Licence & State Rules · South Australia

South Australia licence stages and restrictions

Pre-learner

Minimum time: n/a

  • Pass the learner theory test (myLs or in-office) to get a learner's permit; minimum age 16 (myLs from 15y9m).
  • Source: https://mylicence.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/328504/drivers-handbook-south-australia-2026-02.pdf (The Driver's Handbook, MR200 Feb 2026), p.112-114

L (learner's permit)

Minimum time: At least 12 months if under 25; at least 6 months if 25 or older. Permit is valid for 2 years.

  • Must drive with a qualified supervising driver (QSD) in the front seat next to the driver, including for parking practice.
  • QSD must have held an unconditional licence (not learner, provisional or probationary) for the class driven for the preceding two years, not been disqualified in that time, and not be subject to a good behaviour condition. QSD offence at 0.05 BAC or more or any prescribed drug.
  • Zero BAC; no THC, methylamphetamine, MDMA or cocaine in blood or oral saliva.
  • Exceeding the speed limit by 10 km/h or more breaches the permit conditions; 4 or more demerit points in the permit period breaches them (disqualification).
  • Display L plates (black L on yellow) front and rear (rear only on a motor bike); carry the permit.
  • Maximum 100 km/h even where the limit is higher.
  • No mobile phone function at all while driving (hands-free, Bluetooth, loudspeaker, GPS and texting included). Exception: stationary in a road-related area (e.g. paying at a drive-through).
  • Log book: 75 hours of supervised driving including at least 15 hours at night (Driving Companion). Not required for motor bike learners.
  • May learn in a high-powered vehicle (supervised) but NOT in an ultra high-powered vehicle (U class, from 1 Dec 2024).
  • Must pass the Hazard Perception Test, then either a practical driving test (VORT) with a VORT instructor or the CBT&A course, to apply for P1. After a failed VORT, wait at least 13 clear days.
  • Source: https://mylicence.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/328504/drivers-handbook-south-australia-2026-02.pdf (The Driver's Handbook, MR200 Feb 2026), pp.112-120, 124

P1 (provisional)

Minimum time: 12 months (moves to P2 automatically). Minimum age 17.

  • Zero BAC and the same drug rule as learners; must not exceed any speed limit by 10 km/h or more; 100 km/h maximum.
  • 4 or more demerit points during the provisional period = breach, disqualification (6 months standard; 12 months if already on a Safer Driver Agreement or after a successful appeal).
  • P plates displayed front and rear (P1 only; rear only on motor bikes).
  • No mobile phone function at all (hands-free, Bluetooth, loudspeaker, GPS, texting), same exception as learners.
  • If under 25: not between midnight and 5 am, and no more than one passenger aged 16-20 (excluding immediate family), unless a QSD is beside you or an exemption applies.
  • Under 25: no high-powered vehicles (unless exemption certificate).
  • Motor bike P1 riders must not lane filter.
  • Source: https://mylicence.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/328504/drivers-handbook-south-australia-2026-02.pdf (The Driver's Handbook, MR200 Feb 2026), pp.8, 124-126

P2 (provisional)

Minimum time: 2 years. Minimum age 18; held P1 for 12 months. (A provisional licence is issued for 3 years: 1 on P1, 2 on P2.)

  • Zero BAC and drug rule; speed 10 km/h or more over any limit is a breach; 4 demerit points = disqualification; 100 km/h maximum.
  • P plates are NOT displayed on P2 (P-plate law applies to P1 holders only).
  • Phone, passenger and midnight-5 am restrictions are P1-only.
  • Under 25: high-powered vehicle ban continues.
  • Source: https://mylicence.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/328504/drivers-handbook-south-australia-2026-02.pdf (The Driver's Handbook, MR200 Feb 2026), pp.112, 125-126

Full licence

Minimum time: Aged 20 or over and 2 years on P2.

  • Under 0.05 BAC (zero for buses, taxis, heavy vehicles and dangerous goods). 12 or more demerit points in 3 years = disqualification (3 months for 12-15 points, 4 months for 16-19, 5 months for 20+) or 12-month good behaviour option.
  • Source: https://mylicence.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/328504/drivers-handbook-south-australia-2026-02.pdf (The Driver's Handbook, MR200 Feb 2026), pp.20, 112, 129

Motor bike pathway (summary)

Minimum time: Learner permit 12 months (min age 18; 17 with a provisional car licence; restricted permit at 16-17 in prescribed localities); R-Date from age 19, LAMS bikes only (up to 660 ml, 150 kW/t) for 2 years; then R class.

  • Rider Safe training is compulsory (myRiderSafe online rider knowledge and hazard awareness tests plus practical courses).
  • Motor bike learners under 25: not between midnight and 5 am unless exempt; no passenger at all (including a supervisor); no lane filtering; no trailer.
  • Zero BAC for R-Date holders.
  • Source: https://mylicence.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/328504/drivers-handbook-south-australia-2026-02.pdf (The Driver's Handbook, MR200 Feb 2026), pp.114, 121-122 ; Rider's Safety Handbook (Mar 2025)

Rules and conditions are changed from time to time — check the mylicence.sa.gov.au for the current requirements.