Quick answer
To get a learner's permit in South Australia you pass the learner's theory test, in one of two ways. myLs is an online course that finishes with a 30-question test where you need 27 correct, and some questions have more than one right answer. The in-person test at a Service SA centre has two parts: 8 give-way diagram questions that must all be answered correctly, then 42 multiple-choice questions on road rules and safety, where you need 32.
| Test | Learner's theory test, car: online through myLs, or in person at Service SA |
|---|---|
| In person | Part A: 8 give-way diagram questions, all must be correct. Part B: 42 multiple-choice questions, pass 32 of 42. On paper or a computer. |
| myLs | Online course of about 4 hours, then a 30-question test in one sitting; pass 27 of 30. Some questions have more than one correct answer. |
| Minimum age | myLs from 15 years 9 months; the in-person test and the permit from 16 |
| Based on | The Driver's Handbook (MR200), February 2026 edition |
| Permit lasts | 2 years |
How many questions are in the SA learner's theory test, and what is the pass mark?
The in-person test has two parts, taken in order. Part A shows 8 diagrams and asks who must give way in each. One give-way mistake means you can't go on to Part B, so the attempt is a fail. Part B has 42 multiple-choice questions on road rules and road safety, and you need 32, so you can afford up to 10 mistakes there.
The myLs test is a single block of 30 questions with a pass mark of 27, done in one sitting without help. Some questions have more than one correct answer: a hint tells you when, and you only score if you select every correct option.
myLs or the in-person test: which route suits you?
myLs is the route South Australia recommends, but it isn't compulsory. You first set up your identity, photo and a mySAGOV account at a Service SA centre. The course starts with Your driving attitude, then Signs and rules and Sharing the road in either order, and finishing all three unlocks the test. One fee covers 12 months' access with unlimited test attempts.
The in-person test is for people aged 16 or older. You book it, pay the fee each time you sit, and take it at one of the Service SA centres that run theory tests, so check which ones before you book. No list of test languages is published, so ask Service SA if you need help with English. Failing in person doesn't stop you switching to myLs.
How old do you need to be?
- myLs: enrol from 15 years and 9 months.
- In-person test, and the learner's permit itself: from 16.
- P1 provisional licence: from 17.
What does the SA learner's theory test cover?
The Driver's Handbook says the test is based directly on its road rules and road safety sections, including the licensing chapters: learner and P conditions, supervising drivers, the log book and demerit points are core material. Giving way matters most, since it has a whole part of the in-person test. South Australian rules that catch learners out:
- 25 km/h school zones: the limit applies whenever a child is in the zone. Near selected schools there are also 40 km/h limits on school days, from 8 to 9:30 am and 2 to 4 pm.
- More 25 km/h rules: pass a stopped school bus, a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing red or blue lights (unless it is across a median strip) or a stopped breakdown vehicle with flashing amber lights on your side of the road at no more than 25 km/h.
- 100 km/h cap: learners and P drivers must not exceed 100 km/h, even on roads signed 110.
- Phones: learners and P1 drivers may not use a phone at all while driving, not even hands-free, except to pay or show a code while stationary in a place such as a drive-through.
What happens after you pass?
Your permit lasts 2 years. A qualified supervising driver must sit next to you: someone who has held a full licence for that class of vehicle for the past 2 years, hasn't been disqualified in that time, isn't on a good behaviour condition and is under 0.05. Your own limit is zero, L plates go on the front and rear, and 4 demerit points, speeding by 10 km/h or more, or any other permit breach brings a 6-month disqualification.
Before P1 you need 75 hours of supervised driving, 15 of them at night, whatever your age, and at least 12 months on your permit (6 months if you are 25 or older). You also pass the Hazard Perception Test and either a Vehicle On Road Test or competency-based training and assessment. P1 drivers show red P plates; P2 drivers show none. Under 25, P1 also brings a midnight-to-5 am ban and a limit of one passenger aged 16 to 20 (family excluded), unless a qualified supervising driver sits beside you or an exemption applies.
How to practise for the SA learners test with Learners Test Australia
- Mock tests for both routes: the in-person format, where Part B only starts once all 8 give-way answers are right, and the 30-question myLs test.
- More than 550 original South Australian questions, checked against The Driver's Handbook and SA legislation.
- Dozens of select-all-that-apply questions in the myLs style.
- Every answer explained, with its handbook page or rule, in English and four other languages.
Giving way decides Part A, so read the give way rules every learner must know and learn how to use mock tests and your mistakes.
SA learners test questions people ask
How many questions are in the SA learners test?
It depends on the route. The in-person learner's theory test at Service SA has 50: 8 give-way diagram questions in Part A, which must all be right, and 42 road rules and safety questions in Part B, where you need 32. The myLs test has 30 questions and you need 27.
How many questions can you get wrong?
In the in-person test, none in Part A and up to 10 in Part B. In the myLs test, up to 3.
Is myLs compulsory in South Australia?
No. myLs is the recommended route, but the in-person test is still available, and failing the in-person test doesn't stop you enrolling in myLs.
Are the questions in Learners Test Australia the real SA test questions?
No. They are original practice questions written for the app and checked against The Driver's Handbook (February 2026) and South Australian legislation. The app is independent and not connected to the Government of South Australia.
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 Government of South Australia, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport or Service SA.
Android app. Not on Google Play yet: we will add the link here when it is.