DKTLearner (L) - Class C car
Minimum time: Hold continuously for at least 6 months before the practical driving test. Learner licence validity is 2 years; it can be renewed from 6 weeks before expiry by re-sitting the theory test (renewing before expiry avoids restarting the 6-month period; if it expires first, you must hold the reissued licence 6 consecutive months before the practical test).
- Minimum age 16; pass the DKT (26/30); pass an eye test
- Zero blood/breath alcohol concentration
- Maximum speed 80 km/h at all times (and obey any lower posted limit)
- L plates (black L on yellow, at least 150 mm) clearly displayed at the FRONT and REAR of the vehicle; also on the back of any trailer being towed
- A person with a full Australian driver licence (not learner, provisional or overseas) must sit next to you at all times; the supervisor must have BAC under 0.05 (professional instructors zero); the supervisor is deemed the driver for most legal purposes
- No use of any mobile phone function while driving, including hands-free and loudspeaker
- Must not drive a vehicle with a TV/visual display unit operating and visible
- Carry your licence at all times; you may tow a trailer
- Demerits: licence suspended on 5+ points in 12 months or 12 points in 3 years
- No minimum number of logged supervised hours is required (a logbook is provided in the Learner Drivers' Guide to record practice)
- Learner approval needed to drive only the class of vehicle on your licence (C: up to 4.5 t GVM; learners cannot drive construction/agricultural vehicles)
Provisional (P) - Class C car
Minimum time: 2 years if you are under 25 when issued; 1 year if 25 or older. Suspension time is added on; cancellation restarts the full period.
- Pass the practical driving test (authorised driving examiner)
- Zero blood/breath alcohol concentration
- Maximum speed 100 km/h at all times (and obey any lower posted limit)
- P plates (red P on white, at least 150 mm) at the FRONT and REAR (and on the back of a towed trailer)
- No use of any mobile phone function, including hands-free
- Must not supervise a learner driver
- Automatic-only condition if you pass the test in an automatic: manual cars only with a full licence holder supervising until the condition is removed after 12 months at an MVR office (or pass the test in a manual)
- Demerits: suspended on 5+ points in 12 months or 12 points in 3 years
- May tow a trailer
- No NT passenger-number, curfew or vehicle-power restrictions for P platers are stated in the NT handbook or nt.gov.au pages - treat as NOT applicable (UNVERIFIED beyond absence)
Full (open) licence with Z condition
Minimum time: After the provisional period. Zero-alcohol 'Z' condition continues for a further 12 months or until you turn 25, whichever is sooner; can be removed on application once 25 or after holding the open licence 12 months.
- Zero BAC while Z condition applies
- No speed cap; no L/P plates
- Demerit suspension threshold 12 points in 3 years
- Safe novice drivers who held the NT provisional licence 12+ months with no infringements or suspensions may qualify for a free 10-year open licence (apply in the last 6 weeks of provisional or within 6 months after)
Rules and conditions are changed from time to time — check the service.nt.gov.au for the current requirements.