If you’re from overseas, know that the practical driving test in NSW is quite different from your country. I’ve written other posts about the licensing process and how to pass the exam. Here, I’ll highlight the main differences and give you some tips for the big day.
🚗 The Test Vehicle
- In Australia, you’ll take the test using your own car—whether it’s yours, borrowed, or rented.
- The vehicle must be roadworthy; otherwise, the test may be canceled.
- Before the test begins, the car will be inspected. It may be refused if it doesn’t meet requirements.
- The inspection checks the following:
- Headlights (they must not be cracked, even if not tested)
- All indicators (front, rear, side, including mirrors)
- All brake lights
- Tires (must not be bald or damaged)
- Passenger window (must be able to open and close)
- Windshield and mirrors (must not have cracks that obstruct visibility)
📍 Where to Park
- You must park in the designated testing sites for your chosen test centre. These could be:
- On-street locations (e.g., Bondi, Chatswood)
- Specific parking areas (e.g., Botany, Silverwater)
- Shopping centre car parks (e.g., Marrickville, Eastgardens)
👉 It’s worth checking YouTube ahead of time so you don’t get lost on test day.
⏰ Before the Test
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early.
- After parking, go to the Service NSW reception to present your documents.
- You’ll need to bring:
- Your original driver’s licence (or a consular declaration if it’s lost)
- Learner Licence (or Photo Card or passport plus bank statement)
- Completed Licence Application Form (available at Service NSW)
- After submitting your documents, wait until the examiner calls your name.
- If this is your first test, you’ll be informed that this is your last chance using your international licence (unless you’ve already obtained an NSW learner licence).
- If you pass, you’ll receive the equivalent NSW licence; if not, you’ll need to obtain a learner licence (or continue with an existing one).
- The examiner will ask if the car is parked in the correct test bay and then accompany you to inspect the vehicle in the parking lot.
🛣️ During the Test
- The test lasts approximately 35 minutes.
- Follow the examiner’s directions—if they don’t say anything, continue straight ahead.
- During the drive, you’ll be asked to perform two maneuvers:
- Kerbside Stop
- Either Reverse Parking or a Three-Point Turn
If you don’t understand an instruction, it’s okay to ask for it to be repeated.
⚠️ Tips to keep in mind:
- The examiner will be taking notes on your performance (both correct actions and mistakes).
- Stay focused on the test criteria.
- Avoid unnecessary conversation so you don’t get distracted.
✅ After the Test
The exam ends at the same location where it started. You return with the examiner to Service NSW, and the result is given inside.
If you pass: the examiner collects your documents, and you choose the validity period of your licence (1, 3, 5, or 10 years).
If you fail: the examiner will give you detailed feedback. Take the opportunity to clarify all the reasons and mistakes. (But remember, the next attempt must be at least 7 days after the test.)
I recommend taking at least one lesson beforehand to learn what you need in order to pass the test. Count on my help during this process!