SA DL Reform

Knowledge Article: South Australian Driver’s Licence Training Reform (2027)

Overview In the first half of 2027, South Australia will implement significant reforms to its driver training and licensing system. These changes are designed to improve road safety, raise the standards of the driver training industry, and ensure fairer, more consistent testing for all learners.

This article outlines the key changes affecting learner drivers and driving instructors, specifically focusing on the transition away from the current logbook system.

1. The End of the Logbook Method (CBT&A)

The most notable change in the reform is the complete removal of the Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBT&A) method, commonly known as the "logbook" method.

• Current System: Learners can be progressively assessed and passed by private, licensed driving instructors over a series of lessons.

• New System (2027): Progressive instructor assessments will end. All learners will be required to pass a single, final practical driving test to obtain their provisional licence.

2. Standardised Government Testing

To eliminate conflicts of interest and ensure a uniform standard of testing, the testing phase will be entirely separated from the teaching phase.

• Government Examiners: All final practical driving tests will be conducted by official government examiners rather than private driving instructors.

• Government-Supplied Vehicles: Learners will no longer need to coordinate with their instructor or provide their own vehicle for the final assessment. Most practical tests will be conducted using standardized, government-supplied vehicles.

• Role of Instructors: Driving instructors will transition to a "teach-only" model. Their sole focus will be on educating learners and preparing them to be safe, competent drivers, rather than grading them.

3. Supervised Practice and the 3-for-1 Bonus

While the testing method is changing, the core requirement for gaining driving experience remains intact.

• 75-Hour Requirement: All learner drivers are still required to complete a minimum of 75 hours of supervised driving practice (including 15 hours of night driving) before they are eligible to take their practical test.

• Instructor Bonus: To encourage learners to seek professional training, a new incentive will be introduced. Hours driven with a licensed private driving instructor will be credited with a 3-for-1 bonus toward the mandatory 75-hour logbook requirement. This means every 1 hour spent with a professional instructor counts as 3 hours of supervised practice in the learner's logbook.