First thing, check the logbook and car you're doing the test in. It amazes me how many people are turned away from the test because of simple things.
Here I outline what basic things you need to do to be ready for the test, and even the best ways to book it.
The Logook
All conditions and information needed about the logbook is clearly written at the front, but nobody reads this. It's a few long text heavy boring pages nobody looks at. Instead, here's a short summary of the essentials for the test.
- 120 hours total - The logbook must have 120 night hours total, preferably in a variety of conditions (such as rain, city roads, rural roads, etc). Make sure the hours are added up correctly, many make a mistake early on and find they don't have enough hours.
- 20 night hours - The logbook must have a minimum of 20 night hours, and then the remainder being day hours. For example a logbook may have 30 night hours and 90 day hours.
- 2 hours drives - learners cannot drive for more than TWO hours without breaks. This is a common mistake, people will drive long distances like to Canberra. Long drives are great experience, but they cannot be counted on the logbook as one single drive. Take a break (which helps stay alert) regularly.
Remember, learners are not as experienced or skilled, a long drive is more tiring for them (especially early in lessons) so the RMS discourages this. The RMS is concerned with safety and building a variety of skills over time.
- Lessons signed and dated - The lessons at the front must all be signed and dated by a fully-licenced driver (not by P Platers). Many don't know this or realise it, that there are several coloured lessons at the front. So go through them, in the green, yellow, red, and blue sections to the front.
- Back Page - The back page will be signed and dated by both a fully-licenced driver and the learner sitting the test.
The Test Car
You must provide the car used on the test, even though this is stated on the booking slip many don't believe it. Many think the RMS will (or should) provide the car for the test, but this is just silly. It would cost them a fortune to use and maintain their own cars, from fuel to insurance.
- What car to take? - Chose a car that is best for the learner, one they like and can drive confidently. Preferably one they have a decent amount of experience with. At the end of the day it's their test, so the learner should decide.
- Is the car road-worthy? - It amazes me how many people try to sit their test in an unroad-worthy car. Many even argue that the car is fine, despite the testing officer showing them the fault.
- Brake lights working correctly. This means all three fitted rear brake lights will light up red when the brake is pressed, and turn off when the brake is released. This is 2 sidelights and 1 center light. Some cars only have two fitted lights, which is fine if it's roadworthy.
All three brake lights working correctly. - Indicators working correctly. This means all four indicators will flash amber or yellow when the indicators are turned on. Indicators must also flash on-and-off, they cannot just stay on.
The indicator must flash yellow or amber. - Tyres are suitable. This means the tyres are inflated, and they have enough tread. Bald tyres are one thing that annoys the RMS staff as it is very unsafe, fixable, and very easy to notice.
- Registered. They can check the registration at the counter inside, if the car is not registered it is not safe or legal to drive.
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| A bald tyre compared to a correct tyre. A car with unworthy tyres should NOT be on the road. |
There are other criteria (like missing mirrors), but these are the main four that people don't think of, don't understand, or often get rejected for.
The four things outlined here are incredibly simple and important, if a car doesn't meet all four criteria then it should not be on the road, as it is unroadworthy and illegal to drive. These are things that are not legal or safe. For example, if the indicator flashes white it can be confusing and distracting for other drivers.
Finally, make sure it has enough fuel and no mechanical issues. It's rare, but people have run out of fuel or broken down during the test. This essentially counts as an instant fail, as the student was unable to complete the test.
Finally, make sure it has enough fuel and no mechanical issues. It's rare, but people have run out of fuel or broken down during the test. This essentially counts as an instant fail, as the student was unable to complete the test.
Picking a Test Location
Deciding where to sit the test is a big decision for many, but it should be treated as a tiny side choice. Pick a place the student is relatively familiar with, but mostly one they like.
All testing locations are essentially the same difficulty. Many people pick a location they think is 'easy' or 'simple' yet this is not the case. In Sydney and surrounding areas it is the same test, same marking criteria and same skills required. You will have to do a three-point-turn or reverse parallel park wherever you do the test.
I never understand why many try for an 'easy' location, especially parents/guardians. Quite a few parents/guardians take their kid miles to do an 'easier' test. Which defeats the point, and is directly the opposite of what they should want.
The test is assessing the safety and ability of a student, trying to make that easier or simpler is like asking for P Platers to be less skilled and less safe on the road. A good parent/guardian would want the test to be harder, preferring their child fail than drive unsafely. I personally would much rather my own child (or even friends) fail a difficult test and be safe. Instead of being unsafe or incompetent and passing an easy test.
Pick a location the student likes, do not avoid somewhere that might be 'difficult' as this should be what you want. Drive around that area a little, go visit the RMS and see what it's like.
All testing locations are essentially the same difficulty. Many people pick a location they think is 'easy' or 'simple' yet this is not the case. In Sydney and surrounding areas it is the same test, same marking criteria and same skills required. You will have to do a three-point-turn or reverse parallel park wherever you do the test.I never understand why many try for an 'easy' location, especially parents/guardians. Quite a few parents/guardians take their kid miles to do an 'easier' test. Which defeats the point, and is directly the opposite of what they should want.
The test is assessing the safety and ability of a student, trying to make that easier or simpler is like asking for P Platers to be less skilled and less safe on the road. A good parent/guardian would want the test to be harder, preferring their child fail than drive unsafely. I personally would much rather my own child (or even friends) fail a difficult test and be safe. Instead of being unsafe or incompetent and passing an easy test.
Pick a location the student likes, do not avoid somewhere that might be 'difficult' as this should be what you want. Drive around that area a little, go visit the RMS and see what it's like.
Picking a Time
Just like location many try for the 'easier' times for the test, which again I never understood. School zones and rush hour are the two times people are most scared of, neither should be an issue for a competent driver about to go on their red Ps.
School zones are easy, if a driver cannot see large yellow signs for school zones they shouldn't be driving. Incredibly few people fail for entering a school zone incorrectly (none of my students ever have).
Hard to miss entering this school zone.
The big sign on the left even flashes at school times, but not all flash.
The only real potential issue with a school zone is the increase in traffic, all the parents and kids walking and driving about. As well as buses. But again, this is great experience, and a skill all P Platers should have. Most P Platers are students, who will be driving when schools start and finish.
Rush hour should also not be an issue as test routes are designed a certain way. They do NOT expect skills or abilities beyond what a red P Plater should be capable of. Plus, extra cars on the road slows traffic, giving the student more time on the test to do things.
School zones are easy, if a driver cannot see large yellow signs for school zones they shouldn't be driving. Incredibly few people fail for entering a school zone incorrectly (none of my students ever have).
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| Hard to miss entering this school zone. The big sign on the left even flashes at school times, but not all flash. |
The only real potential issue with a school zone is the increase in traffic, all the parents and kids walking and driving about. As well as buses. But again, this is great experience, and a skill all P Platers should have. Most P Platers are students, who will be driving when schools start and finish.
Rush hour should also not be an issue as test routes are designed a certain way. They do NOT expect skills or abilities beyond what a red P Plater should be capable of. Plus, extra cars on the road slows traffic, giving the student more time on the test to do things.
Booking the Test
This is actually one of the more difficult steps for some people, as finding the correct link to book online can be difficult.
- Online: To book the test online click this link. Then log in using the licence details, select a time and location, and book. Pay using a card online and it's done.
The best way to find a time and date is through the "location" option. Avoid searching with "date" or "suburb" as this can send you to different RMS locations around Sydney. I've had many students mess up their booking this way.
Double check the details before paying and confirming. I've had several students book the wrong testing location, or wrong date, or even the wrong time. It's easy to accidentally book the wrong thing if you aren't use their system. Make sure the location, date, and time are all correct, then pay and get the confirmation email.
- In Person: You can also go in to the RMS itself and book in person. This is the next fastest way, depending on what location you go to and at what time. This is also the safest method, as nothing should go wrong and everything can be confirmed immediately by staff.
Also, the RMS staff are generally great. Sure, some aren't amazing, but after dealing with them for years I can honestly say the vast majority are so great. If there's any issues or questions they will help.
I'd describe the Services NSW staff as friendly and professional, doing everything they can to assist if possible.If you're an international driver (or there's an issue with your licence) I recommend booking in person. Booking online can be difficult, or actually impossible, for a international drivers.
- Over the Phone: Finally, booking by phone is the most time-consuming method. You're looking at an average of 30-60 minutes on hold, again depending on the day and what time you call.
Again, the staff are great and will help with any issues on the phone. It takes longer to call than simply go in, but if going in isn't an option then calling is not a bad choice.
Useful Links & More Information
This is actually one of the more difficult steps for some people, as finding the correct link to book online can be difficult.
- Online: To book the test online click this link. Then log in using the licence details, select a time and location, and book. Pay using a card online and it's done.
The best way to find a time and date is through the "location" option. Avoid searching with "date" or "suburb" as this can send you to different RMS locations around Sydney. I've had many students mess up their booking this way.
Double check the details before paying and confirming. I've had several students book the wrong testing location, or wrong date, or even the wrong time. It's easy to accidentally book the wrong thing if you aren't use their system. Make sure the location, date, and time are all correct, then pay and get the confirmation email.
- In Person: You can also go in to the RMS itself and book in person. This is the next fastest way, depending on what location you go to and at what time. This is also the safest method, as nothing should go wrong and everything can be confirmed immediately by staff.
Also, the RMS staff are generally great. Sure, some aren't amazing, but after dealing with them for years I can honestly say the vast majority are so great. If there's any issues or questions they will help.
I'd describe the Services NSW staff as friendly and professional, doing everything they can to assist if possible.If you're an international driver (or there's an issue with your licence) I recommend booking in person. Booking online can be difficult, or actually impossible, for a international drivers.
- Over the Phone: Finally, booking by phone is the most time-consuming method. You're looking at an average of 30-60 minutes on hold, again depending on the day and what time you call.
Again, the staff are great and will help with any issues on the phone. It takes longer to call than simply go in, but if going in isn't an option then calling is not a bad choice.
- Online: To book the test online click this link. Then log in using the licence details, select a time and location, and book. Pay using a card online and it's done.
The best way to find a time and date is through the "location" option. Avoid searching with "date" or "suburb" as this can send you to different RMS locations around Sydney. I've had many students mess up their booking this way.
Double check the details before paying and confirming. I've had several students book the wrong testing location, or wrong date, or even the wrong time. It's easy to accidentally book the wrong thing if you aren't use their system. Make sure the location, date, and time are all correct, then pay and get the confirmation email.
- In Person: You can also go in to the RMS itself and book in person. This is the next fastest way, depending on what location you go to and at what time. This is also the safest method, as nothing should go wrong and everything can be confirmed immediately by staff.
Also, the RMS staff are generally great. Sure, some aren't amazing, but after dealing with them for years I can honestly say the vast majority are so great. If there's any issues or questions they will help.
I'd describe the Services NSW staff as friendly and professional, doing everything they can to assist if possible.If you're an international driver (or there's an issue with your licence) I recommend booking in person. Booking online can be difficult, or actually impossible, for a international drivers.
- Over the Phone: Finally, booking by phone is the most time-consuming method. You're looking at an average of 30-60 minutes on hold, again depending on the day and what time you call.
Again, the staff are great and will help with any issues on the phone. It takes longer to call than simply go in, but if going in isn't an option then calling is not a bad choice.
Useful Links & More Information
- The Guide to the Driving Test (PDF booklet):
http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/roads/licence/guide-to-driving-test.pdf
- Licence Application form (should be provided by the RMS on arrival):
http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/about/forms/45070018-licence-application.pdf
- The Guide to the Driving Test (PDF booklet):
http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/roads/licence/guide-to-driving-test.pdf
- Licence Application form (should be provided by the RMS on arrival):
http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/about/forms/45070018-licence-application.pdf- Licence Fees & Costs:
http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/fees.html
- Booking the test online:
https://www.myrta.com/wps/portal/extvp/myrta/licence/tbs/tbs-login/!ut/p/b1/04_SjzQ0MjExNTC0MLbQj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfGjzOINPFwDwkKNzIFKTF0MPN2czZ0M_QMMDZwNgQoiQQpwAEcDQvq99KOS8vOzHUNSi0t88tMz8_TD9aPwavI2RldgEOxpZuDpFBrmH-ZobGgRQkCBuxlcAW5n-3nk56bq50blWGRneuoCAFNiVoY!/dl4/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/