How to get a driver license in Northern Territory (NT)?

Obtaining a driver license in Northern Territory (NT):

Studying the driver license in Northern Territory (NT) Road Users Handbook and taking a practice theory test enrolling in the DriveSafe NT program.

In Northern Territory, you need to hold learner licences for a minimum of six months. It varies in other states and territories. For example, in NSW, you need to hold your learner licences for at least 12 months. Other thing may vary is the log book. In NT, learners logbook is optional whereas in NSW it is mandatory for under 25 years old.

Therefore, if you are a Northern Territory (NT) resident and you're at least 16 years old, you can apply for a driver licence.

To apply for a driver licence, you must also be a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) customer. To become a customer, you must go to an MVR office with evidence of your identity and NT residency.

Provisional licence period:

The period of your provisional licence depends on your age:

• if you're under 25 - you will receive a two-year provisional licence
• if you're 25 and over - you will receive a one-year provisional licence.

How to book:

If you're not enrolled in DriveSafe NT, you will need to pay them a practical driving test fee.

You may need to book your driving test through the Authorised driving examiners who are approved through the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.

Recording the test:

During the test, a camera will be used to record:

• the road environment in front of the car
• you and your driving examiner inside the vehicle.

To ensure that driving tests are conducted to the required standard, the authorised driving examiner must record all driving tests. Your driving examiner is required to hold on to the recording for up to 6 months following your driving test.

After you've studied the NT Road Users' Handbook or attended all your DriveSafe NT theory classes, you can take the driver knowledge test (theory test).

Prepare for the test



Before you take the theory test, you can do any or all of the below:

• take the practice driver knowledge test for learner drivers
• review the driver knowledge questions for learner drivers PDF (3.6 MB).

About the theory test

The test has 30 multiple choice questions about the road rules in the NT. The questions are selected at random from a pool of more than 300 questions.

You must get at least 26 out of 30 questions correct to pass.

If you’re not confident with your reading or writing, or have difficulty understanding English, you can request the below at some MVR offices:

• a verbal theory test or
• an interpreter.

If you want an interpreter or a verbal theory test, you must call MVR on 1300 654 628 or attend an MVR office and:

• check if verbal theory test or an interpreter is available in your area
• book the test
• pay the theory test fee before you can sit it.

How to take a test

To take a test, go to an MVR office and submit all of the following:

• a completed L1 apply for an NT driver licence form PDF (202.4 KB)
• evidence of your identity and residency - if you’re not an MVR customer yet.

You must also pay the theory test fee. If you’re a DriveSafe NT participant, you don't have to pay.

If you pass and don't want to immediately apply for your licence, the result will remain valid for 12 months.

After the theory test

After you pass the theory test, you must:

• pass an eye test at an MVR office
• you can also provide a recent eye examination from your doctor or optometrist instead
• pay the learner licence fee
• if you’re a DriveSafe NT participant, you don't have to pay the first time you get your learner licence.

Renew your learner driver licence

If your learner licence is about to expire, you can renew it six weeks before it is due to expire.

To renew your learner licence, you need to redo the following:

• pass the theory test
• pay the learner licence fee.

By doing so, you will avoid breaking the six month period needed to take your practical test.

If you reapply for the licence after your learner licence expires, you must hold it for six months from the date it is reissued before you can take your practical test.

Receiving your licence

When your learner licence is ready, it will be mailed to the address shown on your driver licence receipt. If the address is not correct, you must contact MVR.

You must allow standard mail delivery times for your area.

Interstate Transfer:

If you've moved to NSW from another Australian state or territory, you can only drive in NSW on an interstate licence for 3 months. After that period you'll need to visit a service centre and apply to transfer your licence to a NSW driver licence.

Best Quality Driving School helps you convert interstate licences. We also assist you for your driving tests in NSW if you may require.

Here are the places where you can apply for a driving licence in the Northern Territory, Australia:

• Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) office: You can apply for a driving licence at any MVR office in the Northern Territory.
• Northern Territory, Australia MVR office
• Online: You can also apply for a driving licence online through the MVR website.
• By mail: You can also apply for a driving licence by mail by sending the completed application form and the required documentation to the MVR.

Here are the required documentation for applying for a driving licence in the Northern Territory:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of residency
• Proof of age
• Proof of knowledge of the road rules
• Proof of eyesight

Here are the steps on how to apply for a driving licence in the Northern Territory:

1. Check the eligibility requirements. You can find the eligibility requirements for a driving licence in the Northern Territory on the MVR website.
2. Gather the required documentation. You can find a list of the required documentation on the MVR website.
3. Complete the application form. You can download the application form from the MVR website.
4. Submit the application form and the required documentation. You can submit the application form and the required documentation in person at an MVR office, by mail, or online.
5. Pay the application fee. You can pay the application fee in person at an MVR office, by mail, or online.
6. Wait for your driving licence to be processed. The processing time for a driving licence in the Northern Territory is usually 2-4 weeks.
7. Collect your driving licence. Once your driving licence has been processed, you can collect it from an MVR office.

If you would like have professional advice regarding how to get a driver license in Northern Territory (NT), try our online driving school platform 'Driving Test Pro