wheel

Our instructors:

• Have experience teaching international drivers
• Understand how to guide you through the licence conversion process
• Provide training in the same vehicle type you’ll use for the test (auto/manual)
• Have extensive knowledge of the road rules

Text, Call or Email us to book in some lessons!

What Happens If You Fail the Q-SAFE Driving Test the First Time?

• You keep your learner licence – you’re still legally allowed to drive under supervision.
• You can continue to take driving lessons and gain more on-road experience.
• You must wait at least 1 day before rebooking another driving test.

What Happens If You Fail the Q-SAFE Driving Test the Second Time?

• You must wait at least 7 days (re-sit on the 8th day) before rebooking another driving test.

What Happens If You Fail the Q-SAFE Driving Test Three or More Times?

• You must wait at least 28 days (re-sit on the 29th day) before rebooking another driving test.

What to Do Next:

• Stay motivated!
• Keep on practising!
• Work on the areas you struggled with during your test.
• Book some lessons and ask your instructor to pinpoint areas needing improvement.
• Many people don’t pass on their first attempt—keep learning and practising until you're ready.
• There is no limit to the number of times you can sit the practical driving test.
• Rebook your test through TMR or Learn to Drive NQ (we can provide a lesson right before your test!)

Reporting a Medical Condition (QLD Licence)

If you have a permanent or long-term medical condition that may affect your ability to drive safely, you're legally required to let TMR know.

Important Note: If you suffer from a permanent medical condition, you cannot sit a test or drive without a medical certificate.

This includes:

• A new medical condition affecting your driving
• A change or worsening of an existing condition
• Medicated diabetes types 1 or 2
• Epilepsy
• Heart conditions

Do I Need a Medical Certificate?

Yes, in most cases. You’ll need a Medical Certificate for Drivers from your doctor — unless you’re simply reporting that you need to wear glasses or contact lenses to drive.

How to Report Your Medical Condition
Option 1: Report Online

You can notify TMR quickly online — with or without a medical certificate.

Report your condition online.

Option 2: Email, Post or In-Person

Complete the Medical Condition Notification Form (F4355)

Include your Medical Certificate for Drivers, if you have it

Send your completed form:

Email: [email protected]

Post:

Medical Condition Reporting Unit
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Locked Bag 2000
Red Hill QLD 4701

Visit: Any TMR Service Centre

Important Note: Failing to report a medical condition could lead to; fines or legal action and invalidate your driver’s licence or insurance.

What Happens Next?

A licence condition will be added (commonly "M") to indicate you must carry a medical certificate while driving.

Note: If you drive without it, you may be fined and face demerit points.

You can book your Q-SAFE test:

• Online via the TMR website
• By calling 13 23 80
• Through Learn to Drive NQ

Notes:

• You must complete the Hazard Perception Test prior to booking your practical driving test.
• Your logbook must be submitted and approved before sitting the test (if under 25). Logbook processing can take up to 14 business days.

The practical driving test goes for 25 minutes to 35 minutes and you can read the Q-Safe Driving Manual to clarify:

• what you may be asked to do during your test
• how you will receive instructions from your driving examiner
• how your driving performance will be scored
• critical driving errors that mean your test will be stopped immediately

Learn to Drive NQ has multiple automatic and manual cars available to hire for the practical driving test. Contact us for a quote.

If using your own vehicle for the test you can book a lesson and ask our driving instructors to help conduct a mock vehicle inspection.

You must bring a safe, clean, roadworthy vehicle to your test. It will be inspected by the examiner before the test. If it fails, your test will be cancelled and your fee won’t be refunded.

Must Be:

• Registered and roadworthy
• L-plates displayed correctly
• No Takata airbag recalls or personal imports with airbags
• Hybrid/Electric/LPG/Hydrogen cars must have correct labels
• Permission from vehicle owner (must not be dealer-registered)
• Vehicle must match the licence class you're testing for
• COI (Certificate of Inspection) must be current (if applicable)
• Mobile phones must be turned off; Bluetooth auto-connect disabled

Vehicle Inspection Checklist:

Lights & Horn:

• Indicators (including bull bar indicators)
• Headlights & tail lights
• Brake lights (including centre light)
• Horn

Mirrors & Doors:

• Working doors (open/close properly)
• Adjustable rear and side mirrors

Windows & Windscreen:

• Windows open/close properly
• Clear visibility
• No chips or cracks in the wiper-swept area
• Working wipers
• Sunroof/convertible top must be closed

Seats & Brakes:

• Working seatbelts and headrests in front seats
• Parking brake functions properly

Tyres:

• Good condition, no cracks or bulges
• Minimum 1.5mm tread depth around the full tyre
• Heavy vehicles: 1.5mm tread across 75% of tyre width

Failing the Q-Safe Practical Driving Test

If you're driving in Queensland on a valid overseas licence and you fail your Q-SAFE practical driving test, you must stop driving immediately.

That means:

• You cannot drive home from the test centre
• You cannot continue lessons or supervised practice
• Your international licence is no longer valid for driving in Queensland

Why?

Once you fail the practical driving test, TMR considers that you no longer meet Queensland’s driving standards. As a result, your international driving authority is invalidated in Queensland until you get a local licence.

What to Do Next

Option 1 : Retake the test
You cannot:

• Drive to the test centre
• Practice driving
• Do driving lessons

Option 2 : Get your Queensland Learner's Permit

To continue driving, you must:

• Apply for a Queensland learner licence
• Follow all learner licence rules:
• Display L plates
• Drive with a supervising driver
• Pass the hazard perception test
• Retake and pass the Q-SAFE practical driving test

Important Note: This rule applies even if your overseas licence is still valid in your home country or other states.