QLD Drivers Licence: Complete Guide to Getting, Upgrading, and Using Your Queensland Licence
A Queensland driver’s licence is the official document that authorises you to drive on roads in the state. It is issued by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), the government agency responsible for all licensing products and transport services in Queensland.
This article covers everything you need to know about how to get, upgrade, protect, and use your QLD drivers licence in 2024 and beyond. You’ll find information on eligibility requirements, tests, fees, and the steps to progress through each stage.
Learner licence – The starting point for most new drivers, available from age 16
P1 (Provisional 1) – Red P plates, typically held for at least 12 months
P2 (Provisional 2) – Green P plates, the next step before full licensing
Open licence – Full driving privileges with no P plate requirements
The rules in this guide mainly apply to driving in Queensland, but later sections address how your licence works interstate and overseas.
How do I get a Queensland driver’s licence?
Queensland uses a graduated licensing system designed to help new drivers build experience progressively. From the time you first get a learner’s licence to holding a full open licence, the process typically takes around 4 years for drivers who start at age 16.
The three main stages before an open licence are:
Learner licence – You can apply from age 16 and must drive under supervision
P1 licence (red Ps) – Your first unsupervised licence after passing the practical driving test
P2 licence (green Ps) – The intermediate stage with fewer restrictions than P1
Open licence – Full driving privileges, available once you meet age and time requirements
Most applicants begin at 16 with a learner’s licence and progress through each stage based on their age, driving history, and whether they meet all conditions. The following sections break down exactly what you need at each step.
Getting your learner’s licence in Queensland
To apply for a QLD learner licence (Class C for cars), you must meet specific requirements set by TMR.
You must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a learner’s licence
You need to pass the written Road Rules Test, which is based on the official handbook “Your Keys to Driving in Queensland.”
The road rules test can be completed online or at a TMR customer service centre
You must provide evidence of identity, such as a birth certificate, passport, or Medicare card
You’ll need to pay the learner licence fee and test fees—check the TMR website for current amounts
Learner drivers under 25 must complete 100 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours at night
Driving hours must be recorded in an approved logbook or app
When driving, you must display L plates clearly on the front and rear of the vehicle
You can only drive under the supervision of a fully licensed driver who has held an open licence for at least 2 years
Learner-specific conditions apply, including zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC), speed limits, and no mobile phone use while driving
Getting your P1 or P2 probationary licence
After meeting all learner requirements and passing your practical driving test, you can progress to a probationary licence. Whether you receive a P1 or P2 depends on your age at the time.
Drivers under 25 generally move to a P1 (red Ps) first
Drivers aged 25 and over typically progress directly to a P2 (green Ps) licence
Both P1 and P2 licence holders can drive unsupervised
P1 and P2 drivers must obey specific restrictions, including:
Zero blood alcohol concentration (0.00 BAC)
Mobile phone bans (including hands-free for P1)
Peer passenger limits during late-night hours for P1
A P1 licence must be held for at least 12 months before you can progress to P2
You cannot have serious offences or suspensions during this time
Both P1 and P2 drivers must display the correct coloured P plates on the front and rear of the vehicle, visible from at least 20 metres
Aged over 25 progressing to a P2 licence (green Ps)
If you’re 25 years or older when you become eligible to progress from your learner licence, you can bypass the P1 stage entirely.
Learners aged 25+ move directly from a learner licence to a P2 licence after passing the practical test
You still need to meet all learner requirements, including the road rules test, supervised driving, and practical test
Logbook expectations may differ for older learners under current TMR rules—check the latest requirements
P2 restrictions still apply, including zero BAC and mobile phone limits
However, some P1-specific conditions (such as late-night passenger restrictions) do not apply to P2
This pathway shortens the time to an open licence for drivers 25 and over
You must maintain a clean driving record to progress smoothly
Getting your open Queensland driver’s licence
An open licence gives you full driving privileges without the restrictions of P plates. Here’s what you need to know about becoming eligible.
You may apply for an open licence once you’ve held your P1 and/or P2 licence for the required minimum periods
You must be at least 20 years of age to hold an open licence
Under current rules, you do not need to pass a separate Hazard Perception Test to move from a P licence to an open Class C licence in Queensland
Your open licence will display your licence class (e.g., C for car, LR/MR/HR for heavy vehicles) and expiry date
You can choose different licence terms when renewing—typically 1, 3, or 5 years—and pay the relevant fee
If you want to drive a higher vehicle class later, you can book a practical driving test, and TMR will update your licence once you pass
Consider professional driving lessons or training with accredited instructors if you’re anxious about tests or upgrading to a new class
Upgrading a QLD driver licence to other vehicle classes
Many drivers choose to upgrade from a standard car licence to drive heavier vehicles (LR, MR, HR, HC, MC) or motorcycles in Queensland. Each higher class has its own requirements.
Each vehicle class has minimum experience, medical, and test requirements set by TMR
These requirements can change over time, so always check the latest information before applying
You must hold a lower class for a specified period before upgrading (e.g., holding a Class C car licence for a minimum time before applying for a heavy vehicle class)
Upgrading usually involves passing a practical driving test in the relevant type of vehicle
Heavy vehicle upgrades often require training with a registered provider
Find the current class-by-class requirements on the official TMR website before booking any upgrade tests
Evidence of identity for a Queensland driver’s licence
TMR requires you to prove your identity whenever you apply for a new, replacement, or upgraded QLD licence. Getting your documents right the first time saves delays.
You must provide a combination of primary and secondary documents to meet TMR’s identity requirements
Common primary documents include an Australian birth certificate or an Australian passport
Secondary documents may include a Medicare card, a bank card, or a utility bill
If your current legal name differs from the name on your primary documents, you’ll need to provide name-change documents (e.g., marriage certificate, change of name certificate)
Original documents are generally required for in-person applications at a customer service centre
Photocopies are not accepted unless certified according to TMR rules
Make sure all documents are current, legible, and match exactly across all forms to prevent delays or refusals
Protecting your identity and licence information
Your QLD driver’s licence is commonly used as proof of identity, making it a target for fraud. Taking steps to protect your details is essential.
If your licence is lost, stolen, or you suspect it has been compromised, report it to TMR immediately
Consider contacting the police and identity protection services such as IDCARE
TMR can cancel and reissue your licence card and may flag your records to reduce the risk of fraudulent use
Keep your physical licence in a secure place at all times
Avoid sharing photos of your licence online or providing details to untrusted organisations
Queensland licence cards include visual and electronic security features designed to detect tampering and reduce identity theft
QLD driver licence fees and costs
Licence fees in Queensland change periodically, so you should always confirm the current prices on the official TMR website before applying.
Learner licence fee – Covers the issue of your learner licence card
Road rules test fee – Paid when you sit the written knowledge test
Practical driving test fee – Paid when you book your practical driving assessment
P1/P2 licence issue fee – Covers the issue of your probationary licence
Open licence renewal fees – Vary depending on term (1-year, 3-year, 5-year)
Replacement card fee – If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged
Additional costs may include logbook apps, professional driving lessons, heavy vehicle training, and medical assessments where required
Some concession card holders may be eligible for reduced fees—check TMR policy at the time of application
Security features of Queensland licence cards
Modern Queensland driver licence cards include advanced anti-fraud and anti-tamper technology to protect your identity.
Cards feature visual security elements such as holograms, micro-printing, and complex background images
These features help businesses, venues, and authorities verify that a licence is genuine
The licence number, card number, and expiry details are encoded for electronic validation
Encoding makes counterfeiting significantly harder
TMR regularly reviews and updates security features to respond to new identity theft methods
Multiple layers of protection exist to safeguard your personal information
Queensland Digital Licence app
The Queensland Digital Licence app is available to eligible licence holders, allowing you to store and present a digital version of your driver’s licence on a smartphone.
More than a million Queenslanders already use the digital licence app
The app supports multiple credentials, including driver licences, marine licences, and some industry authorities
Security features include multi-factor authentication, device security, encryption, and a 6-digit PIN
Common uses of the app include:
Proving identity and authority to drive
Verifying your digital licence at venues or roadside checks
Renewing vehicle registrations
Paying fines
Locating TMR Customer Service Centres
Keep your physical licence if required by law or when digital licences are not yet accepted (e.g., some interstate or overseas locations)
First aid training for Queensland drivers
While not mandatory for obtaining a QLD licence, first aid training is strongly recommended for all drivers. Knowing how to respond in an emergency can save lives.
Accredited first aid courses teach how to respond to common road crash injuries such as bleeding, fractures, spinal injuries, and shock
Training typically includes CPR, use of an AED (automated external defibrillator), and safe management of unconscious casualties at the roadside
First aid skills can improve survival outcomes for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users
Courses are available from nationally recognised training providers across Queensland
Many employers and insurance providers view first aid certification as a valuable credential
Organ and tissue donation for Queensland licence holders
Queenslanders can register as organ and tissue donors through the Australian Organ Donor Register. This is a separate process from your driver’s licence application.
Online registration typically takes about one minute
Registering allows you to make a legally recognised decision about donation after death
Becoming a donor can help save or significantly improve the lives of Australians waiting for transplants
Share your donation decision with family members so your wishes can be respected if the situation arises
Registration is voluntary and can be updated at any time
Surrendering a Queensland driver’s licence
Drivers may voluntarily surrender their QLD licence at any time, or be required to do so for medical, legal, or personal reasons.
Surrendering your licence affects your legal ability to drive in Queensland
It can also impact your ability to use the licence as proof of identity
The process is managed by TMR and typically involves:
Completing a specific form
Providing identification
Returning the physical licence card at a customer service centre or by post
If you surrender your licence for medical reasons, you may need clearance from a doctor and TMR approval to reapply later
Seek professional legal or medical advice if you’re unsure whether you should surrender or retain your licence
Queensland photo identification card (non-driver ID)
Queensland offers an official photo identification card for people aged 15 and over who need proof of age and identity but do not hold a driver’s licence.
This card is particularly useful for residents without a driver’s licence or an Australian passport
It can be used to prove identity when accessing services or entering licensed venues
Applications require similar identity documents to those for a driver’s licence, plus a fee
Applications must be lodged at a TMR customer service centre
Holding a photo identification card does not give any authority to drive—it is purely for proof of identity and age
Driving with a Queensland licence interstate or overseas
A valid QLD licence is generally recognised across Australia, but drivers must follow local road rules and conditions in each state or territory.
Before driving interstate or overseas, check with the relevant transport authority to confirm licensing requirements
Some states or countries may have time limits on how long you can drive on an interstate or foreign licence
Many overseas countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your Queensland licence, especially where English is not the primary language
Always carry your physical licence card when driving overseas, even if you use the digital licence app in Queensland
Research local road rules and driving conditions before you travel to avoid fines or legal issues
Release of QLD driver licence and traffic history information
TMR keeps records of each driver’s licence status, classes, and traffic history. Some of this information can be requested by the licence holder for various purposes.
Drivers can apply for copies of their licence details, traffic history, and some industry authority records
Common reasons for requesting records include employment checks, court matters, or personal review
Applications usually require:
Proof of identity
Completion of a specific TMR form
Payment of a set fee for each type of record
TMR controls how and when personal information is released to third parties, in line with privacy and transport legislation
Find the relevant forms and current fees on the official TMR website
Whether you’re just starting out with a learner licence, progressing through P1 and P2, or upgrading to drive different licences and vehicle classes, understanding Queensland’s graduated licensing system helps you move forward with confidence. Requirements, fees, and conditions can change, so always check the latest information on the official Department of Transport and Main Roads website before applying, renewing, or booking any tests.
Ready to take the next step? Visit the TMR website to find your nearest customer service centre, download the digital licence app, or book your practical driving test today.