If you're a learner driver in Australia — or the parent of one — 2026 has brought some of the most significant changes to the licensing system in years. Several states have raised the supervised driving requirement from 100 to 120 hours, with at least 20 of those hours completed at night. The practical test itself is also changing, and the whole system is going more digital, according to a report by Nature Play QLD.
Why More Hours?
The numbers are stark. New drivers are disproportionately represented in fatal crashes across Australia, and road safety authorities say the evidence is clear: more supervised practice produces safer independent drivers. The extra 20 hours — particularly the night driving component — are designed to ensure learners have genuine experience in low-visibility conditions before they're allowed on the road alone.
The Practical Test Gets Real-World Focus
Beyond the hours increase, the practical driving test itself is being updated in 2026 to focus on real-world skills. Expect more time on busy roads handling roundabouts, heavy traffic and challenging conditions. The theory test is shifting too — away from pure memorisation and toward decision-making questions that present visual scenarios and ask you to judge the safest response.
NSW Tightens Foreign Licence Rules
From 1 February 2026, drivers holding licences from 16 specified countries must now pass both knowledge and practical tests before obtaining a NSW licence — regardless of their age or experience. Previously, some foreign licence holders could convert directly. The change, reported by CarExpert, is designed to ensure all drivers on NSW roads meet the same standard.
Digital Knowledge Tests: Test From Home
On a more convenient note, the nationwide rollout of a fully digital Driver Knowledge Test means learners can now complete the theory component from home — or anywhere with a stable internet connection. Digital licences are also rolling out more broadly, letting you show your licence status on your phone.
How to Make the Most of 120 Hours
- Start a logbook early. 120 hours is roughly 2.5 hours per week over a year. Don't leave it to the last few months.
- Vary your conditions. Drive in rain, at dusk, on highways and in busy shopping centres. The new test will reward breadth of experience.
- Use technology. SteerClear helps you practise real driving test routes with live scoring, so your supervised hours double as targeted test preparation.
- Don't skip the night hours. Twenty hours of night driving is a minimum, not a target. The more comfortable you are in the dark, the safer you'll be.
These changes are part of Australia's Towards Zero road safety strategy. They ask more of learner drivers and their families — but the goal is fewer funerals. That's a trade-off worth making.