Question: do you have to get your permit if your 18?
Answer: In WA, you need to be 16 to apply for a learner's permit, though you'll need to take a theory test and, yep, you guessed it, pay some fees. ... When you're 19 or older and held a licence for at least two years, you will no longer be considered a 'novice driver' and can graduate to an ordinary/full licence.