Quick answer
In the ACT there is one way to a car learner licence: an approved course, run by an approved provider or, for its own students, a participating school, which ends with a supervised knowledge test. The test has 35 multiple-choice questions drawn at random from a bank of more than 300, and you need at least 31 correct. You can apply for your learner licence from 15 years and 9 months, and a pass can be used for 2 years.
| Test | ACT learner licence knowledge test, car |
|---|---|
| How you take it | Only at the end of an approved course with an approved provider or participating school, supervised by the provider |
| Before the test | Finish the course modules and pass a course quiz with at least 50% |
| Questions | 35 multiple choice, drawn at random from a bank of more than 300 |
| Pass mark | At least 31 of 35 (not every detail of the pass rule is published) |
| Cost | Set by the provider, and must cover two attempts at each test; some providers and schools charge nothing |
| Minimum age | 15 years 9 months for the learner licence |
| A pass lasts | 2 years, for applying for your learner licence |
How many questions are in the ACT learners test, and what is the pass mark?
The test is computerised: 35 multiple-choice questions drawn at random from a bank of more than 300. You need at least 31 correct, so you can't pass with more than 4 wrong. That is the minimum rather than the whole rule: the ACT doesn't publish every detail of how the test is marked, so treat every topic as one you need to know. The course fee covers two attempts at each test, and the provider can charge for more.
How does the ACT course work?
There is no test at Access Canberra offices. You enrol in an approved course with an approved provider, or with your school if it runs the course for its students (some offer it free in Year 10). You finish the course modules and a course quiz, where you need at least 50%, then sit the knowledge test, supervised by the provider. An accredited interpreter can interpret but can't help you answer. No list of test languages is published.
When you pass, you get a completion certificate. Within 2 years, take it with your identity and residency documents to an Access Canberra Service Centre, pass an eye test and pay the fee. You'll receive a logbook and L plates.
How old do you need to be?
- Car learner licence: from 15 years and 9 months. Ask your provider or school when you can start the course.
- Driving assessment and provisional licence: from 17.
What does the ACT knowledge test cover?
The knowledge test is about road rules, including the ACT's licensing rules. Rules that set the ACT apart:
- No learner speed or passenger limits: ACT learners follow the normal speed limits, may carry passengers and have no high-powered car ban, as long as the supervisor sits next to them.
- L plates: at the front and rear, or on the roof.
- Supervisors at zero: your supervisor needs a full Australian car licence (no minimum number of years), must have no alcohol at all and must not drink while supervising.
- Phones: learners and all P drivers, P2 included, may not make calls at all, not even hands-free or by voice command.
- 40 km/h past emergency vehicles: pass a stopped or slow police or emergency vehicle with flashing red or blue lights at no more than 40 km/h, unless it is across a median strip.
- Light rail: Canberra's light rail vehicles count as trams under the road rules.
What happens after you get your learner licence?
Your learner licence lasts 5 years. Hold it for at least 12 months, or 6 months if you were 25 or older when it was issued or last renewed. Under-25s need 100 hours of driving, including 10 at night, in the logbook; from 25 it is 50, including 5 at night. After 3 months, approved courses count towards the total: the Safer Driver Course for 20 hours (under-25s), the Vulnerable Road User Program for 10 and Learner Driver First Aid for 5.
After more than 3 months on your learner licence you can sit the online Hazard Perception Test. Then, from 17, you take a one-off driving assessment or competency-based training and assessment with an accredited instructor.
The provisional licence lasts 3 years: under 25 at issue, 12 months on P1 (red P plates), then P2 (green P plates); from 25, P2 throughout. Between 11 pm and 5 am a P1 driver may carry no more than one passenger aged 16 to 22 who isn't family, unless travelling for work or study. Four demerit points within 3 years, on L or P plates, brings a 3-month suspension.
How to practise for the ACT learners test with Learners Test Australia
- 35-question practice tests scored against a 31-question pass line.
- More than 440 original ACT questions, written from ACT legislation.
- ACT-only rules such as roof-mounted plates, zero alcohol for supervisors and the late-night P1 passenger rule.
- Every answer explained, with the section it comes from.
The app is for practice only: the real test can only be taken through an approved course provider or a participating school. For the shared national rules, read the give way rules every learner must know.
ACT learners test questions people ask
How many questions are in the ACT learners test?
The ACT learner licence knowledge test has 35 multiple-choice questions, drawn at random from a bank of more than 300. You need at least 31 correct. Not every detail of the pass rule is published, so aim to get every question right.
Where do you sit the ACT learners test?
At the end of an approved course, run by an approved provider or, for its own students, a participating school. Access Canberra doesn't run the test.
How many supervised hours do ACT learners need?
If you were under 25 when your learner licence was issued or last renewed, 100 hours including 10 at night. From 25, it is 50 hours including 5 at night. After 3 months on your licence, some approved courses count for part of the hours.
Is Learners Test Australia an approved ACT course?
No. It is an independent practice app with original questions written from ACT legislation. It is not the ACT course, doesn't replace it and is not connected to the ACT Government, Access Canberra or any approved course provider.
Practise with Learners Test Australia
Learners Test Australia is an independent study app. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to any Australian state or territory government, licensing authority or other government agency. It is not connected to the ACT Government, Access Canberra, the Road Transport Authority or any approved course provider, and it is not the ACT course or a replacement for it.
Android app. Not on Google Play yet: we will add the link here when it is.