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South Australia · Theory test

The driving test in SA: VORT or CBT&A

You choose between a one-off practical test, the Vehicle On Road Test (VORT), and Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBT&A), where an instructor signs off tasks over several lessons. Both end with a certificate of competency. Whichever you pick, the driving test in SA is booked with and paid to your driving instructor.

  • 3 daysBook a VORT at least this far ahead
  • 13 daysLeast wait to resit a failed VORT
  • 7 am to 7 pmVORT hours, or until sunset if earlier
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Updated November 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

The VORT: a practical driving test

The handbook’s key points for the VORT:

  • Book with a VORT motor driving instructor at least three days before you want to take it
  • You can’t take it with an instructor who gave you lessons, but yours can put you in touch with a VORT instructor
  • It can run between 7 am and 7 pm, or sunset if that’s earlier, but not on Christmas Day or Good Friday, or before 10 am on a Sunday or public holiday
  • You pay the test fee to the instructor before the test, and bring your learner’s permit
  • It follows an officially approved route, and an Accreditation Auditor may come along to observe the instructor

You get a pass or fail at the end. If you fail, you wait at least 13 days before you can sit it again, or you can switch to CBT&A.

CBT&A: assessed as you learn

With CBT&A there’s no single pass or fail test. A CBT&A instructor assesses you over a series of driving sessions and signs off each task in The Driving Companion once you’ve shown you can do it.

You can practise the tasks with your qualified supervising driver between lessons, and you can switch to a VORT at any point.

What the instructor looks for

The handbook says both methods test the same knowledge and skills: the main controls, slow-speed manoeuvres, driving in busy traffic and at higher speeds, observation and dealing with hazards. It adds that your attitude to driving and to other road users is assessed too.

Whichever you choose, you need your 75 hours in the log book, including 15 at night.

See the L plate rules →

How do you get your P’s after the driving test in SA?

Your instructor gives you a certificate of competency. With it, your completed log book and a pass in the hazard perception test, you can apply for your P1 licence at a Service SA centre.

When you hand in the certificate, you may be picked for a second driving test with a Government auditor. There’s no cost, and you’re given the details if you’re selected.

Read about the hazard test →See the P plate rules →
Sources: Government of South Australia · Service SA. Checked November 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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