- Cook Government introduces new enhancements to make booking practical driving assessments (PDAs) easier and more efficient
- From 1 April 2026, the notice period to change or cancel PDAs changes to no less than 48 hours giving customers greater certainty and fairness
- New State-wide reminder system introduced to reduce missed PDA bookings and improve availability
Enhancements to Western Australia's practical driving assessments (PDAs) system begin today, 1 April, making the booking system more efficient, flexible and easier for prospective drivers.
The Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) has changed the notice period required to cancel or change a PDA without incurring further charges to a minimum of 48 hours.
This change from the previous requirement of two business days provides customers with more flexibility, particularly those using the online booking system who need to make changes on a weekend or public holiday for PDAs scheduled early in the week.
DTMI has also introduced a State-wide PDA reminder system, in a bid to reduce the number of missed PDA bookings and improve appointment availability for the community.
PDA candidates with a booking at any of DTMI's service centres or agents across the State will receive an email or text reminder up to four days before their scheduled appointment.
The new system provides candidates with a timely reminder of their booking, and the opportunity to cancel or change their scheduled appointment if required, without incurring charges for a new appointment.
As stated by Minister Assisting the Transport Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"I welcome these new enhancements to provide PDA customers more flexibility to manage their bookings and provide a timely reminder about their upcoming assessments.
"The change in notice period to not less than 48 hours enables candidates with bookings early in the week to cancel or change their booking online on a weekend or public holiday without penalty when things happen beyond our control or you're just not ready to sit a PDA.
"The State-wide reminder system is also a welcome addition, as some PDA bookings are made up to six-months in advance, and appointments can be easily forgotten.
"This is another example of the Cook Government providing learner drivers with the flexibility to manage their PDAs at any time using DoTDirect."
