Our Driving Instructor in Brisbane Answers the Top FAQs

Ready to learn how to drive but have a few questions that need answers? Our driving instructor, Glenn, answers the top FAQs about driving in Brisbane.

HOW LONG DOES THE DRIVING TEST LAST?

The Queensland Transport driving test lasts for approximately 30 minutes. The Driving Examiners are assigned up to 10 tests a day. As a driving test applicant, you will need to be at the Transport Office approximately 10 minutes before your test time. This is to allow the Department’s counter staff to log into the system and make any changes to your driver’s licence status. At this time, you can make a change of address or licence conditions. Some paperwork is also completed at the counter. You will also need the registration number of the car being used for the test. The examiner will exit the office at the nominated test time, so be ready. Make sure the car is parked in one of the nominated bays. A driving instructor from Roadworks Driver Training in Brisbane can supply a car suitable for your driving test.

 

WHAT IS THE BOOKING FEE PAYABLE FOR THE DRIVING TEST?

For a weekday test, the booking fee payable (at the moment) is around  $63. This fee increases on the 1st of July every year. You can also book a midweek Driving Test through the Transport Main Roads (TMR) website for any centre. You can now also organise a Saturday test between 8am and 3.35 pm using the same system. If you choose a Saturday Driving Test, the fee is the same as a week day test. Please let your Driving Instructor know what test you have booked straight away. If there is a problem with your test clashing with another student’s test, we can always  reshedule via the TMR website.

 

HOW MANY PRACTICE HOURS DO I NEED?

This can only be estimated after going for a drive with our driving instructor in Brisbane. Overseas licence holders may have been driving in Australia for many years, if they have the appropriate visa. However, it is usually not recommended to do the Practical Driving Test without doing a couple of lessons. Learners under 25 years of age are required to complete 100 hours of driving and then submit a Log Book. The student also needs to hold a Learner Permit for 1 year before being able to book a Practical Driving Test. Either way the applicant needs to be able to drive in the manner required by TMR. A driving instructor from Roadworks in Brisbane will guide learners to drive using TMR techniques. Once assessed by an instructor, the student can choose from a variety of Driving Packages available on the Roadworks website. Our aim is to make the learning process and the Practical Driving Test a positive experience.

 

CAN I DO A DRIVING TEST ON MY OVERSEAS LICENCE?

If you have a valid overseas licence, (i.e. not expired) you can undertake driving lessons and then a Driving test. However, you will need to pass the written test. This test can be completed at a Queensland Transport office without an appointment. You can also use the “Prep L’ system. This can be completed online using your computer, phone or tablet. This is a competency-based test and once enrolled you can have access to the course for twelve months. It is the same cost as the written test ($25.30 at the moment). The estimated time to do the Prep L is 4 to 6 hours. If you fail the final test on your first go, you will have to wait 24hrs before you have another attempt. Once you pass the written test in either form, you will need to present your overseas licence to a Transport office. You will also need to show a current passport, bank card and proof of address. Roadworks can then assist you to train for the “on road test”,and organise a test date. If you fail your first test, your overseas licence is then withdrawn. You could then pay for a learner’s permit and continue supervised lessons. Otherwise, you cannot drive except to do another Driving Test.

 

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR ANOTHER DRIVING TEST IF I FAIL?

If you prepare properly for the Driving Test, the high probability of passing first go is high. Things sometimes don’t go to plan and if you are unsuccessful, you will have to book another test. You can book another test for the next day if one is available. You could try another venue, but it is generally advisable to go to the same testing centre as you are already familiar with this place. If no immediate tests are available online at TMR, contact your driving instructor from Roadworks, Brisbane to see if there is an earlier Saturday test available. If you fail a second time, there is a “cooling off” period of one week. If you fail a third time, you will have to wait one month to do another test. Any subsequent fails, you will have to wait another month. This outcome is not what anyone wants, so remember preparation is the key. Spend your money on lessons that prepare you for the first test. Roadworks can assist you by conducting “mock tests” leading up to you first test. So, preparation is the key!

 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I PASS MY TEST?

Firstly, congratulations! If your test is on a weekday, you will be invited to the counter at the Transport Department to pay for a new Driver’s Licence. You will be given the choice of paying for any period between one and five years. The five-year licence is preferable as it is cheaper per year. Presently, it costs $180.70. This 5-year period may be divided into P1, P2 and open licences. Under 25 year old applicants will need to have P1 for one year. They will then need to complete the “Hazard Perception Test” online after 1 year in order to progress to a P2 licence. The P2 licence is then held for 2 years and then, converts to an open licence. If you are over 25 years of age, you will receive a P2 licence for 1 year. This then rolls over to an open licence. If you are an overseas licence holder, you will be given an Open licence. You will not have to do another test unless you lose your licence for a misdemeanour or wish to upgrade from an Automatic Licence to a Manual Licence.

 

WHAT FORMS NEED TO BE FILLED OUT BEFORE MY TEST?

Currently, on the Transport Department (TMR) website you will be asked to complete 2 official forms. This has not been a requirement for some time and their website needs to be updated. When you book a driving test through the Department of Transport, you will be asked to arrive 10 minutes before the test time. This is in order to fill out the required paperwork. The current system requires a photocopied piece of paper to be filled out. The counter staff will ask several questions and tick the boxes where appropriate. They will need to know the registration number of the car being used and if the registered owner gives you permission to use this car. They will ask if you give permission for the Examiner to drive the car, if necessary. Any medical conditions that may affect your driving will need to be revealed and a medical certificate must be presented, if appropriate. This is required if you have epilepsy or diabetes. If you are required to wear contact lenses or glasses for driving, the box needs to be ticked. Your driving instructor from Brisbane will need to fill out the part asking for the Driving School name, their licence number and full name. The counter staff will update your address, phone number, email address if necessary. You may also register for updates and renewals to be sent to your email rather that postal address. You will also be required to hand over your current Learner’s Licence Make sure you take it with you before you leave home. If you are an overseas licence holder, make sure you bring your passport, overseas licence, bank card and proof of address. Although you may have already shown these documents on a previous visit, they will want to see them again and make copies. You will not be able to do the test if these requirements are not met.

PLEASE NOTE: As of 1st July 2021 all learners will need to complete the Hazard Perception Test before being able to do a Practical Driving Test. This can be done online at the TMR website. There is a small fee of approximately $30 to do this test.

 

LEARN TO DRIVE WITH A DRIVING INSTRUCTOR FROM BRISBANE

Ready to learn how to drive the right way? Be taught by a highly experienced driving instructor from Brisbane and choose from one of our many driving lesson packages.