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Adelaide, South Australia
Questions About Lessons, Pricing or Getting Your Licence?
Learning to drive and choosing the right driving school can come with plenty of questions — and that’s completely normal.
You may be wondering how many lessons you’ll need, how the VORT works in South Australia, what the steps are to getting your licence, or which lesson option is right for you.
For parents, it can also be important to understand how the process works and what to expect along the way.
To make things simple, we’ve created a dedicated page that clearly explains the licensing process, answers common questions, and helps you understand what to expect at each stage of learning to drive.
Frequently asked questions
The VORT (or Vehicle On Road Test) is a formal driving assessment conducted by an authorised examiner.
It assesses your ability to drive safely and competently in real traffic conditions, including observation, decision-making, road positioning, and required manoeuvres.
The test is marked against strict criteria. If you meet the required standard, you can progress to your P1 provisional licence (your Ps) in South Australia.
CBTA is one of the two approved pathways to obtain a driver’s licence in South Australia.
Instead of completing a single driving test, your driving skills are assessed gradually over multiple lessons. An authorised instructor signs off specific competencies once you consistently meet the required standard.
For some learners, CBTA can be completed in as few as around 10 lessons, while others may require 20 lessons or more, depending on their experience, confidence, and consistency in meeting the required competencies.
It’s best to start professional driving lessons early in your learning journey.
Starting early helps you develop correct driving habits from the beginning and avoids picking up common mistakes that can be harder to unlearn later. Early lessons also help you understand what’s expected in the VORT and make better use of your supervised practice time.
To obtain your driver’s licence in South Australia, learners must meet the following requirements:
Be 17 years of age or older
Hold a learner’s permit
If you are under 25, you must hold your learner’s permit for at least 12 months
If you are 25 or over, you must hold your learner’s permit for at least 6 months
Complete 75 hours of supervised driving, including a minimum of 15 hours at night
Pass the Hazard Perception Test (HPT)
Successfully complete one of the following assessment pathways:
Vehicle on Road Test (VORT), or
Competency Based Training & Assessment (CBTA)
Arrival Driving School specialises exclusively in VORT preparation, with lessons structured to help learners confidently meet the driving requirements for test day.
The Hazard Perception Test (HPT) is a computer-based test required in South Australia before you can progress to your P1 provisional licence.
It assesses your ability to recognise and respond to potential hazards using video-based driving scenarios.
You can complete the HPT:
Online via your mySA Gov account, or
In person at a Service SA customer service centre
For full details, eligibility, and practice information, visit the official SA Government page:
👉 https://mylicence.sa.gov.au/my-car-licence/the-hazard-perception-test
There’s no fixed number — every learner is different.
The number of lessons you’ll need depends on factors such as:
Your previous driving experience
Your confidence level
How often you practise outside of lessons
We provide honest advice and will never recommend unnecessary lessons.
Some learners may be ready within around 7 lessons, while others may need more time — and that’s completely normal.
Our focus is on helping you become a safe, confident driver who is genuinely ready for the road and the VORT.
Yes — nervous learners are very welcome.
Our teaching style is calm, patient, and supportive, with lessons paced to build confidence gradually and without pressure. If you’d like to talk through your concerns or ask a few questions before booking, please feel free to get in touch — we’re always happy to help.
Arrival Driving School operates across Adelaide’s northern, eastern, and western suburbs, which we refer to as our Suburban Zone.
We also offer lessons in Two Wells, Gawler, and the Barossa, referred to as our Regional North Zone. Lessons in these areas include a surcharge, which reflects the additional travel distance from our base in Walkley Heights.
If you’re unsure whether we service your area — or would like to understand any costs involved — please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
To make things clear and fair, Arrival Driving School groups lesson locations into two service areas.
The Suburban Zone covers Adelaide’s northern, eastern, and western suburbs. Most standard lesson pricing applies within this zone.
The Regional North Zone includes areas such as Two Wells, Gawler, and the Barossa. Lessons in these areas involve additional travel time and distance, so a surcharge applies.
If you’re unsure which zone your location falls into, or would like to confirm pricing, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
No. In South Australia, your driver’s licence allows you to drive both automatic and manual vehicles, regardless of which vehicle you used for your VORT.
This differs from some other states. For the latest information, visit mylicence.sa.gov.au.
Arrival Driving School offers lessons in an automatic vehicle, allowing learners to focus on safe driving and VORT preparation.
Driving lessons are available from 7:00am through to 5:00pm, with the option for evening sessions where available.
We also offer weekend and public holiday lessons to suit school, work, and family commitments.
Please note that evening, weekend, and public holiday lessons may attract a surcharge.
If you have a specific time or availability requirement, feel free to get in touch and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
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