My car licence
Driving is one of the riskiest daily activities that you'll do. Learn how to prepare yourself and your vehicle.
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.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
Compared to driving other road vehicles, riding a motorcycle places riders at a much higher risk. In a crash, the chances of getting 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
All motor bike riders and any pillion or sidecar passengers must 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
All motor bike riders must know 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
Heavy vehicles include the trucks, road trains and B-doubles that transport goods. It also covers buses, trams, tankers, grain and delivery trucks, livestock transporters, agricultural machinery and other vehicles that are long, and possibly slow-moving. Learn how to upgrade 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
Learn how to get your HR or HC class licence.Multi-combination
Find out how to upgrade to an MC class licence.MC licence program
Another way for HR and HC licence holders to get an MC licence if they don't meet the minimum driving experience.Overseas licence holders
See how you can get an MC licence if you have an overseas heavy vehicle licence.Heavy vehicle driver's handbook
This important guide details what you need to know to operate a heavy vehicle safely in South Australia.Operating a heavy vehicle
Explore more about operating heavy vehicles on SA.GOV.AU.Safe driving tips
Heavy vehicles are a safety issue because of the distances travelled, their mass and rigidity.South Eastern Freeway
This freeway's long, steep descent makes it one of the most difficult routes into Adelaide. Watch our video before you drive a heavy vehicle down the South Eastern Freeway.The Driver's Handbook
The Driver's Handbook is the road rules handbook for all South Australian drivers.Road rules
Find out if your knowledge of basic road rules are up to date.Resources
Get more resources to help you be a safer heavy vehicle driver.My ultra high powered vehicle licence
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). A UHPV is a vehicle with a gross vehicle mass not greater than 4.5 tonnes (excluding a bus, motor bike or motor trike) with a power-to-weight ratio equal to or greater than 276 kilowatts per tonne.
Vehicles classified as UHPV
Find out what vehicles are classified as ultra high powered vehicles.Applying for a U class licence
Find out how to get a U class licence.U class licence online training
Anyone who wants to to drive an UHPV (including existing owners or drivers of UHPVs) must take this training to get a U class licence.UHPV offences
It is an offence to drive an UHPV if your automatic vehicle intervention system is disabled.Parents and supervisors
Supervising a learner driver can be challenging, but 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
What you need to know and understand before you supervise a learner driver.Solo driving
Practising 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 helping a learner driver.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 that result in injuries and fatalities each year.
Road rules videos
Watch our videos about several 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.Personal mobility devices
Rules for riding a personal mobility device that is propelled with an electric motor.The Driver's Handbook
The Driver's Handbook is the road rules handbook for all SA drivers, including learners.Offences and penalties
Know the legislation on road rules and most driving offences.Road rule amendments
See recent South Australian road rule amendments.25 km/h emergency services speed limit
Drivers must travel at 25 km/h when driving through an emergency service speed zone. This law came into effect in 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
Find resources about 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
When you drive past a cyclists, you must give at least 1 metre of space where the speed limit is 60 km/h or less, or 1.5 metres where the speed limit is over 60 km/h. All cyclists can ride on footpaths.Cyclist road rules and safety
When you ride a bike, you need to know about bells, lights, helmets, riding abreast, bicycle lanes, give-way rules and more. Find rules, laws and safety tips for cycling in South Australia.Safe driving tips
Driving involves risk, so safe drivers aim to reduce their risk.
School safety
Learn about road rules and safety tips for driving to and from or near 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 a major factor in causing road crashes.Mobile phones
Using a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of crashing by at least 4 times.Dangerous behaviours
Inattention is an issue in both rural and metropolitan areas.Know when to cross the line
A level crossing is where the road crosses a rail or tram line. Taking risks around trains and trams is very hazardous.Safer vehicles
Buying a car is a big responsibility, whether it's for you or your child.Country driving
Before you drive in the countr, 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
Slow down and be careful if you see flashing amber hazard lights on the side of the road.Yellow Ribbon Week
South Australia supports 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 4 times.Driving at night
Driving at night is dangerous and requires more skills and concentration.High powered vehicles
Provisional licence holders under 25 years 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 will reduce their risk substantial crashes.Resources
Resources about being a safer driver.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
When driving past a cyclist, you must give at least 1 metre of space where the speed limit is 60 km/h or less, or 1.5 metres where the speed limit is over 60 km/h. All cyclists can ride on footpaths.Cyclist road rules and safety
When you ride a bike, you need to know about bells, lights, helmets, riding abreast, bicycle lanes, give-way rules and more. See the rules, laws and safety tips for cycling.Visitors to South Australia
Driving involves risk, so safe drivers aim to reduce their risk.
International drivers
If you are visiting South Australia – welcome! We want you to enjoy your stay but, more importantly, we want you to stay safe. Get tips and rules for driving in South Australia.Licence requirements for visitors
Learn about using an interstate or overseas driver’s licence in South Australia and how to apply for a driver’s licence.The Driver's Handbook
The Driver's Handbook contains the road rules for all drivers in South Australia, including learner drivers.Safe driving tips
School safety
Learn about road rules and safety tips to keep children safe around schools.
Before and after school drop-offs are a busy time on the roads. There are many children walking, riding and using public transport to get to school. Because young children are particularly vulnerable, we must be alert and careful around schools.
Here are some tips on the road rules that apply if you are heading to school or driving near schools.
School speed limits
25 km/h school zones
25 km/h speed limits apply:
- within school zones
- at children's crossings when the lights are flashing
- when passing a school bus that has stopped to pick up or drop off children.
School zones are signed, and zigzag lines are marked on the road where feasible. This indicates you are approaching a school zone.
40 km/h school speed limits
On school days, 40 km/h time-of-day speed limits apply at school drop-off and pick-up times from:
- 8:00 am to 9:30 am
- 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Signage on the road will indicate:
- you are approaching a 40 km/h school speed limit area
- where the 40 km/h speed limit applies.
40 km/h school speed limits do not replace 25 km/h school zones.
Learn more
Get more information on the Speed Limits web page.
Stay safe around trains and trams
Before you cross the line, always:
- use pedestrian crossings at train and tram stations
- wait until the crossing lights, and bells stop and the boom gates go up
- look both ways and wait until you can see that the tracks are clear in both directions.
Be aware, alert and careful near crossings:
- Take your headphones out.
- Don't use your mobile phone.
Passenger restrictions for P1 licence holders
If you are driving to school, remember that passenger restrictions apply to P1 Licence holders under 25 years old. This means you can only carry one friend aged 16 to 20 years. However, immediate family members are exempt, so you can take a brother or sister.
This law applies at any time of day or night, unless either:
- a qualified supervising driver is seated next to you
- you meet the exemption criteria.
Get more information from the Passenger restrictions web page.
Child restraints
When travelling in a motor vehicle in South Australia, all children under 16 years old must be in a restraint that is:
- suitable and approved
- properly adjusted and fastened.
The law is specific about:
- what type of restraint is to be used at different ages
- where children must be seated in a vehicle.
The aim of these laws is to reduce the risk of injury caused by restraints that are unsuitable for a child's size.
The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers are correctly restrained.
Get more information on the Seatbelts and Child Restraints web page.
