My car licence
Driving is one of the riskiest daily activities that you'll do so preparing yourself and your vehicle is vital.
myLs
Get your Learner’s Permit online.Pre learner
Start learning how to be a safe driver now.Learner's permit
Got your Ls? Learn about special L-rules and conditions.P1 provisional licence
You can now drive independently but there are conditions...P2 provisional licence
Keep building your driving skills and experience.Full licence
It's vital to maintain your driving skills and knowledge.Graduated Licensing Scheme
The staged approach to getting your driver’s licence, including new rules for P plates.L and P Penalties
The Penalties for breaking the rules (Licence Disqualification).The Driver's Handbook
The road rules handbook for all South Australian drivers.The Hazard Perception Test
What to expect in the Hazard Perception Test.Medical fitness to drive
Learn about the fitness to drive requirements in South Australia.Are you worried about someone's driving?
It can be difficult to know what to do if you have concerns about someone’s driving.Older drivers
Learn about the risks older drivers face and keep safe on the roads.International drivers
Tips for international visitors driving on South Australian roads.Supervising a learner driver
Learn how to develop your child's driving skills.Resources
Resources related to being a safer driver.Stay in touch
Join the conversation.FAQ
Frequently asked questions.My motorcycle licence
Riding a motorcycle is enjoyed by people of all ages. However, compared to driving other road vehicles, riding a motorcycle can place you at higher risk than others. If you are involved in a crash, the chances of being injured are very high.
Pre learner
Got your Ls? Learn about special L-rules and conditions.Learner's permit
R-Date endorsement.R-Date class
Licence endorsement.R class
Licence endorsement.Motorcycle Helmets
The Australian Road Rules require all motor bike riders and any pillion or sidecar passengers to wear an approved motor bike helmet.The Rider's Handbook
The road rules handbook for all South Australian riders.Practice Learner's Theory Test
Study up for the Learner's Theory Test.Rider Safe training
Rider Safe is a compulsory motorcycle rider training course for all novice motorcycle riders.Safer riding tips
You can become a safer rider by having the necessary skills.Motor Bike Lane Filtering
It is important that all motor bike riders are aware of the strict conditions that apply to motor bike lane filtering.Moped riders
Moped/scooter riders, like all motorcyclists, are vulnerable on the road.Returning to riding
Take the time to get your skills up-to-date with the Rider Safe Returning Rider Course.Resources
Resources related to being a safer rider.Motorcycle Rider Hazard Simulator
Practise the Motorcycle Rider Hazard Simulator.Stay in touch
Join the conversation.My heavy vehicle licence
The term 'heavy vehicle' applies to the trucks, B-doubles and road trains that transport goods across Australia. It also includes buses, trams, agricultural machinery, livestock transporters, tankers, grain and delivery trucks and other long and possibly slow moving vehicles on our roads. The following provides information on upgrading your licence to a higher class.
Light Rigid or Medium Rigid
Find out what you need to get your LR or MR class licenceHeavy Rigid or Heavy Combination
Want to get your HR or HC class licence? Find out further here.Multi-combination
Find out how to upgrade to a MC class licence.Heavy vehicle driver's handbook
The Heavy Vehicle Driver’s Handbook is an important guide that provides detailed information on what you need to know to operate a heavy vehicle safely in South Australia.Operating a heavy vehicle
Information on the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme.Safe driving tips
Heavy vehicles are a safety issue because of the distances travelled, their mass and rigidity.South Eastern Freeway
Watch this video before attempting to drive a heavy vehicle down the South Eastern Freeway.Road rules
Is your knowledge of basic road rules up-to-date?The Driver's Handbook
The Driver's Handbook is the road rules handbook for all South Australian drivers.Resources
Resources related to being a safer driver.Stay in touch
Join the conversation.My ultra high powered vehicle licence
A U class licence is a new class of licence that you will need from 1 December 2024 to drive an Ultra High Powered Vehicle (UHPV). An UHPV is a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass not greater than 4.5 tonnes (not including a bus, motor bike or motor trike) with a power to weight ratio equal to or greater than 276 kilowatts per tonne.
What vehicles are classified as UHPV?
Find out what vehicles are classified as ultra high powered vehicles.Steps to get a U class licence
Find out the steps to obtain a U class licence.U class licence online training
Anyone wishing to drive an UHPV, including existing owners or drivers of UHPVs, will need to undertake this training to be issued with a U class licence.Offences relating to UHPVs
It is an offence to drive an UHPV with an automatic vehicle intervention system disabled.Parents and supervisors
Supervising a learner driver is a challenging experience. It can also be very rewarding. You'll help a young person develop the skills and attitudes they need to become a safer, smarter driver.
Pre learner
How to help prepare your learner driver for a lifetime of safe driving.Learner's permit
The information you need to know and understand before you supervise a learner driver.Solo driving
Rehearsing solo driving is vital for your learner. Learn tips on practising here.P plater safety
Learn how to reduce road risks for a newly independent driver.Supervising driver tips
Supervising a learner driver is a serious commitment. Help ensure their safety.Reducing crash risks
Read our driving tips for reducing the crash risk of new drivers.Road rules pocket guide
Refresh your knowledge of the road rules before assisting a learner driver here.Buying a car for new drivers
Learn how to make a safer vehicle choice for their first car.Sharing the household vehicle
As the number of car users in a household increases there will be a growing pressure to use the available vehicles.The Driver's Handbook
The Driver's Handbook is the road rules handbook for all South Australian drivers.The Driving Companion
The Driving Companion contains the log book to record your learner’s compulsory driving hours.Resources
Resources to help you become a better supervisor.Stay in touch
Join the conversation.Road rules
Is your knowledge of basic road rules up-to-date? Breaking basic road rules contributes to thousands of avoidable crashes in South Australia resulting in injuries and fatalities each year.
Road rules videos
Watch our videos on a number of commonly misunderstood road rules. Do you know the rules?Road rules pocket guide
The road rules refresher pocket guide outlines some of the most misunderstood road rules.Road rules quiz
Try this quick road rules refresher quiz to check your road rules knowledge.Trucks and buses low gear signs
Trucks and buses must follow Australian Road Rule 108 when driving down a steep road.Riding Motorised Scooters and Skateboards
Rules for Riding Motorised Scooters and Skateboards in South AustraliaE-scooter trial safety rules
Rules for Riding E-scooters in the E-scooter trialThe Driver's Handbook
The Driver's Handbook is the road rules handbook for all SA drivers, including learners.Offences & Penalties
Know the legislation on road rules and most driving offences.Road rule amendments
Click here to see recent South Australian road rule amendments.25km/h Emergency Services speed limit
Drivers are now required to travel at 25km/h when driving through an emergency service speed zone. This law came into effect on 1 September 2014.Stay in touch
Join the conversation.Seatbelts and child restraints
Wearing a seatbelt doubles your chances of surviving a serious crash. Take the time to "buckle up".Resources
Resources related to being a safer driver.Rail safety quiz
Think you know how to be safe around trains? Try this quick rail safety quiz to check your knowledge.Cycling laws
Drivers are required to give a minimum of 1m when passing a cyclist where the speed limit is 60km/h or less or 1.5m where the speed limit is over 60km/h. Cyclists of all ages can ride on footpaths.Cyclist road rules and safety
When you are riding a bike you need to know about bells, lights, helmets, riding abreast, bicycle lanes, give way rules and more. Click here to find the rules, laws and safety tips for cycling in South Australia.Safe driving tips
Driving involves risk and safe drivers aim to reduce and manage their risk.
School safety
Learn about road rules and safety tips for driving to and from or in the vicinity of schools.Safer speeds
Speed is a key factor in crashes and road trauma.Alcohol and drugs
Don't mix driving with alcohol or drugs (including medicine).Fatigue
Fatigue is often ranked as a major factor in causing road crashes.Mobile phones
Using a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of crashing by at least four times.Dangerous behaviours
Inattention is an issue in both rural and metropolitan areas, for all people.Know when to cross the line
A level crossing is where the road crosses a rail or tram line. Risk taking around trains and trams is extremely hazardous.Safer vehicles
Buying a car, whether it's for you or your child, is a big responsibility.Country driving
Before you drive in the country make sure you and your car are prepared.Sharing the road
Know your responsibilities and respect the rights to safety of all who share our roads.Driveway safety
Tragically one child, often a toddler, is run over in their driveway every week in Australia.Breakdown safety
Remember to slow down and be cautious if you see flashing amber hazard lights on the side of the roadYellow Ribbon week
South Australia is a supporter of Yellow Ribbon "Drive So Others Survive" National Road Safety Week.Move smart
Keep your travel options open, stay flexible and move smart!Passenger distractions
Simple distractions can increase your risk of a crash by up to four times.Driving at night
Driving at night is dangerous and requires more skills and concentration.High powered vehicles
Provisional licence holders under the age of 25 must not drive a high powered vehicle.Driving age
Getting a driver’s licence isn’t a race. If you don’t need a licence yet, just wait.Practice
Learner drivers who have more supervised practice have shown to have substantial crash reductions.Resources
Resources related to being a safer driver.Are you worried about someone's driving?
It can be difficult to know what to do if you have concerns about someone’s driving.Stay in touch
Join the conversation.Cycling laws
Drivers are required to give a minimum of 1m when passing a cyclist where the speed limit is 60km/h or less or 1.5m where the speed limit is over 60km/h. Cyclists of all ages can ride on footpaths.Cyclist road rules and safety
When you are riding a bike you need to know about bells, lights, helmets, riding abreast, bicycle lanes, give way rules and more. Click here to find the rules, laws and safety tips for cycling in South Australia.Visitors to South Australia
Driving involves risk and safe drivers aim to reduce and manage their risk.
International drivers
If you are a visitor to South Australia - welcome! We want you to enjoy your stay, but more importantly we want you to stay safe. Here are tips and rules for driving in South Australia.Order Visitor Road Rules promotions
If you're a SA company providing services to visitors you can order road rules promotions here.Licence requirements for visitors
Using an interstate or overseas driver’s licence in South Australia and how to apply for a driver’s licence here.The Driver's Handbook
The Driver's Handbook is the road rules handbook for all South Australian drivers, including learner drivers.My car licence
P1 provisional licence
With a P1 provisional licence you can drive independently, without a qualified supervising driver or driving instructor.
But remember, your P-plates must be on, your licence card or digital licence handy, and the road rules and P licence rules must be followed.
Driving on your own can test all the skills you learned on your L's without having the safety net of a qualified supervising driver with you.
Speeding, driving at night, or when tired or distracted are dangerous mistakes to be avoided.
Stay safe. Always wear your seatbelt and stay focused on driving.
Provisional licence laws and conditions (P1 and P2)
Provisional licences are issued subject to conditions. If you breach a condition you will lose your licence and be disqualified from driving. This is in addition to any other penalty.
The conditions are:
- You must not drive a motor vehicle with any concentration of alcohol in your blood or the presence of THC (the active component in cannabis), Methylamphetamine (also known as speed, ice or crystal meth) or MDMA (ecstasy) in your blood or oral saliva.
- You must not exceed any speed limit by 10km/h or more.
- You must not accumulate four or more demerit points during the provisional licence period.
The following laws also apply. If you breach any of these laws you may incur penalties such as fines, demerit points or loss of licence.
- You can only drive the class of vehicle stated on your licence.
- You must carry your provisional licence card, or digital licence, at all times when driving and show it to a police officer when asked.
- You must not drive a high-powered vehicle while you are under the age of 25 (unless you have an exemption certificate).
- You must not drive over 100 km/h even if the local speed limit exceeds 100 km/h.
Laws that only apply to holders of P1 provisional licences (these laws do not apply to P2) include:
- You must display the correct size 'P' plates so that they are clearly visible from the front and rear of the vehicle (rear only for motorcycles).
- You must not use any mobile phone function while driving. You can use your mobile phone to pay for goods and services while the vehicle is stationary in a road-related area. This includes using a mobile phone’s Apple Wallet or similar Android App to make electronic payments at a drive-thru outlet or car park, or the use of QR codes or vouchers for similar purposes. Drivers may also show identification on their mobile phone (for example a digital driver’s licence), where they are required to do so, or where the phone is required for entering or leaving a road-related area.
- If you are under the age of 25 years, you must not drive:
- between midnight and 5am, or
- with more than one passenger aged 16 to 20 years (excluding immediate family members)
- unless a Qualified Supervising Driver is seated next to you or you meet the exemption criteria.
Breaking the rules
If you are disqualified from driving you will need to re-apply for your provisional licence. If you are returning at the P1 stage, you will need to hold your new provisional licence for three years (one year on P1 and two years on P2). If you are returning at the P2 stage you will need to hold it for two years.
Safer Driver Agreements
If your licence is disqualified you may be able to elect to enter into a Safer Driver Agreement instead of serving the six month disqualification period. The Safer Driver Agreement will apply for the duration of your provisional licence.
If you breach the Safer Driver Agreement you will be disqualified for twice the period of your original disqualification (12 months). You must sit out the disqualification. No further Safer Driver Agreements or appeals will be available to you.
A Safer Driver Agreement will not be available:
- If you commit one of the serious disqualification offences listed below, or
- you have either successfully appealed a disqualification or previously entered into a Safer Driver Agreement within the last five years.
Serious disqualification offences
- Criminal driving offences e.g. causing death by dangerous driving.
- An offence that incurs four or more demerit points.
- A second speeding offence that incurs three or more demerit points.
- A red light offence and a speeding offence from the same incident.
- Any offence committed by a person previously disqualified from driving.
Find out more about driving laws, offences and penalties
A Provisional 1 or learner driver is permitted to use a Navigational System (GPS), provided:
- It is an original component of the vehicle being driven and has been built as part of the vehicle design; or
- It is a standalone GPS that is secured in a mounting unit that has been commercially designed for the purpose of holding a GPS and is affixed to the vehicle as per the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the mounting unit.
If the navigational system does not meet either of these requirements then it cannot be used whilst driving.
High powered vehicle restrictions apply:
- if you are a provisional licence holder under the age of 25
Read more on the rules, definitions and exemptions for high powered vehicles.
Learner’s permit holders can learn to drive in a High-powered Vehicle because they are required to be supervised by a Qualified Supervising Driver at all times.
Also, if you are under 25 and hold a full licence the high powered vehicle restrictions do not apply.
If you're driving with a P1 provisional licence you need P-plates on the vehicle so other drivers know you're an inexperienced driver. P-plates must meet these requirements:
- The minimum size is shown in the diagram below. P-plates must have the letter P printed in red on a white background.
- P-plates must be clearly visible from the front and rear of the vehicle (rear only for motor bikes).
Other styles of plates are not acceptable in South Australia. Buy your P-plates at Service SA customer service centres, at Service SA's online shop or retail outlets.
Heads up!
Penalties apply for not displaying P-plates.
Please note, it is an offence to drive a vehicle with P-plates displayed unless you are the holder of a provisional licence; or a probationary licence issued subject to alcohol interlock scheme conditions.
Your P1 licence will automatically be upgraded to a P2 licence when:
- you are at least 18 years of age; and
- you have held a P1 licence for a minimum of twelve months.
Heads up!
Provisional licences must be held for three years instead of two (one year on P1 and two years on a P2 licence). Read more about the rules to protect P-platers.
