Schedule 7 shows that the notation “A” indicates the condition that the holder of the driver’s licence may drive as authorised if and only if the motor vehicle driven is fitted with automatic transmission; so that condition may be referred to as condition A.
(4) Notation “A” or “B” does not apply to a vehicle of class R or C unless the licence document indicates that the notation applies to that class of vehicle.
(5) Notation “A” or “B” applies to each vehicle of any class other than class R or C that the licence authorises to be driven unless the document separately refers to that class of vehicle without indicating that the notation applies.
35. Effect of breaching condition
(1) The authorisation that a driver’s licence gives to drive a motor vehicle does not apply while the vehicle is being driven in contravention of a condition of the licence described in Schedule 7 column 2 but continues to apply while the vehicle is being driven in contravention of any other condition.
(2) The holder of a driver’s licence to which a condition applies must not contravene the condition.
Penalty for this subregulation:
(a) for a first offence, a fine of 6 PU;
(b) for a subsequent offence, a fine of 12 PU.
(3) Subregulation (2) does not apply to a condition described in Schedule 7 column 2.
[Regulation 35 amended: Gazette 19 Aug 2016 p. 3573; 26 May 2017 p. 2639.]
36. Form and display of P plates
(1) The holder of a provisional licence who drives a motor vehicle on a road must display on the vehicle 2 plates conforming with subregulations (3) and (4), one of which is readily visible from the front of the vehicle and the other of which is readily visible from the rear of the vehicle.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of 3 PU.
(2) Subregulation (1) does not apply if the licence holder is a police officer driving in the course of duty.
(3) Each plate must bear the letter “P” —
(a) if the driver is a novice driver (type 1A), in white on a red background; or
(b) in any other case, in white on a green background.
(4) Each plate and the letter “P” on it must be at least of the size described in the diagram below.
(5) The CEO must issue, free of charge, plates conforming with subregulations (3) and (4).
(6) A person who is not the holder of a provisional licence must not drive a motor vehicle on a road while a plate conforming with subregulations (3) and (4) is displayed on the vehicle.
[Regulation 36 amended: Gazette 19 Aug 2016 p. 3574‑5.]
37. Duration of driver’s licence
(1) This regulation other than subregulation (4) applies to the grant of a driver’s licence whether or not it is by way of renewal.
(2) The period for which the CEO grants a driver’s licence must be fixed in the licence and unless this regulation states otherwise it must be one year or 5 years, as the applicant for the driver’s licence chooses.
(3) If the CEO grants a driver’s licence as a provisional licence, the CEO must fix the period for which the driver’s licence is granted as one year.
(4) If the CEO grants a driver’s licence to an applicant who relinquishes another jurisdiction’s driving authorisation to obtain the driver’s licence, unless a lesser period is fixed under subregulation (5) or (6) the CEO must fix the period for which the driver’s licence is granted so that it would expire when the authorisation relinquished was due to expire except that, if to do so would result in a period of more than 5 years, the period must be 5 years.
(5) If the CEO grants a driver’s licence with a condition that is imposed on grounds having regard to which the licence should be for a period that is less than 5 years, the CEO must fix that period as the period for which the driver’s licence is granted.
(6) If the CEO grants a driver’s licence to a person who has reached 79 years of age, the maximum period for which the licence may be granted is one year and, if the person has not reached that age but has reached 76 years of age, the CEO may fix a period of less than 5 years as the period for which the driver’s licence is granted.
(7) A driver’s licence is current until the end of the period for which it is granted.
(8) To the extent that it is practicable, a driver’s licence document must show as the expiry day of the licence the last day of the period for which the driver’s licence is current.
38. Grant of driver’s licence by way of renewal
expiry day means the last day of the period for which the driver’s licence is current.
(2) The holder of a driver’s licence may, within the period of 6 months before the expiry day, apply for the CEO to grant to the holder a driver’s licence for a further period commencing from the expiry day and otherwise to the same effect as the driver’s licence that is about to expire.
(3) The application must be made to the CEO in a form approved by the CEO.
(4) The grant of a licence upon an application under this regulation may be referred to as a grant by way of renewal.
39. Renewal application made after driver’s licence expires
(1) This regulation applies if, within the period of 6 months after a driver’s licence expires, the person who held the licence applies for the CEO to grant to the person a driver’s licence substantially to the same effect as the driver’s licence that expired but for a further period.
(2) The application must be made to the CEO in a form approved by the CEO.
(3) Regulations 24(2) and 64(2) apply as if the grant of the driver’s licence were a grant by way of renewal.
(4) Subregulations (5) and (6) apply unless the person whose driver’s licence expires notifies the CEO in writing, within the period of 15 days after the expiry, that the person is aware of the expiry and does not require a further driver’s licence substantially to the same effect as the driver’s licence that expires.
(5) If this subregulation applies and the CEO grants the driver’s licence, the period for which it is granted must be fixed to end when, if the licence had been granted by way of renewal, the period for which it was granted would have ended.
(6) Even though the period fixed under subregulation (5) does not commence until the licence is granted, the fee for the licence is the fee applicable to a licence for a period of the same length as the period from the day after the previous licence expired until the day on which the licence granted expires.
40. Change of personal details
personal details, in relation to a person, means —
(a) the person’s full name;
(b) the address of where the person is currently living.
(2) A person who holds a driver’s licence must, within 21 days after each change to any of the person’s personal details that are specified in the licence document, give the CEO notice of the change and of the new personal details either in writing or in any other manner approved by the CEO.
Penalty for this subregulation:
(a) for a first offence, a fine of 4 PU;
(b) for a subsequent offence, a fine of 8 PU.
[Regulation 40 amended: Gazette 19 Aug 2016 p. 3575.]
41. CEO’s powers for suspending or cancelling driver’s licence
(1) The CEO may, by notice in writing given to the licence holder —
(a) suspend a person’s driver’s licence if the CEO has reason to suspect that there are grounds on which the CEO could, if then considering whether to grant the driver’s licence, refuse under regulation 25 to grant it; or
(b) suspend or cancel a person’s driver’s licence if —
(i) the CEO has reason to believe that there are grounds on which the CEO could, if then considering whether to grant the driver’s licence, refuse under regulation 25 to grant it; or
(ii) the CEO is no longer satisfied of each of the matters referred to in regulation 24.
(2) In order to decide whether there is a basis for suspending or cancelling a person’s driver’s licence under subregulation (1) the CEO may, by notice in writing given to the licence holder, require the person to satisfy the CEO within the period specified in the notice, being not less than 14 days, as to any matter relevant to that decision.
(3) If the person fails to satisfy the CEO within that period or within any further period that the CEO allows, the CEO may —
(a) cancel the person’s driver’s licence; or
(b) impose or vary any condition on the licence; or
(c) suspend the licence until the CEO is satisfied as to the matter.
(4) The CEO may, by notice in writing given to the licence holder, cancel or suspend a person’s driver’s licence if —
(a) the licence was granted contrary to a road law; or
(b) the person obtained the grant of the licence on the basis of incorrect or misleading information, whether or not fraud or misrepresentation was involved, by means of a form of payment that was subsequently dishonoured, or in a manner contrary to this Act; or
(c) the holder of the licence has failed to comply with any condition imposed on the licence.
(5) Cancellation or suspension of a driver’s licence under subregulation (4) does not affect the liability of the licence holder to any penalty attributable to anything referred to in subregulation (4)(b) or (c).
Part 3 — Learner drivers
42. What a learner’s permit authorises
(1) A learner’s permit may describe the driving that it authorises by referring to the classes of authorisation that a driver’s licence may give.
(2) A learner’s permit giving a particular class of authorisation authorises the holder to drive on a road, solely for the purpose of learning to drive the vehicle —
(a) a motor vehicle the class of which has the same designation as the class of authorisation; or
(b) a motor vehicle of any other class shown in Schedule 2 column 2 for that class of authorisation, other than a motor vehicle that the permit holder is already authorised to drive.
(3) The authorisation that a learner’s permit gives the holder to drive on a road ceases if the holder is granted a driver’s licence authorising the kind of driving that the holder was learning when driving under the permit.
43. Who may give driving instruction
(1) Subregulation (2) describes who may, although not holding a licence under the Motor Vehicle Drivers Instructors Act 1963, give a person who holds a learner’s permit driving instruction in the course of which the permit holder is authorised to drive a motor vehicle on a road in accordance with the permit.
(2) The driving instruction may be given by —
(a) a person who is an instructor in a youth driver education course conducted or supervised by a body authorised by the CEO for that purpose; or
(b) a person who is authorised to perform any driving of a kind for which the driving instruction is to be given and has had that authorisation for a period of, or periods adding up to —
(i) in the case of the driving of a moped, at least 2 years; or
(ii) in any other case, at least 4 years.
(3) In subregulation (2)(b) —
authorised means authorised by an Australian driver licence or a foreign driving authorisation.
44. Minimum age for learner’s permit
(1) A person who has not reached 16 years of age cannot hold a learner’s permit unless —
(a) subregulation (2) applies; or
(b) under subregulation (3), the CEO waives the requirement to have reached that age.
(2) A person who has reached 15 years and 6 months of age may hold a learner’s permit authorising the person, while learning, to drive only a moped.
(3) The CEO may in a particular case waive the requirement to have reached 16 years of age if the CEO is satisfied that denial of the permit would occasion undue hardship.
[Regulation 44 amended: Gazette 19 Oct 2018 p. 4142.]
45. Demonstrating knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving techniques
Before a person can hold a learner’s permit the person must have satisfied the CEO that the person can demonstrate the knowledge of the traffic laws of the State and of safe driving techniques that is referred to in regulation 20 unless under regulation 22(5) the CEO has waived the requirement to be able to demonstrate that knowledge.
46. Driver’s licence a prerequisite for learner’s permit for particular vehicles
(1) Before a person can hold a learner’s permit the person must have satisfied the CEO that the person meets the relevant requirements of subregulations (2) and (3) other than a requirement that the CEO has waived under subregulation (6).
(2) For a learner’s permit authorising the person, while learning, to drive a motor vehicle of a particular class specified in Schedule 8 column 1, the person must have held —
(a) a driver’s licence described for that class in column 2; or
(b) any Australian driver licence or foreign driving authorisation that was substantially equivalent to a driver’s licence described for that class in column 2.
(3) If Schedule 8 column 3 specifies a period of time, the person must have held a driver’s licence as described, or a substantially equivalent authorisation, for a period of, or periods adding up to, at least the amount of time specified in column 3.
(4) A reference in subregulation (2) or Schedule 8 column 2 to a driver’s licence authorising a person to drive a vehicle does not include a driver’s licence that authorises the person to drive the vehicle only when learning.
(5) Subregulation (1) does not apply to the granting of a learner’s permit authorising a person, while learning, to drive only a motor vehicle of class R that may be driven by the holder of a restricted motor cycle licence or moped licence.
(6) The CEO may in a particular case waive a requirement of subregulation (2) or (3) if the CEO is satisfied that denial of the permit would occasion undue hardship.
[Regulation 46 amended: Gazette 19 Oct 2018 p. 4142.]
47. Conditions on learner’s permit
instructor means the person referred to in section 10(2) who is giving the driving instruction in the course of which the learner’s permit authorises driving;
learner means the holder of the learner’s permit concerned.
(2) This regulation specifies conditions that apply to every learner’s permit and are in addition to any other condition.
(3) Whenever the learner drives on a road a motor vehicle to which a learner’s permit applies —
(a) the learner must be accompanied by the instructor; and
(b) the speed of the motor vehicle must not exceed 100 km/h at any time.
48. Effect of breaching condition
(1) The authorisation that a learner’s permit gives to drive a motor vehicle does not apply while the vehicle is being driven in contravention of the condition specified in regulation 47(3)(a) but continues to apply while the vehicle is being driven in contravention of any other condition.
(2) The holder of a learner’s permit must not contravene the condition specified in regulation 47(3)(b) or any other condition.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of 4 PU.
(3) Subregulation (2) does not apply to the condition specified in regulation 47(3)(a).
[Regulation 48 amended: Gazette 19 Aug 2016 p. 3574‑5.]
49. Form and display of L plates
(1) A person who drives a motor vehicle on a road while learning to drive, whether as authorised by a learner’s permit or because of regulation 56(1) or (2), must display on the vehicle 2 plates (L plates) conforming with subregulation (2), one of which is readily visible from the front of the vehicle and the other of which is readily visible from the rear of the vehicle.
(2) Each L plate must measure not less than 150 mm by 150 mm and bear a black letter “L” clearly marked on a yellow background.
(3) The person in charge of a motor vehicle that another person drives on a road while learning to drive must ensure that L plates are displayed as required by subregulation (1).
(4) A person must not drive on a road a motor vehicle displaying an L plate unless —
(a) the person is driving while learning, as authorised by a learner’s permit or because of regulation 56(1) or (2); or
(b) a person who is authorised as described in paragraph (a) (the learner) is sitting beside the driver and the driver is authorised to give, and is driving in the course of giving, driving instruction to the learner.
[Regulation 49 amended: Gazette 19 Aug 2016 p. 3574‑5.]
50. Applying for learner’s permit
(1) An application for a learner’s permit may be made to the CEO in a form approved by the CEO.
(2) The application must give details of the authorisation sought, the applicant’s identity, and other matters that are relevant to dealing with the application.
51. Issue and form of learner’s permit document
(1) The CEO must issue a permit document to the holder of a learner’s permit as evidence of the authorisation given by the permit.
(2) The document must be in a form that the CEO considers suitable.
(3) The document may consist of 2 or more components, which together constitute the permit document.
52. Replacing learner’s permit document
(1) If a learner’s permit document is lost, stolen, destroyed or there is any other good reason for it to be replaced, the CEO must issue a replacement permit document to the permit holder, on the permit holder’s request and payment of the fee payable under Part 7.
(2) The CEO may require that, before the document is issued, the permit holder provide proof, to the CEO’s satisfaction, of the permit holder’s identity.
(3) A document issued under this regulation becomes the permit document.
53. CEO’s powers for suspending learner’s permit
The CEO may suspend a learner’s permit by notice in writing given to the permit holder.
Part 3A — Loss of authorisation to drive
[Heading inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3970.]
53A. Terms used
(1) In this Part —
prescribed offence means an offence under RTA section 63, 64, 64AB, 64B(3), 67, 67AA or 67AD(4) or (6).
(2) In this Part, a reference to a driver’s licence —
(a) does not include a provisional licence; but
(b) includes an extraordinary licence or any other driver’s licence, in either case whether or not the licence is suspended.
[Regulation 53A inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3970; amended: SL 2021/59 r. 5.]
53B. Effect of disqualification: cancellation
If the holder of a driver’s licence or learner’s permit is disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence by order of a court on being convicted of an offence (the present offence), the licence or permit is by force of this regulation cancelled —
(a) if the present offence is a prescribed offence, other than an offence under RTA section 64 and the holder has previously been convicted of a prescribed offence; or
(b) if the present offence is an offence under RTA section 64 and the holder has previously been convicted of a prescribed offence within the period of 5 years preceding the holder’s conviction for the present offence; or
(c) if the present offence is an alcohol interlock offence.
[Regulation 53B inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3970.]
53C. Effect of disqualification: suspension
(1) Subregulation (2) applies if the holder of a driver’s licence or learner’s permit is disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence —
(a) by order of a court on being convicted of an offence, unless the licence or permit is cancelled by force of regulation 53B in consequence of the conviction; or
(b) by operation of the Act; or
(c) by a licence suspension order made under the Fines, Penalties and Infringement Notices Enforcement Act 1994.
(2) If this subregulation applies, the licence or permit is by force of this regulation suspended so long as the disqualification continues in force.
[Regulation 53C inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3970‑1.]
Part 4 — Other matters about driver authorisations
53D. Disclosure of identifying information to prescribed persons
For the purposes of the definition of prescribed person in section 11C(1), the persons are —
(a) the Secretary of the Attorney‑General’s Department of the Commonwealth; and
(b) an APS employee, as defined in the Public Service Act 1999 (Commonwealth) section 7, in the Attorney‑General’s Department of the Commonwealth nominated by the Secretary of the Attorney‑General’s Department of the Commonwealth to the CEO.
[Regulation 53D inserted: SL 2022/148 r. 4; amended: SL 2023/166 r. 6.]
54. Disclosure of photographs
For the definition of law enforcement official in section 11E(1), the persons and classes of persons are these —
(a) the Commissioner, as defined in the Australian Federal Police Act 1979 (Commonwealth) section 4(1);
(aa) the Australian Border Force Commissioner appointed under the Australian Border Force Act 2015 (Commonwealth) section 11(1);
(b) the Commissioner, as defined in the Corruption, Crime and Misconduct Act 2003 section 3(1);
(ca) the Public Sector Commissioner, but only when the Public Sector Commissioner is performing functions under the Corruption, Crime and Misconduct Act 2003;
(c) the Commissioner (however designated) of the police force of another State or of the Northern Territory.
[(d)-(h) deleted]
[Regulation 54 amended: Gazette 26 Jun 2015 p. 2275; 29 Mar 2019 p. 975‑6; SL 2022/148 r. 5.]
55. Certain motor vehicles may be driven without licence
(1) A person may drive on a road a motor vehicle referred to in subregulation (2) even though the person is not authorised to do so other than by this regulation.
(2) The motor vehicles that this regulation authorises a person to drive on a road are these —
(a) a motor vehicle used only on a railway or tramway;
(b) a motor vehicle designed to be controlled by a person walking next to it;
(c) a motor vehicle propelled by a motor having a maximum power output not exceeding 200 W;
(d) a power assisted pedal cycle;
(e) a motorised wheelchair that cannot travel at a speed above 10 km/h;
(f) a motor vehicle used for the purpose of road maintenance or road construction if it is —
(i) situated between traffic signs on a road maintenance or road construction site; and
(ii) operated for, by, or under the control of, a government department, government instrumentality, statutory authority or local government; and
(iii) fitted with a light displaying intermittent yellow flashes (or flashes of another colour or colours approved by the CEO);
(g) an electric personal transporter that cannot travel at a speed exceeding 10 km/h, used only in an electric personal transporter use area;
(h) an electric rideable device.
[Regulation 55 amended: SL 2021/199 r. 5.]
56. Australian driver licence may authorise learning to drive
(1) An Australian driver licence that authorises certain driving on a road in this State on condition A, condition B or condition E also authorises that driving when the condition is not complied with but only to the extent that the driving would be authorised if the licence holder held the appropriate learner’s permit.
(2) A driver’s licence described in Schedule 8 column 2, or a substantially equivalent Australian driver licence, also authorises the licence holder to drive a motor vehicle of the class specified for that kind of licence in Schedule 8 column 1 but only to the extent that the driving would be authorised if the licence holder held the appropriate learner’s permit.
(3) If Schedule 8 column 3 specifies a period of time, subregulation (2) does not apply unless the person has held the driver’s licence, or a substantially equivalent authorisation, for a period of, or periods adding up to, at least the amount of time specified in column 3.
(4) Without affecting any other limitation on the driving for the purposes of learning that is authorised because of subregulation (1) or (2) —
(a) the driving can only be in the course of instruction by a person referred to in section 10(2); and
(b) each condition in regulation 47 applies as if the licence were a learner’s permit.
57. CEO may permit certain driving without licence
(1) If, in a particular case, there are exceptional circumstances because of which it would be in the public interest for a person to drive a motor vehicle on a road even though not otherwise authorised by law to do so, the CEO may permit that driving and may make that permit subject to conditions.
(2) The permit and the conditions are to be in writing given to the person permitted to drive.
(3) Without limiting the other circumstances in which the CEO may give a permit under this regulation, the CEO may permit a person to drive a motor vehicle if —
(a) the person is a novice driver (type 1A) and is found driving a motor vehicle in circumstances in which the driving is unauthorised because it is between midnight and the following 5 a.m.; and
(b) having regard to all the relevant circumstances, including the location and the safety of the novice driver and any passengers, it is appropriate to give the permit.
58. Foreign driving authorisation may not prevent grant of driver’s licence
The CEO may grant a driver’s licence to a person who still holds a foreign driving authorisation if the person satisfies the CEO that the person reasonably expects to drive under that authorisation in a place that is governed by the law under which the authorisation was granted.
59. Recognition of other Australian jurisdictions’ driving authorisations: general
(1) The CEO must recognise under this subregulation a licence or other authorisation granted to a person under the law of another jurisdiction authorising the person to drive a motor vehicle on a road whether or not solely for the purpose of learning to drive it (another jurisdiction’s driving authorisation).
(2) If the CEO recognises another jurisdiction’s driving authorisation under subregulation (1), the CEO must also recognise any condition to which the authorisation is subject that is capable of applying in this State.
(3) Despite subregulation (1), another jurisdiction’s driving authorisation must not be recognised under that subregulation in any period during which it is recognised under regulation 60A(2) or 60B(2).
(4) Subregulation (3) does not prevent another jurisdiction’s driving authorisation from being recognised under subregulation (1) after the end of any period during which it is recognised under regulation 60A(2) or 60B(2).
[Regulation 59 amended: SL 2022/147 r. 6.]
60. Recognition of foreign driving authorisations: general
(1) The CEO must recognise under this subregulation an authorisation granted to a person under a foreign law authorising the person to drive a motor vehicle on a road (a foreign driving authorisation).
(2) In subregulation (1) —
foreign law means the law of an external Territory or the law of another country.
(3) Subregulation (1) does not apply to an authorisation to drive a vehicle solely for the purpose of learning to drive it unless it is granted under a law of an external Territory or of New Zealand.
(4) If the CEO recognises a foreign driving authorisation under subregulation (1), the CEO must also recognise any condition to which the authorisation is subject that is capable of applying in this State.
(5) Despite subregulation (1), a foreign driving authorisation must not be recognised under that subregulation in any period during which it is recognised under regulation 60A(3) or 60B(3).
(6) Subregulation (5) does not prevent a foreign driving authorisation from being recognised under subregulation (1) after the end of any period during which it is recognised under regulation 60A(3) or 60B(3).
[Regulation 60 amended: SL 2022/147 r. 7.]
60A. Temporary extended recognition of other Australian jurisdictions’ and foreign heavy vehicle driving authorisations
heavy vehicle extended recognition period means the period —
(a) beginning on the day on which the Road Traffic (Authorisation to Drive) Amendment Regulations 2022 regulation 8 comes into operation; and
(b) ending on —
(i) 28 February 2023; or
(ii) a later day, which must not be later than 31 August 2024, approved by the CEO by notice published on the Department’s website.
(2) During the heavy vehicle extended recognition period, the CEO must recognise under this subregulation another jurisdiction’s driving authorisation that authorises the driving of vehicles that have a GVM of more than 4.5 t.
(3) During the heavy vehicle extended recognition period, the CEO —
(a) must recognise under this paragraph foreign driving authorisations of New Zealand that authorise the driving of vehicles that have a GVM of more than 4.5 t; and
(b) may, by notice published on the Department’s website, recognise under this paragraph foreign driving authorisations of 1 or more other countries or external Territories specified in the notice, being authorisations that authorise the driving of vehicles that have a GVM of more than 4.5 t.
(4) The recognition of foreign driving authorisations of a country or external Territory under subregulation (3)(b) may be limited to foreign driving authorisations granted on or after a date specified in the notice.
[Regulation 60A inserted: SL 2022/147 r. 8.]
60B. Extended recognition of other Australian jurisdictions’ and foreign driving authorisations following emergency declaration
(1) The CEO may exercise the CEO’s powers under either or both of subregulations (2) and (3) if —
(a) either of the following declarations (an emergency declaration) has been made in relation to an emergency (whether or not the declaration is still in force) —
(i) an emergency situation declaration under the Emergency Management Act 2005 section 50;
(ii) a state of emergency declaration under the Emergency Management Act 2005 section 56;
and
(b) the CEO considers that it is necessary to exercise those powers —
(i) for the purpose of ameliorating a shortage of drivers, or drivers who are authorised to drive vehicles of a particular class, that has arisen in connection with the emergency or the response to the emergency; or
(ii) as a result of impediments to the administrative processes involved in the grant of drivers’ licences that have arisen in connection with the emergency or the response to the emergency.
[(1A) deleted]
(2) The CEO may, by notice published on the Department’s website, recognise under this subregulation —
(a) all licences or other authorisations granted to persons under laws of other jurisdictions authorising those persons to drive motor vehicles on roads (whether or not solely for the purposes of learning to drive them) (other jurisdictions’ driving authorisations); or
(b) other jurisdictions’ driving authorisations that authorise the driving of vehicles of a class specified in the notice.
(3) The CEO may, by notice published on the Department’s website, recognise under this subregulation —
(a) all foreign driving authorisations of 1 or more countries or external Territories specified in the notice; or
(b) foreign driving authorisations of 1 or more countries or external Territories specified in the notice that authorise the driving of vehicles of a class specified in the notice.
(4) The recognition of foreign driving authorisations of a country or external Territory under subregulation (3)(a) or (b) may be limited to foreign driving authorisations granted on or after a date specified in the notice.
(5) A notice under subregulation (2) or (3) (a notice of recognition) must specify —
(a) the emergency declaration to which it relates; and
(b) the period for which it has effect, which must not be longer than 18 months.
(6) The CEO may, by notice published on the Department’s website —
(a) if the period specified under subregulation (5)(b) in a notice of recognition is less than 18 months — extend the period, but not so that the period becomes longer than 18 months; or
(b) revoke a notice of recognition.
(7) A driving authorisation that is recognised under subregulation (2) or (3) is recognised under that subregulation for the period specified under subregulation (5)(b) in the notice of recognition, subject to any extension of the period or earlier revocation of the notice under subregulation (6).
[Regulation 60B inserted: SL 2022/147 r. 8; amended: SL 2022/179 r. 4 and 5.]
60C. Provisions about extended recognition under r. 60A and 60B
(1) The CEO must not recognise foreign driving authorisations granted under a law of a country or external Territory under regulation 60A(3)(b) or 60B(3) unless the CEO is satisfied that —
(a) the standards for training and assessing drivers that apply for the purposes of the grant of foreign driving authorisations in that country or external Territory are sufficiently similar to those that apply for the purposes of the grant of drivers’ licences; and
(b) the driving conditions in the country or external Territory are sufficiently similar to those in this State.
(2) If the CEO recognises a driving authorisation under regulation 60A or 60B, the CEO must also recognise any condition to which the authorisation is subject that is capable of applying in this State.
[Regulation 60C inserted: SL 2022/147 r. 8.]
61. Effect of recognition under r. 59, 60, 60A or 60B
(1) A driving authorisation recognised under regulation 59, 60, 60A or 60B authorises the holder of that authorisation to drive in this State as if the holder held a driver’s licence under this Act to a substantially corresponding effect.
(2) However, a driving authorisation recognised under regulation 59, 60, 60A or 60B does not authorise driving in this State —
(a) to any greater extent than it would authorise driving in the other jurisdiction, external territory or country; or
(b) at any time when it is suspended or for any other reason ineffective under the law of the place where the authorisation was granted; or
(c) at any time when the person —
(i) holds a driver’s licence; or
(ii) is disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence; or
(iii) is excluded under regulation 62 from being authorised by this regulation to drive a motor vehicle.
(3) A driving authorisation recognised under regulation 59 does not authorise the person who holds it to drive in this State if —
(a) the person usually resides in this State; and
(b) the period for which the person has been usually resident in this State exceeds 3 months.
(3A) Despite subregulation (3), a driving authorisation recognised under regulation 59 authorises the person who holds it to drive in this State if the person is the holder of a Defence Force member card or a Defence Force family member card.
(4) A driving authorisation recognised under regulation 60 does not authorise the person who holds it to drive in this State if —
(a) the person holds a permanent visa granted under the Migration Act 1958 (Commonwealth); and
(b) the person usually resides in this State; and
(c) the period for which the person has been usually resident in this State since the granting of that visa exceeds 3 months.
(5) The recognition of a condition of another jurisdiction’s driving authorisation under regulation 59, 60A(2) or 60B(2) has the effect that a contravention of the condition may be taken to be a contravention of a condition of a driver’s licence under this Act and is punishable accordingly.
(6) Despite subregulations (2)(a) and (5), if the motor vehicles that a driving authorisation recognised under regulation 60 or 60B(3) authorises the holder to drive are vehicles that have a GVM of 3.5 t or less, the authorisation under this regulation is for vehicles that have a GVM of 4.5 t or less.
[Regulation 61 amended: Gazette 19 Aug 2016 p. 3574; SL 2022/147 r. 9.]
62. Excluding person from being authorised by r. 61
(1) The CEO may, by notice in writing given to a person who holds a driving authorisation recognised under regulation 59, 60, 60A or 60B, exclude the person from being authorised by regulation 61 to drive a motor vehicle on a road in this State.
(2) The reasons for which the CEO may exclude a person under subregulation (1) are that —
(a) the CEO believes that any of paragraphs (a) to (d) of regulation 25 applies to the person; or
(b) the person is not sufficiently able to safely drive motor vehicles as regulation 61 would authorise.
[Regulation 62 amended: SL 2022/147 r. 10.]
63. Other jurisdiction’s driving authorisation document, Defence Force card, to be carried and produced
A person whose authority to drive depends on another jurisdiction’s driving authorisation must —
(a) while driving a motor vehicle on a road, carry —
(i) the official document that is evidence of the authorisation; and
(ii) the Defence Force member card or Defence Force family member card held by the person if the card is required, under regulation 61(3A), for the authorisation to be recognised under regulation 59;
and
(b) produce that document or card for inspection if directed to do so by a police officer.
Penalty:
(a) for a first offence, a fine of 8 PU;
(b) for a subsequent offence, a fine of 16 PU.
Modified penalty: 3 PU.
[Regulation 63 amended: Gazette 19 Aug 2016 p. 3574.]
64. Duty to reveal things that might impair ability to drive
driving impairment of the person means any permanent or long‑term mental or physical condition (which may include a dependence on drugs or alcohol) that is likely to, or treatment for which is likely to, impair the person’s ability to control a motor vehicle either —
(a) in all circumstances; or
(b) except under certain conditions or subject to certain limitations; or
(c) unless measures are taken to overcome the impairment.
(2) A person applying for the grant of a learner’s permit or a driver’s licence, other than by way of renewal must, when applying, inform the CEO of any driving impairment of the person.
(3) If a person who holds a learner’s permit or a driver’s licence becomes affected by any driving impairment of the person of which the person has not already informed the CEO the person must, as soon as practicable, inform the CEO in writing of the impairment.
(4) If a person who has informed the CEO of a driving impairment of the person becomes affected by an increase in the extent of the impairment to a degree that is substantially different from that of which the CEO was most recently informed the person must, as soon as practicable, inform the CEO in writing of the development.
(5) If a person who has informed the CEO of a driving impairment of the person later informs the CEO that the person has ceased to be affected by the impairment but subsequently becomes again affected by it the person must, as soon as practicable, inform the CEO in writing of the development.
[Regulation 64 amended: Gazette 19 Aug 2016 p. 3574‑5.]
Part 5 — Demerit point scheme
65. Demerit point offences in WA and demerit points: Road Traffic Act 1974
holiday period has the meaning given in regulation 67.
(2) For section 41, an offence under a provision of the Road Traffic Act 1974 that is mentioned in the Table is a demerit point offence in WA, and the number of demerit points set out in the Table opposite the provision is the number of demerit points applying to the offence.
| Provision of Road Traffic Act 1974 | Description of offence | Number of demerit points applying to the offence |
| s. 49(1) | A first offence of driving while not authorised, other than if the Road Traffic Act 1974 s. 49(3) applies, if the driving is by a novice driver (type 1A) and the offence — | |
| | (a) occurs between midnight and the following 5 a.m. | 2 |
| | (b) relates to the number of passengers carried in a motor vehicle | 2 |
| s. 61 | A first offence of dangerous driving | 6 |
| s. 62 | Careless driving | 3 |
| s. 62A | Causing excessive noise, smoke | 3 |
| s. 64AA | A first offence of driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol content — | |
| | (a) of or above 0.05 g but less than 0.06 g of alcohol per 100 mL of blood — | |
| | (i) during a holiday period | 6 |
| | (ii) other than during a holiday period | 3 |
| | (b) of or above 0.06 g but less than 0.07 g of alcohol per 100 mL of blood — | |
| | (i) during a holiday period | 8 |
| | (ii) other than during a holiday period | 4 |
| | (c) of or above 0.07 g of alcohol per 100 mL of blood — | |
| | (i) during a holiday period | 10 |
| | (ii) other than during a holiday period | 5 |
| s. 64AAA | Driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle while having any blood alcohol content | 3 |
| s. 64AC | A first offence of driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle while a prescribed illicit drug is present in the person’s oral fluid or blood — | |
| | (a) during a holiday period | 6 |
| | (b) other than during a holiday period | 3 |
| s. 67AB | A first offence of failing to comply with a requirement under the Road Traffic Act 1974 section 66D or 66E by either failing to provide a sample of oral fluid for drug testing, or failing to allow a medical practitioner or registered nurse to take a sample of blood for analysis — | |
| | (a) during a holiday period | 6 |
| | (b) other than during a holiday period | 3 |
| s. 81G(2) | Driving a motor vehicle, on a road, that has a radar detector fitted to, within or on the vehicle — | |
| | (a) during a holiday period | 14 |
| | (b) other than during a holiday period | 7 |
(3) For section 41, an offence that involves the driving or use of a motor vehicle is a demerit point offence in WA if it is an offence under the Road Traffic Code 2000 for which a penalty is expressed as a number of points, and the number of demerit points applying to the offence is that number of points.
(4) Despite subregulation (3), an offence that is committed by a person driving or using a motor vehicle that is a motorised scooter or electric rideable device is not a demerit point offence.
[Regulation 65 amended: SL 2020/150 r. 6; SL 2021/199 r. 6; SL 2024/237 r. 8.]
66. Demerit point offences in WA and demerit points: Road Traffic (Vehicles) Act 2012
For section 41, an offence under the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Act 2012 section 75(1) is a demerit point offence in WA, and the number of demerit points applying to the offence is 3.
67. Holiday periods
public holiday means a day specified, or appointed under the power, in the Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972 Second Schedule to be a public holiday.
(2) If a public holiday falls on a Monday, the period of 4 days beginning with the last Friday before that Monday and ending with that Monday is a holiday period.
(3) If a public holiday falls on a Friday, the period of 4 days beginning with the Thursday before that Friday and ending with the next Sunday after that Friday is a holiday period.
(4) Despite subregulations (2) and (3), the period of 5 days beginning with the Thursday before Good Friday and ending with Easter Monday is a holiday period.
(5) Despite subregulations (2) and (3), the period of 17 days beginning with the last Friday before Christmas Day is a holiday period.
68. Some consequences of removing demerit points from register
removed means removed or required to be removed.
(2) This regulation applies if under section 56(3) or (4) demerit points are removed from the demerit points register.
(3) A notice under section 49(1) ceases to have effect if the giving of the notice required the cancellation of the demerit points that are subsequently removed but the notice has not resulted in —
(a) a period of disqualification commencing before the day on which the demerit points are removed; or
(b) a person making a section 51 election.
(4) If the giving of a notice under section 49(1) required the cancellation of the demerit points that are subsequently removed and, when the demerit points are removed, the notice has not resulted in a period of disqualification commencing but has resulted in a person making a section 51 election, the notice and the election each cease to have effect.
(5) In circumstances described in subregulation (3) or (4), any demerit points that were cancelled as a result of the notice, except any subsequently removed, have the effect, if any, that they would have if they had not been cancelled.
(6) Subregulation (7) applies if —
(a) the giving of a notice under section 49(1) required the cancellation of any demerit point subsequently removed; and
(b) at the time of removal —
(i) the notice has resulted in a period of disqualification; or
(ii) the notice has resulted in a person making a section 51 election and a period of disqualification under section 52 has resulted from a notice given under section 52(1) for an offence during the section 51 election period.
(7) In circumstances described in subregulation (6) —
(a) if a notice under section 49(1) would not have been given if each demerit point removed had never been recorded —
(i) the period of disqualification ceases at the time of removal if it has not already expired; and
(ii) any demerit points that were cancelled as a result of the notice, except any removed or under subregulation (8) credited as served, have the effect, if any, that they would have if they had not been cancelled;
and
(b) if a notice under section 49(1) would have been given even if each demerit point removed had never been recorded —
(i) the period of disqualification, whether or not it has already expired, is adjusted, if required, to what it would have been if the points removed had never been recorded; and
(ii) if a greater period of disqualification has already been served than the adjusted period (in which case the difference is called the excess period served), the number of current demerit points, if any, then recorded against the person must be reduced by cancelling one or more points according to subregulation (9).
(8) In the circumstances in which subregulation (7)(a) applies, a whole number of demerit points are to be credited as served, the number being at least the same proportion of the number of points that were cancelled as the period of disqualification served represents of the full period of the disqualification under section 49 or 52, as the case requires.
(9) In the circumstances in which subregulation (7)(b)(ii) applies, the number of points to be cancelled cannot be more than the number of current demerit points the person then has, but otherwise is the lowest whole number that is not less than N in this formula —
where —
d is the number of days in the excess period served.
(10) Neither subregulation (3), (4) nor (7)(a)(i) prevents a further notice from being given under section 49(1).
69. Alternative to giving certain notices personally
A notice referred to in section 59 may be given to a person by a form of mail that involves the person taking personal delivery of the notice and acknowledging in writing having taken delivery of it.
Part 5A — Alcohol interlock scheme
[Heading inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3971.]
Division 1 — Preliminary
[Heading inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3971.]
69A. Terms used
In this Part —
accredited service provider means a person accredited as a service provider under regulation 69G;
alcohol assessment and treatment means assessment and treatment provided by a provider approved under regulation 69J(2)(a);
alcohol interlock scheme means the scheme constituted by this Part;
alcohol offender means —
(a) a person who has been convicted of an alcohol interlock offence committed on or after the scheme commencement day; or
(b) a person who —
(i) holds; or
(ii) immediately before being granted a driver’s licence, held,
another jurisdiction’s driving authorisation which is or was subject to a condition or restriction limiting the authorisation to vehicles fitted with alcohol interlocks,
and who in either case has not ceased to be an alcohol offender under regulation 69F(a);
interlock contract means a contract between an accredited service provider and an interlock‑restricted driver on terms approved by the CEO under regulation 69H(1);
interlock‑restricted driver means a person who holds a driver’s licence that is endorsed with condition I;
restricted driving period means a period starting as provided in regulation 69L or 69O and terminating as provided in regulation 69O or 69P;
trigger, in relation to an approved alcohol interlock fitted to a vehicle, means —
(a) prior to the operation of the vehicle, provide the interlock with a breath specimen containing a concentration of alcohol sufficient to cause the interlock to prevent the vehicle from being operated; or
(b) during the operation of the vehicle, provide the interlock with a breath specimen containing a concentration of alcohol sufficient to cause the interlock to signal that the vehicle ought not to be operated; or
(c) during the operation of the vehicle, fail to provide the interlock with a breath specimen when the interlock requires it.
[Regulation 69A inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3971‑2.]
Division 2 — Consequences of being an alcohol offender
[Heading inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3972.]
69B. Extension of RTA section 49 to certain alcohol offenders
The following are prescribed as a class of persons for the purposes of RTA section 49(3)(da) —
(a) alcohol offenders who drive a motor vehicle on a road while having no authorisation to drive;
(b) alcohol offenders who drive a motor vehicle on a road in breach of condition I.
[Regulation 69B inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3972.]
69C. Extension of RTA section 64A offence to alcohol offenders
Alcohol offenders are prescribed as a class of persons for the purposes of RTA section 64A(2)(g).
[Regulation 69C inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3972.]
69D. Endorsement of driver’s licence
(1) If a driver’s licence is granted to an alcohol offender, the CEO must endorse the licence with condition I.
(2) Subregulation (1) applies to an extraordinary licence regardless of the terms of the court order directing the grant of the extraordinary licence.
(3) This regulation is subject to regulation 69E.
[Regulation 69D inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3972.]
69E. Exempt persons
(1) This regulation applies to an alcohol offender who the CEO is satisfied —
(a) resides in a place that is more than 150 kilometres from any premises at which the services of an accredited service provider are provided; or
(b) suffers from a medical condition that, in the opinion of the CEO, would prevent the person from operating an alcohol interlock.
(2) When the CEO is granting a driver’s licence to an alcohol offender to whom this regulation applies, the CEO must not endorse the licence with condition I except at the written request of the alcohol offender.
(3) At the written request of an alcohol offender to whom this regulation applies who holds a driver’s licence not endorsed with condition I, the CEO must vary the licence by endorsing it with condition I.
(4) At the written request of an alcohol offender to whom this regulation applies who holds a driver’s licence endorsed with condition I —
(a) the CEO must vary the licence by revoking condition I; and
(b) on revocation of condition I the holder of the licence ceases to be an interlock‑restricted driver.
[Regulation 69E inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3973.]
69F. Cancellation of alcohol interlock condition
If an interlock‑restricted driver is taken under regulation 69Q to have demonstrated the separation of drinking and driving behaviour —
(a) the interlock‑restricted driver ceases to be an alcohol offender; and
(b) the CEO must vary any driver’s licence held by the interlock‑restricted driver by revoking condition I.
[Regulation 69F inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3973.]
Division 3 — Accreditations and approvals for the purposes of the alcohol interlock scheme
[Heading inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3973.]
69G. Accreditation of service providers
(1) The CEO may, in writing, accredit a person as a service provider for the purposes of the alcohol interlock scheme.
(2) In deciding whether or not to accredit a person, the CEO must have regard to the person’s capacity to provide the services and discharge the functions mentioned in regulation 69H.
(3) The CEO may accredit a person subject to the person complying with stated conditions.
(4) By notice in writing to an accredited service provider, the CEO may amend, cancel or suspend —
(a) the accredited service provider’s accreditation; or
(b) any condition to which the accreditation is subject.
(5) Subject to any conditions imposed under subregulation (3), an accredited service provider may provide services and discharge functions directly or through agents it appoints for the purpose.
[Regulation 69G inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3973‑4.]
69H. Approval of interlock contract terms
(1) On the application of an accredited service provider the CEO may, in writing, approve terms for the contracts which the accredited service provider proposes to enter into with interlock‑restricted drivers.
(2) The CEO may not approve a contract under subregulation (1) unless it provides —
(a) for the accredited service provider to supply and install an approved alcohol interlock in a vehicle that is owned by or available to the interlock‑restricted driver, and to report to the CEO for the purposes of the scheme that they have done so; and
(b) for the accredited service provider to train the interlock‑restricted driver and others in the proper use of the approved alcohol interlock and in the proper use and control of a vehicle in which the approved alcohol interlock is installed; and
(c) for each restricted driving period of the interlock‑restricted driver during the currency of the contract to be divided into consecutive inspection periods; and
(d) for the interlock‑restricted driver to present the vehicle in person to the accredited service provider for inspection of the approved alcohol interlock in respect of each inspection period; and
(e) for the accredited service provider to inspect the approved alcohol interlock when the vehicle is presented and, after each inspection, to report to the CEO for the purposes of the alcohol interlock scheme —
(i) identifying the vehicle in which the interlock is installed, the interlock‑restricted driver on whose behalf the interlock was installed and the person who presented the vehicle for inspection; and
(ii) stating whether the interlock was found to be functioning properly; and
(iii) stating whether there was any indication of tampering or attempting to tamper with the interlock; and
(iv) setting out the data recorded by the interlock since the previous inspection;
and
(f) for the accredited service provider to provide other information to the CEO regarding the operation or attempted operation of an approved alcohol interlock; and
(g) on behalf of the interlock‑restricted driver, for the accredited service provider to remove the approved alcohol interlock from the vehicle and to report to the CEO that it has done so; and
(h) for the accredited service provider to charge the interlock‑restricted driver for the performance of these functions —
(i) according to a scale of charges; or
(ii) on another basis,
agreed from time to time between the service provider and the CEO; and
(i) for the accredited service provider to perform any other functions that are specified in conditions attaching to their accreditation.
[Regulation 69H inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3974‑5.]
69I. Approval of alcohol interlocks
(1) For the purposes of the alcohol interlock scheme, the CEO may, by notice in writing to an accredited service provider, approve —
(a) a specified alcohol interlock; or
(b) a class of alcohol interlocks that meet specified criteria.
(2) Approval under subregulation (1) may be —
(a) unconditional; or
(b) conditional upon the device continuing to comply with specified requirements relating to all or any of the following matters —
(i) the manner in which the device will record instances of its use and operation;
(ii) the occasions on which, or the frequency with which, the device is to be inspected by an accredited service provider to ensure that it is functioning properly;
(iii) the occasions on which or frequency with which the device will require a specimen of breath to be provided;
(iv) the concentration of alcohol that will cause the device to prevent the operation of the vehicle or to signal that the vehicle ought not to be operated;
(v) other circumstances in which the device is to prevent the operation of the vehicle or to signal that the vehicle ought not to be operated;
(vi) any other matter that seems desirable to the CEO.
[Regulation 69I inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3975‑6.]
69J. Alcohol assessment and treatment
CEO (Mental Health Commission) means the chief executive officer of the Department of the Public Service principally assisting the Minister responsible for the administration of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Act 1974.
(2) The CEO (Mental Health Commission) may, in writing, do any of the following —
(a) approve providers of alcohol assessment and treatment for the purposes of the alcohol interlock scheme;
(b) give an approval under paragraph (a) subject to conditions with which the approved provider is to comply;
(c) cancel or amend an approval given under paragraph (a).
[Regulation 69J inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3976.]
Division 4 — Restricted driving period
[Heading inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3977.]
69K. Terms used
In this Division —
inspection period, in relation to an interlock‑restricted driver, means an inspection period provided for under an interlock contract to which the interlock‑restricted driver is a party;
relevant vehicle, in relation to an interlock‑restricted driver, means a vehicle in which an approved alcohol interlock is installed under an interlock contract to which the interlock‑restricted driver is a party.
[Regulation 69K inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3977.]
69L. Start of restricted driving period
An interlock‑restricted driver’s restricted driving period starts when, following the driver’s most recent conviction for an alcohol interlock offence, the driver has an approved alcohol interlock installed under an interlock contract in a vehicle that the driver is authorised to drive.
[Regulation 69L inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3977.]
69M. Inspection obligation
(1) Throughout a restricted driving period, an interlock‑restricted driver must periodically present in person the relevant vehicle for inspection of the approved alcohol interlock in respect of each inspection period in accordance with the terms of the interlock contract.
(2) An interlock‑restricted driver who holds an extraordinary licence may, despite any conditions imposed under section 32(1)(b) of the Act, drive the relevant vehicle by the most direct convenient route to and from the premises of an accredited service provider or its agent as reasonably necessary for the purpose of having the approved alcohol interlock inspected as required by subregulation (1).
[Regulation 69M inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3977.]
69N. Alcohol assessment and treatment during restricted driving period
Throughout a restricted driving period, the CEO may require the interlock‑restricted driver, by notice in writing to the driver, to participate in alcohol assessment and treatment if —
(a) the CEO reasonably believes that any person has tampered with or attempted to tamper with the alcohol interlock installed in the driver’s relevant vehicle; or
(b) the CEO reasonably believes that, within any inspection period, the alcohol interlock installed in the driver’s relevant vehicle has been triggered on 3 or more occasions; or
(c) the CEO reasonably believes that the driver has failed to comply with a periodic inspection obligation under regulation 69M(1).
[Regulation 69N inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3977‑8.]
69O. Termination and restart of restricted driving period
(1) An interlock‑restricted driver’s restricted driving period terminates and immediately restarts on the occurrence of an event mentioned in column 1 of the Table with effect from the date mentioned opposite that event in column 2 of the Table.
| Event | Effective date |
| The alcohol interlock installed in the driver’s relevant vehicle records that a person has tampered or attempted to tamper with it, and the recorded details are reported to the CEO in accordance with the interlock contract. | The recorded date of the tampering or attempted tampering. |
| An inspection by an accredited service provider of an alcohol interlock installed in the driver’s relevant vehicle discloses physical evidence of tampering or attempted tampering which the interlock has not recorded, and the evidence is reported to the CEO in accordance with the interlock contract. | The date of the inspection. |
| The alcohol interlock installed in the driver’s relevant vehicle records that, within any inspection period, the alcohol interlock installed in the driver’s relevant vehicle has been triggered on 3 or more occasions, and the recorded details are reported to the CEO in accordance with the interlock contract. | The recorded date of the last occasion within the inspection period on which the alcohol interlock was triggered. |
| Since the most recent occasion on which a restricted driving period for the driver has either started under regulation 69L, the driver fails to comply with more than one periodic inspection obligation under regulation 69M(1). | If the failure arises because, although the vehicle is presented for inspection within the time required under the terms of the interlock contract, it is not presented personally by the driver — the date on which it is presented for inspection.<br>If the failure arises because the vehicle is not presented for inspection within the time required under the terms of the interlock contract — the next date on which it is presented for inspection. |
(2) An interlock‑restricted driver’s restricted driving period —
(a) terminates if —
(i) the driver’s licence is suspended; or
(ii) the driver’s licence expires, unless a new licence is immediately granted to the driver; or
(iii) the driver ceases to have a relevant vehicle;
and
(b) restarts if and when the driver has both a valid and effective licence and a relevant vehicle.
[Regulation 69O inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3978‑9.]
69P. Termination of restricted driving period without restart
(1) An interlock‑restricted driver’s restricted driving period terminates if —
(a) the driver is convicted of a further alcohol interlock offence; or
(b) the driver’s licence is cancelled in any other circumstances.
(2) A restricted driving period that terminates under subregulation (1) does not restart, but a new restricted driving period may start on the driver again becoming an interlock‑restricted driver and having a relevant vehicle.
[Regulation 69P inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3980.]
Division 5 — Demonstrating separation of drinking and driving behaviour
[Heading inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3980.]
69Q. Demonstrating the separation of drinking and driving behaviour
An interlock‑restricted driver is taken to have demonstrated the separation of drinking and driving behaviour when the following conditions are satisfied —
(a) in the case of a driver who has been permanently disqualified, the driver has completed one or more restricted driving periods totalling in aggregate at least 3 years since the most recent date on which —
(i) a disqualification was imposed on the driver; or
(ii) an extraordinary licence held by the driver was cancelled;
(b) in the case of any other driver, every period of disqualification imposed on the driver has ended;
(c) the driver has started or restarted a restricted driving period that has continued for at least 180 days up to and including the current date;
(d) the CEO is reasonably satisfied that the driver has complied with any requirement under regulation 69N to participate in alcohol assessment and treatment.
[Regulation 69Q inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3980.]
Division 6 — Miscellaneous
[Heading inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3981.]
69R. Offences
(1) A person must not tamper, or cause or permit another person to tamper, with an approved alcohol interlock installed in —
(a) a relevant vehicle; or
(b) a vehicle that is being driven or is intended or expected to be driven by an interlock‑restricted driver.
Penalty for this subregulation: 50 PU.
(2) A person must not circumvent, or cause or permit another person to circumvent, the operation of an approved alcohol interlock installed in —
(a) a relevant vehicle; or
(b) a vehicle that is being driven or is intended or expected to be driven by an interlock‑restricted driver.
Penalty for this subregulation: 50 PU.
(3) Without limiting subregulation (2), a person circumvents the operation of an approved alcohol interlock if —
(a) the person provides a sample of breath for analysis by the interlock; and
(b) the breath is not that of the driver or intended or expected driver of the vehicle in which the interlock is installed.
[Regulation 69R inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3981.]
Part 6 — Notification and reconsideration of reviewable decisions
70. Term used: reviewable decision
In this Part —
reviewable decision means a decision of the CEO to —
(a) refuse an application for the grant of a driver’s licence; or
[(b) deleted]
(c) impose a condition when granting a driver’s licence; or
(d) vary a driver’s licence, whether by imposing or varying a condition, by making, varying, or cancelling any other endorsement on it, or in any other way; or
(e) refuse an application for the variation of a driver’s licence; or
(f) suspend or cancel a driver’s licence; or
(g) under regulation 62, exclude the person from being authorised by regulation 61 to drive a motor vehicle.
[Regulation 70 amended: SL 2020/91 r. 8.]
71. CEO to notify affected person
As soon as practicable after making a reviewable decision, the CEO must give the person affected by the decision notice in writing —
(a) of the decision; and
(b) setting out the reasons for the reviewable decision if the decision differs from that sought by the person; and
(c) informing the person that —
(i) under regulation 72, the person may request the CEO to reconsider the reviewable decision; and
(ii) under the Road Traffic (Administration) Regulations 2014 Part 9, the person may apply to the State Administrative Tribunal for a review of the reviewable decision or the decision made on reconsidering the reviewable decision under regulation 72.
72. Reconsideration of reviewable decisions
(1) A person affected by a reviewable decision may request the CEO in writing to reconsider the decision.
(2) The request must be made within —
(a) 28 days after receipt of the notice under regulation 71 in relation to the decision; or
(b) a longer period that is allowed by the CEO.
(3) A request for reconsideration must state the decision that the affected person wants the CEO to make after reconsideration of the reviewable decision and outline why the CEO should make that decision.
(4) Within 28 days after receiving the request, the CEO must reconsider the reviewable decision and —
(a) confirm the decision; or
(b) amend the decision; or
(c) set aside the decision and substitute a new decision.
(5) The CEO must, in writing, inform the person who made the request —
(a) of the result of the reconsideration; and
(b) if the decision maker does not make the decision sought by the person —
(i) of the reasons for the decision made on reconsidering the reviewable decision; and
(ii) that the person may apply to the State Administrative Tribunal for a review of the decision made on reconsidering the reviewable decision.
Part 7 — Fees
73. Fee for replacement driver’s licence document, learner’s permit document
(1) A fee of $33.30 is payable for the issue under regulation 31(1) of a replacement driver’s licence document (including for an extraordinary licence).
(2) A fee of $33.30 is payable for the issue under regulation 52(1) of a replacement learner’s permit document.
(3) The CEO may, in a particular case and if satisfied that a licence document was stolen, exempt a person from the requirement to pay the fee that would otherwise be payable under subregulation (1).
(4) A fee is not payable under subregulation (1) or (2) if a replacement driver’s licence document or a replacement learner’s permit document is issued to replace a document that was lost, damaged or destroyed as a direct result of an approved emergency.
(5) For the purposes of subregulation (4) each of the following is an approved emergency —
(a) an emergency situation declared under the Emergency Management Act 2005 section 50;
(b) a state of emergency declared under section 56 of that Act;
(c) a hazard (as defined in section 3 of that Act) that occurs within the State and is approved by the CEO for the purposes of this paragraph.
[Regulation 73 amended: Gazette 27 May 2015 p. 1873‑4; 27 May 2016 p. 1551; 26 May 2017 p. 2642; 25 May 2018 p. 1643; 31 May 2019 p. 1723; SL 2020/74 r. 7; SL 2020/123 r. 4; SL 2021/92 r. 8; SL 2023/45 r. 21; SL 2024/58 r. 6.]
73A. Power to reduce, waive or refund fee payable under r. 73
(1) The CEO may reduce, waive or refund, in whole or in part, a fee payable by a person, or a class of persons, under regulation 73(1) or (2).
(2) If the CEO decides to reduce, waive or refund a fee under subregulation (1) in relation to a person, the CEO must give written notice of the decision to the person.
(3) If the CEO decides to reduce, waive or refund a fee under subregulation (1) in relation to a class of persons, the CEO must publish written notice of the decision on the Department’s website.
[Regulation 73A inserted: SL 2022/181 r. 4.]
74. Fees for drivers’ licences
(1) The fees specified in Schedule 9 are payable in respect of the matters relating to drivers’ licences set out in that Schedule.
(2) A fee is not payable by a person for —
(a) an application for the grant of a driver’s licence in the circumstances described in regulation 37(4); or
(b) the grant of a driver’s licence in those circumstances.
(3) Subregulation (2)(b) does not affect the obligation of the person who is granted the licence to pay for a subsequent grant of a driver’s licence by way of renewal.
75. Fees for first grant of driver’s licence after cessation of provisional licence
(1A) In this regulation —
motor vehicle offence means an offence under a road law of which the driving of a motor vehicle on a road is an element.
(1) This regulation applies to a person if —
(a) the endorsement of the person’s driver’s licence (the current licence) as a provisional licence ceases to have effect; and
(b) from the time when the person was first granted a provisional licence until the time when the endorsement of the current licence ceases to have effect, the person has not —
(i) been convicted of a motor vehicle offence; or
(ii) paid a modified penalty in relation to an infringement notice for a motor vehicle offence.
(2) On the grant to the person of a driver’s licence for a period of 1 year, by way of renewal of the person’s current licence, no fee is payable.
(3) Subregulation (4) applies if —
(a) the person is granted a driver’s licence for a period of 1 year in the circumstances mentioned in subregulation (2); and
(b) for a period of 1 year after the person is granted the licence, the person has not —
(i) been convicted of a motor vehicle offence; or
(ii) paid a modified penalty in relation to an infringement notice for a motor vehicle offence.
(4) On the grant of a driver’s licence to the person, by way of renewal of the person’s driver’s licence granted in the circumstances mentioned in subregulation (2) —
(a) if the licence is for a period of 1 year — no fee is payable; and
(b) if the licence is for a period of more than 1 year — the fee for the licence must be reduced by $100.
[Regulation 75 amended: SL 2024/237 r. 9.]
76. Exemption from fee for taking or resitting theory test
(1) A person is not required to pay the fee, set out in Schedule 9 items 1 and 2, to take or resit a theory test if the person or body administering the test is specified in a notice published under subregulation (2).
(2) The CEO may, by notice published in the Gazette —
(a) specify a person or body for the purposes of subregulation (1); and
(b) vary or revoke a notice under this subregulation.
(3) A person or body may be specified in a notice under subregulation (2) only if the person or body administers theory tests on behalf of the CEO under an agreement made under the Road Traffic (Administration) Act 2008 section 11.
77. Fees for extraordinary licences
(1) For section 30(1), the fee for the grant of an extraordinary licence other than by way of renewal is —
(a) if the licence is granted for a period not exceeding 6 months — $91.55;
(b) if the licence is granted for a period exceeding 6 months — $183.05.
(2) For section 33(2), the fee for the grant of an extraordinary licence by way of renewal is —
(a) if the licence is granted for a period not exceeding 6 months — $21.45;
(b) if the licence is granted for a period exceeding 6 months — $42.90.
[Regulation 77 amended: Gazette 27 May 2015 p. 1874; 27 May 2016 p. 1551; 26 May 2017 p. 2642; 25 May 2018 p. 1643; SL 2021/92 r. 8; SL 2022/67 r. 8; SL 2023/45 r. 22; SL 2024/58 r. 7.]
77A. Additional fees for licences endorsed with alcohol interlock condition
(1) On the grant of an extraordinary licence endorsed with condition I a further fee of $231.40 is payable in addition to the fee payable under regulation 77, unless the grant is by way of renewal of an extraordinary licence that is endorsed with condition I.
(2) On the grant of a driver’s licence (other than an extraordinary licence) endorsed with condition I a further fee of $231.40 is payable in addition to the fee payable under Schedule 9 item 6, unless the grant is by way of renewal of a driver’s licence (other than an extraordinary licence) that is endorsed with condition I.
[Regulation 77A inserted: Gazette 20 Sep 2016 p. 3981; amended: Gazette 25 May 2018 p. 1643; 31 May 2019 p. 1723; SL 2020/74 r. 7; SL 2021/92 r. 8; SL 2023/45 r. 23; SL 2024/58 r. 8; SL 2025/65 r. 6.]
78. Fee exemption for certain seniors and veterans
(1) This regulation applies to a person if the CEO is satisfied that —
(a) the person is receiving an age pension; or
(b) the person is the holder of both a WA Seniors Card and a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card; or
(c) the person is the holder of either of these cards issued by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs of the Commonwealth —
(i) Repatriation Health Card — Totally & Permanently Incapacitated;
(ii) Repatriation Health Card — Extreme Disablement Adjustment.
(2) A fee is not payable for the grant, whether by way of renewal or otherwise, of a driver’s licence if the applicant is a person to whom this regulation applies.
(3) A fee is not payable under regulation 73 if the applicant is a person to whom this regulation applies.
79. Reduced fees for certain card holders
(1) This regulation applies to a person if regulation 78 does not apply to that person and the CEO is satisfied that the person —
(a) holds a pensioner concession card and is receiving a pension other than an age pension; or
(b) holds a WA Seniors Card.
(2) The fee set out in regulation 73 must be reduced by 50% if the applicant is a person to whom this regulation applies.
(3) The fee set out in Schedule 9 item 6(a) must be reduced to one tenth of the fee set out in Schedule 9 item 6(b) if the applicant is a person to whom this regulation applies.
(4) The fee set out in Schedule 9 item 6(b) must be reduced by 50% if the applicant is a person to whom this regulation applies.
(5) If the applicant is a person to whom this regulation applies, the fee payable under Schedule 9 item 6(c) must be calculated as if “the fee under paragraph (b)” referred to the fee under Schedule 9 item 6(b) as reduced under subregulation (4).
80. Exemption for drivers of motorised wheelchairs
A fee is not payable for the grant, whether by way of renewal or otherwise, of a driver’s licence if the CEO is satisfied that the driver’s licence is granted in respect of, and limited to, the driving of a motorised wheelchair.
81. Power to give refund
(1) The CEO may, in a particular case, refund all or part of any fee paid for the grant, whether by way of renewal or otherwise, of a driver’s licence if, in the CEO’s opinion, it is just and convenient to do so.
(2) The CEO must not give a refund under this regulation in respect of any period that is less than one year.
(3) The CEO may charge a fee of $1 for giving any refund under this regulation and the fee may be deducted from the amount refunded.
(4) This regulation does not apply to a refund under regulation 29.
Part 8 — Transitional provisions
[Heading amended: SL 2024/237 r. 10.]
Division 1 — Transitional provisions for Road Traffic (Authorisation to Drive) Regulations 2014
[Heading inserted: SL 2024/237 r. 11.]
82. Terms used
In this Division —
commencement day means the day mentioned in regulation 2;
former regulations means the Road Traffic (Authorisation to Drive) Regulations 2008 repealed by the Road Traffic (Repeals and Amendment) Regulations 2014 regulation 3.
[Regulation 82 amended: SL 2024/237 r. 12.]
83. Application of Interpretation Act 1984
The provisions of this Division do not prejudice or affect the application of the Interpretation Act 1984 to and in relation to the repeal of the former regulations.
[Regulation 83 amended: SL 2024/237 r. 13.]
84. Driver’s licences
A driver’s licence under the Road Traffic Act 1974 that was in effect immediately before commencement day must, on and from commencement day, be taken to be a driver’s licence granted under regulation 7 of these regulations —
(a) having the same classification or status that applied to the licence immediately before commencement day; and
(b) on each condition that applied to the licence immediately before commencement day; and
(c) for the class or classes of authorisation that applied to the licence immediately before commencement day; and
(d) with each endorsement that applied to the licence immediately before commencement day; and
(e) for the rest of the period fixed in the licence.
85. Applications
(1) An application that was made under a provision of the former regulations mentioned in the Table but not finalised before commencement day must, on and from commencement day, be taken to be an application under the provision of these regulations mentioned in the Table opposite the former provision.
| Provision of former regulations | Description of application | Provision of these regulations |
| r. 23 | Application for a driver’s licence | r. 23 |
| r. 28(1) | Application to vary a driver’s licence | r. 28(1) |
| r. 38 | Application to renew a driver’s licence before its expiry | r. 38 |
| r. 39 | Application to renew a driver’s licence after its expiry | r. 39 |
| r. 52 | Application for a learner’s permit | r. 50 |
(2) A person who, immediately before the commencement day, was an applicant for a driver’s licence must, on and from commencement day, be taken to have reached the stage of demonstrating sufficient ability to safely drive a motor vehicle under the provision of these regulations that most closely corresponds to the stage the person reached under regulation 16 of the former regulations.
[Regulation 85 amended: SL 2020/91 r. 9.]
86. Waivers
A waiver under a provision of the former regulations mentioned in the Table that was in effect immediately before commencement day must, on and from commencement day, be taken to be a waiver under the provision of these regulations mentioned in the Table opposite the former provision.
| Provision of former regulations | Requirement waived | Provision of these regulations |
| r. 22(1) | Age for holding driver’s licence | r. 22(2) |
| r. 22(4) | Need to demonstrate a reasonable knowledge of State’s traffic laws and of safe driving techniques | r. 22(5) |
| r. 22(5) | Periods of time for which certain licences, authorisations to be held, before holding driver’s licence | r. 22(6) |
| r. 46(3) | Age for holding learner’s permit | r. 44(3) |
| r. 48(6) | Periods of time for which certain licences, authorisations to be held, before holding learner’s permit | r. 46(6) |
87. Drivers’ licence documents, learners’ permit documents
(1) A driver’s licence document issued under regulation 31 of the former regulations that was in effect immediately before commencement day must, on and from commencement day, be taken to be a licence document issued under regulation 30 of these regulations.
(2) A learner’s permit document issued under regulation 53 of the former regulations that was in effect immediately before commencement day must, on and from commencement day, be taken to be a permit document issued under regulation 51 of these regulations.
88. Notices
A notice given under a provision of the former regulations mentioned in the Table that was in effect immediately before commencement day must, on and from commencement day, be taken to be a notice given under the provision of these regulations mentioned in the Table opposite the former provision.
| Provision of former regulations | Description of notice | Provision of these regulations |
| r. 28(2) | Notice to vary a driver’s licence | r. 28(2) |
| r. 41(1)(a) | Notice to suspend a driver’s licence | r. 41(1)(a) |
| r. 41(1)(b) | Notice to suspend or cancel a driver’s licence | r. 41(1)(b) |
| r. 41(2) | Notice requiring licence holder to satisfy CEO about basis for suspending or cancelling driver’s licence | r. 41(2) |
| r. 41(4) | Notice to suspend or cancel a driver’s licence | r. 41(4) |
| r. 55 | Notice to suspend or cancel a learner’s permit | r. 53 |
| r. 63 | Notice to exclude person who holds a recognised driving authorisation from being authorised to drive motor vehicles on WA roads | r. 62 |
89. Permits to drive without licence
A permit given to a person under regulation 58 of the former regulations that was in effect immediately before commencement day must, on and from commencement day, be taken to be a permit given under regulation 57 of these regulations on each condition that applied to the permit immediately before commencement day.
90. Reviews, reconsiderations of decisions
reviewable decision has the meaning that it had in regulation 42(1) of the former regulations.
(2) Without affecting the Interpretation Act 1984 section 37(1) —
(a) any right under regulation 42(3) of the former regulations to request the reconsideration of a reviewable decision is not affected by the repeal of the former regulations; and
(b) any right under regulation 42(4) of the former regulations to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal for a review of a reviewable decision or a decision made on reconsidering a reviewable decision is not affected by the repeal of the former regulations; and
(c) any reconsideration or review of a reviewable decision or a decision made on reconsidering a reviewable decision that had started, but was not finalised, before commencement day must be dealt with as if the former regulations were still in operation.
(3) A driver’s licence that is granted or varied as a result of the reconsideration or review must be taken to be a driver’s licence granted under regulation 7 of these regulations on the conditions and with the endorsements applying to the driver’s licence on its grant or variation.
91. Notices as to who may administer theory tests
A notice under the Road Traffic (Charges and Fees) Regulations 2006 regulation 42A(2) that was in effect immediately before commencement day must, on and from commencement day, be taken to be a notice under regulation 76(2).
[92. Deleted: SL 2020/91 r. 10.]
93. Status of certain demerit points recorded before 30 June 2008
RT Act s. 103 means the Road Traffic Act 1974 section 103 as it was in force immediately before transition day;
transition day means 30 June 2008 (the day on which the Road Traffic Amendment Act 2006 section 31 came into operation).
(2) Points recorded against a person under RT Act s. 103 are not to be regarded as currently recorded for the purposes of the Road Traffic Amendment Act 2006 section 36 if, before transition day, they counted towards an aggregate number of points the accumulation of which resulted in a notice of disqualification being served on the person under RT Act s. 103.
(3) Subregulation (2) does not affect the continuation of any disqualification to which the person was subject immediately before the transition day.
(4) Even if disqualification because of a notice of disqualification served under RT Act s. 103 before the transition day has not taken effect before that day, the disqualification takes and has effect as specified in the notice and that section applies to the disqualification as if it had not been repealed.
(5) The reference in section 27(3) to a person being disqualified under Part 4 of the Act does not include a person disqualified by a notice of disqualification served under RT Act s. 103 before transition day.
Note:
This regulation continues the effect of the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous) Regulations 2008 regulation 10, deleted by the Road Traffic (Repeals and Amendment) Regulations 2014 regulation 38.
The Road Traffic Amendment Act 2006 section 36 was a transitional provision for existing demerit points and reads as follows:
“Points currently recorded in respect of a person under the Road Traffic Act 1974 section 103 immediately before that section is repealed by section 29, and details of any offence in respect of which the points were recorded, are to be recorded as demerit points against the person in the demerit points register referred to in Part VIA of the Road Traffic Act 1974 as inserted by section 31.”
The Road Traffic Act 1974 section 103 referred to was repealed by the Road Traffic Amendment Act 2006 section 29, which also came into operation on 30 June 2008.
The Road Traffic (Authorisation to Drive) Act 2008 section 69 is a transitional provision as to the status of the demerit points register.
Division 2 — Transitional provision for Transport Regulations Amendment (Road Traffic) Regulations 2024
[Heading inserted: SL 2024/237 r. 14.]
94. Transitional provision for novice driver (type 1A) number of passengers restrictions
Regulation 11 applies in relation to a driver’s licence granted to a person who is a novice driver (type 1A) regardless of whether the licence was granted before, on or after regulation 7 of the Transport Regulations Amendment (Road Traffic) Regulations 2024 came into operation.
[Regulation 94 inserted: SL 2024/237 r. 14.]