To get your driver’s licence in NT, you need to go through three main stages: getting your learner licence > getting your provisional licence > getting your full licence.
Licensing information on this site will be updated on a irregular basis. We will do our best to provide up-to-date information according to current legal obligations regarding licensing. The NT licencing authority is: Department of Transport
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Learner licence
What are the prerequisites?
- Minimum Age: 16 (must obtain parental consent if under 17)
- Must be a resident of the NT
What test/s do I have to take?
Choose one of two options for getting your learner licence:
- MVR Theory Test
- Driver Training and Licensing Program (DTAL)
What do the two options involve?
- MVR Theory Test: a series of questions based on NT road rules and road safety
- DTAL Theory 1: a group session that lasts at least six hours. You will be given an understanding of NT road rules and assessed at the end of the session
What study materials do I need?
The Northern Territory Road User’s Handbook, avaliable online or at any Motor Vehicle Registry outlet.
How do I book the MVR Theory Test?
You don’t need to book, just visit any Motor Vehicle Registry
Where do I take the MVR Theory test?
At any Motor Vehicle Registry
What do I bring to the MVR Theory test?
- Evidence of identity and residence
- Means to pay the licence fee
- If you are under 17, you need to be accompanied by a parent, who will need to bring identification and will be required to sign a permission form.
How do I book for the DTAL Theory 1 Program?
Several programs are run throughout the year at a number of locations. To book, refer to the DriveSafe NT page for a list of contacts .
I’ve taken the MVR Theory Test, now how do I get my learner licence?
You will be issued your learner licence on the spot when you’ve successfully completed the test and paid the fee.
I’ve completed the DTAL Theory 1 program, now how do I get my learner licence?
Visit any Motor Vehicle Registry and bring:
- Evidence of identity and residence
- If you are under 17, you need to be accompanied by a parent, who will need to bring identification and will be required to sign a permission form
- The Certificate of Competency you were given when you passed your DTAL Theory 1 assessment
What does having a learner licence mean?
- You are now permitted to drive a car under supervision. Your supervisor must be someone with a full Australian driving licence
- You must adhere to the special rules for learner drivers
What are the special rules for learner drivers?
- Must clearly display L plates on front and rear of vehicle
- Must be supervised at all times by a person with a full Australian driver licence
- Must not exceed a blood alcohol level of 0.00%
- Must not exceed 80km/h
- Cannot use mobile phones (including hands-free devices)
- Cannot accumulate more than four demerit points
What happens next?
Once you have held your learner licence for at least six months, you will be eligible to apply for your provisional licence.
Provisional licence
What are the prerequisites?
- Minimum Age: 16 and six months
- Must have held NT learner licence for at least six months
- If you have undertaken the DTAL program, you must complete DTAL Theory 2
What test/s do I have to take?
Driving Test
What’s on the test?
A testing officer will assess your driving skills over a set course.
How do I book and pay for test?
You must book and pay for the Driving Test beforehand, either:
- By phone 1300 654 628 (pay by credit card)
- In person at any MVR outlet(pay by cash, cheque, credit card or eftpos)
What do I bring to the test?
- Evidence of identity and residence
- Your test fee receipt
- Your learner licence
- A clean, registered, roadworthy vehicle with L plates
I’ve completed the requirements, now how do I get my provisional licence?
Your provisional licence will be issued to you on the spot when you successfully complete the required tests and pay the licence fee.
What does having a provisional licence mean?
- You are now permitted to drive a car without supervision
- You must adhere to the special rules for provisional drivers
What are the special rules for provisional drivers
- Must clearly display P plates on front and rear of vehicle
- Must not exceed a blood alcohol level of 0.00%
- Cannot accumulate more than four demerit points
- Must not exceed 100km/h
- Cannot use mobile phones (including hands-free devices)
What happens next?
- Under 25 years old: once you’ve held your provisional licence for two years, you will be eligible for your full licence.
- 25 and over: once you’ve held your provisional licence for one year, you will be eligible for your full licence.
Full licence
What are the prerequisites?
- Minimum Age: 18 and six months
- Under 25 years old: must have held a provisional licence for at least two years
- 25 and over: must have held a provisional licence for at least one year
I’ve completed the requirements, now how do I get my full licence?
Visit any MVR outlet and bring:
- Evidence of identity and residence
- Means to pay the licence fee
- Your provisional licence
What does having a full licence mean?
Now that you are a little more experienced, you no longer have to adhere to the special rules that apply to provisional drivers, but you do need to abide by the general rules and restrictions that apply to all NT drivers.
