The Practical Driving Assessment (PDA), sometimes referred to as a driving test, checks if you’re ready to drive on your own with a provisional licence.
During a PDA, the assessor will evaluate your driving and how well you:
- operate and guide the vehicle
- put the road rules into practice
- fit in with other traffic
- see and respond to hazards.
When am I eligible to take a PDA?
You should only take a PDA when you feel confident that you have the skills to drive safely without a supervisor.
Under 25 years old and applying for a car and motorcycle licence
You can take the PDA if you:
- are 17 years or older
- have passed the Hazard Perception Test (HPT)
- have completed the required 50 hours of supervised driving or riding, including at least 5 hours night-time driving (between sunset and sunrise) in your Log Book or digital Log&Learn app (now incorporated into the ServiceWA app ).
25 years or older
If you’re 25 years or older you don’t need to complete a Log Book when applying for a car (C class) licence as your first licence.
If you choose to apply for a motorcycle (R-E class) licence first, you must record 50 supervised driving hours, including 5 night-time hours, on a LAMS approved motorcycle (R-E class) before you attempt a PDA. If these hours haven’t been recorded on an R-E class motorcycle, the assessment can’t go ahead, and your PDA entitlement will be forfeited.
If the customer attempts an R-E class PDA first, then 50 supervised driving hours, including 5 night time hours, must be recorded on an R-E class vehicle. If the hours have not been recorded on an R-E class vehicle the PDA will not be conducted, and the PDA entitlement will be forfeited.
Applying for a moped licence
You can take the PDA for a moped (R-N class) licence if you are:
- are 16 years or older
- have passed the Hazard Perception Test (HPT).
Overseas licence holder
Find out if your overseas licence is recognised in Western Australia or whether you need to take a Practical Driving Assessment (PDA).
Prepare for your PDA
We recommend you complete more than 50 hours of supervised driving and have plenty of experience driving in a range of road conditions, such as:
- low, medium and heavy traffic, including driving on freeways, highways and country roads
- in fine weather and in rain
- during the day, evening and night.
Do a practice PDA
Before you take the PDA, practise the exercises outlined in Driving Techniques for Safer Drivers: A Guide for Learner Drivers (Booklet) – PDF. Some of these may be included in the driving test. You’re ready for the PDA when you can complete these exercises confidently.
Remember, the PDA checks your ability to:
- perform set exercises, and
- drive around streets following directions.
Book a PDA
You can book a PDA for your first licence up to 6 months in advance.
You can book:
- online using DoTDirect for all metro DTMI service centres and most regional agents
- in person at a DTMI service centre or regional agent in regional locations.
In person bookings can’t be made at metropolitan service centres.
Find out more about how to book a PDA securely.
On the day of your PDA
You must bring:
- your completed Log Book - signed by you and your supervising driver (unless you’re 25 years or older, or taking a moped PDA)
- your learner’s permit (preferred) or a form of Category B identification
- a licensed roadworthy vehicle to complete the test.
Please arrive 15 minutes early. If you’re late for your PDA, it’ll be cancelled and you’ll need to pay a fee and rebook another PDA.
What to wear
Wear clothes that are comfortable and practical. If you’re taking a motorcycle or moped PDA, you must wear the right gear:
- enclosed footwear
- an approved helmet
- long trousers or jeans (no tracksuit pants), and
- a long-sleeved shirt or jacket.
Gloves and eye protection are also strongly recommended.
Vehicle inspection
Before you begin your PDA, your driving assessor will conduct a brief vehicle suitability inspection to check that your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards.
If the vehicle’s unsuitable, your PDA will be cancelled, and you’ll need to pay for and book another PDA.
To see what we check for, download the Practical Driving Assessment Vehicle Suitability Guide - C Class Vehicles - PDF.
What happens during the PDA?
Duration
The PDA takes around 35 – 50 minutes to complete.
Structure
The test has 5 sections of which:
- 3 sections involve following directions from the assessor.
- 2 sections where you’ll complete set exercises, such as common tasks that drivers and riders often have to do.
PDA assessment items
You'll be assessed on the following:
- Flow: Combine driving skills smoothly and confidently.
- Look behind: Use mirrors and check blind spots.
- Movement: Drive forward and reverse smoothly, control speed and stop accurately.
- Path: Choose and stay on the best track, steering correctly.
- Responsiveness: Spot hazards and respond appropriately.
- Signal: Use indicators/signals to show intentions.
- Vehicle management: Monitor dashboard, steer correctly and use clutch and gears effectively.
Moped and motorcycle riders
Along with the main assessment items, your overall riding skills will also be assessed.
This may include:
- balancing at low speeds by riding around a figure 'O' without putting a foot down
- correctly park and start on a hill
- perform a quick stop under full control without locking either wheel.
Fail items
You’ll automatically fail the PDA if you:
- require your assessor to intervene or give assistance to avoid a potentially dangerous situation
- disobey a regulatory sign
- speed
- disobey any traffic regulation that immediately or potentially threatens safety
- drive without wearing your seat belt
- fail to respond to a crisis, or potential crisis, that would normally be anticipated by an experienced driver
- cause a crisis or potential crisis
- start the vehicle while not in full control of the vehicle
- refuse to attempt or are unable to perform any part of an exercise
- refuse to follow a reasonable direction given by the assessor.
After your PDA
What happens if I pass?
You’ll be issued with provisional licence. You will need to have your photo taken and pay the renewal fee for your licence.
You can now driver without a supervising driver. Find out more about the rules for driving on a provisional licence.
What happens if I fail?
You’ll need to book and pay for another PDA. You’ll need to wait at least 7 days before you can book your next PDA.