DIT Driving Test (SA) — 2025 Guide

South Australia offers two pathways to prove you’re ready for solo driving: CBT&A (Competency-Based Training & Assessment) with an accredited instructor, and VORT (Vehicle On Road Test) with an Authorised Examiner. The on-road assessment checks that you plan ahead, obey SA road rules, manage speed and space, and respond early to hazards. Expect normal traffic driving plus a set of manoeuvres appropriate to the route.

Eligibility, Booking & Fees (SA)

To be test-ready, you must meet your Learner stage requirements (including the Hazard Perception Test and any required logbook hours—these differ by pathway). VORT bookings are made directly with an Authorised Examiner; CBT&A sign-offs are completed through your accredited instructor. Fees vary by examiner/provider, and resits attract another fee. If you need to change a booking, give adequate notice to avoid losing your fee.

Tip: Choose the pathway that suits your learning style—CBT&A if you prefer progressive sign-offs, VORT if you want a single, formal test.

Vehicle Requirements

• Roadworthy car: functioning lights/indicators, horn, wipers/washer, park brake; no warning lights.
• Windscreen and windows clear; tyres in good condition.
• Display L-plates when travelling to the test.
• Remove dash/windscreen clutter; adjust seat and mirrors for clear observation and full control.

If unsure, use a well-maintained instructor vehicle—dual controls can save a borderline attempt.

What to Bring on Test Day

• Photo ID and your learner’s permit.
• Glasses/contacts if your licence has a vision condition.
• Logbook/CBT&A paperwork or VORT booking confirmation.
• Any vehicle documents your examiner requests.

Assessment Criteria

Examiners assess whether you:

• Keep a consistent mirrors → signal → head check routine.
• Signal clearly and in time; maintain legal, appropriate speeds for conditions.
• Hold stable lane position and choose safe gaps for turns/merges.
• Spot developing hazards early and respond calmly without forcing others to react.

Narrate quietly in your head—“mirrors, signal, head check”—to keep observations consistent throughout the drive.

Manoeuvres You May Be Asked To Do

• Reverse parallel park: set up safely, creep back, frequent head checks, finish close and parallel to the kerb.
• Angle/90° park (forward or reverse): slow control, centre the bay, straighten wheels, check surroundings before opening doors.
• U-turn (where legal): scan widely, choose a safe gap, keep speed low and controlled.
• Three-point turn: full-lock turns, deliberate reversing with head checks, finish parallel to the kerb.
• Hill start: park brake on, set the car; release smoothly without rollback.

Manoeuvres are about observation and control, not speed—go slow, look long, steer decisively.

Immediate Fail Items

• Actions that create danger or require examiner intervention.
• Disobeying STOP/red, failing to give way, or unsafe merges/turns.
• Missing required head checks that lead to risk.
• Exceeding the speed limit or losing control (e.g., kerb strike during a manoeuvre).

After the Test

Pass (VORT or CBT&A): your examiner/instructor records the result; complete the admin steps to move onto P-plates under SA’s graduated licensing.
Not yet competent: you’ll receive targeted feedback; book another attempt (standard fees/notice periods apply) and practise those exact weaknesses.

Ask the examiner for one “most valuable fix” and build your next lesson around it.