A NEW WAY TO GET YOUR LICENCE

In November 2017 we’ll be introducing a few changes that will affect you.

For starters, we’re rearranging the tests you need to take to move through the licence stages, from learner to P1, P2 and then finally a full licence. We’re also making sure that P2 drivers are safe drivers, by adding an extra 6 months to your P2 licence if you get suspended for unsafe driving.

The details

From 20 November 2017:

Learners: You’ll need to pass the Hazard Perception Test before you attempt your driving test and apply for a P1 licence.
P1: You won’t need to do a test to apply for a P2 licence. As long as you have had your P1 for at least 12 months, you’ll be able to apply for a P2 without having to do the Hazard Perception Test.
P2: The Driver Qualification Test is being removed, so after 20 November 2017, if you’ve had your P2 licence for at least 24 months, you can apply for your full licence without doing a test. BUT do the wrong thing and you’ll be on your P2 for a lot longer – get suspended for gaining too many demerit points, or for higher risk offences like speeding more than 30km/h over the limit, and you’ll be staying on your P2 for another 6 months before you can apply for a full licence. And that’s on top of your time out suspension period – getting suspended for 3 months can add at least 9 months extra to your P2 time before you can apply for a full licence.

Already got a learner, P1 or P2 licence?

If you already had your learner, P1 or P2 licence before 20 November 2017, there may be some special arrangements for you:

Learners

If you already have a learner licence, and haven’t progressed to a P1 by 20 November 2017, you will need to pass the Hazard Perception Test before you can book in for a driving test.

This applies to all learner drivers – even if you’re 25 or older.

Under 25s: You need to have held your learner licence for at least 10 months before you can take the Hazard Perception Test.

25 or over: You can take the Hazard Perception Test at any time before you book your driving test.

Remember the Hazard Perception Test (HPT) for learners does not last forever – wait more than 15 months without passing the driving test and you’ll have to do the HPT again.

P1

If you got your P1 licence before 20 November 2017, you’ll need to pass the Hazard Perception Test before you can apply for your P2 licence. This applies whether you go for your P1 before or after 20 November. This is to make sure you’ve done the Hazard Perception Test at some point in your journey from learner to a full licence.

Same goes if you renew your P1 – you’ll still need to do the Hazard Perception Test before you apply for a P2, but only if you haven’t done one earlier.

P2

If you got your P2 licence before 20 November 2017, you’ll still need to pass the Driver Qualification Test before you can apply for a full licence. This affect you even if you apply for your full licence before or after 20 November. The good news is you won’t have to do an extra 6 months if you’re suspended.

If you renew your P2 licence on or after 20 November, you will cop an additional 6 months on your P2 if you’re suspended after renewing your licence. P2 licences issued after 20 November do not need to do the DQT.

What about riders – any changes?

These changes don’t apply to riders – only to car licence holders. See Getting a motorcycle licence for info on how to get your bike licence.

Over 25?

These changes still apply, even if you’re over 25.

Get your hand off it – ALL mobile use is banned for L, P1 and P2 licence holders

Learner, P1 and P2 drivers and riders must not use any function of a mobile phone while driving or riding. And we mean it – you can’t use any function at all, not even hands-free or on speaker, or to use the GPS.

And don’t think this means you can take a sneaky peek while at the lights, or stuck in traffic. You have to be parked safely, out of the line of traffic.

If you’re caught using your mobile in any way while driving or riding, you will be fined and get 4 demerit points.Learners and P1 drivers get suspended for using a phone.

For a P2 driver using a phone is more than half your points. From 20 November 2017, If you hit 7 demerits, not only are you suspended, but after your suspension is over you’ll spend another 6 months on your P2, before you can apply for a full licence.

28/09/201713/01/2022

Rules for learner drivers. NSW.

Rules for learner drivers
There are special rules that apply to learner drivers. These rules are designed to keep you safe while you’re building your driving skills.

In addition to following the NSW Road Rules, you must:

Only drive cars
Be supervised at all times by the holder of a full (not learner or provisional) Australian driver licence
Have L plates displayed (black L on an orange/yellow background) clearly at the front and back of the vehicle, on the outside, or an L sign on the roof, when driving. The letter L on the plate must not be hidden
Observe a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h, and observe the posted speed limit where it is below 90km/h
Not tow any other vehicle
Not exceed zero blood alcohol concentration. This means you cannot have any alcohol in your system when you drive a vehicle. It is also illegal to drive under the influence of drugs
Not supervise another learner driver
Only carry the number of passengers that can be properly seated in seats and restrained by approved seat belts or child restraints
Only drive vehicles that have a seat belt fitted to the driver’s position, and you must wear the seat belt
Not use any mobile phone, including hands-free devices or loud speaker, while driving, or while your vehicle is stopped, but not parked.
If in Sydney, not drive in Parramatta Park or Centennial Park.
Failure to comply is an offence and carries heavy penalties, including loss of licence.

You must comply with these NSW rules when you are driving interstate or overseas. You should also make yourself aware of any licensing or driving laws that another jurisdiction may apply to you as a visiting novice driver.

Demerit points apply to learner drivers.
Your learner licence will be suspended or refused, if you reach or exceed 4 demerit points in a three year period.

28/09/201713/01/2022

Digital learner driver log book apps.

Digital learner driver log book apps
You can now choose one of three new digital log book apps to record your driving experience and submit your log book hours.

The digital log book apps provide similar features as the paper the log book for you and your supervising driver, including a record of your total driving experience and learning goal achievements.

You will need to include the details of your licence and the name of your supervising driver in your chosen app before you begin recording your driving experience.

The app will keep you updated on your driving progress. When you have met the log book requirements, you can electronically submit your details to Roads and Maritime before you book your driving test.

Note that you can only use one app – you can’t transfer log book hours between apps.

If you choose to use one of the digital log book apps, you don’t need to complete a paper log book.

Remember, it is illegal for learner drivers to use any function of a phone while driving, including when stopped at traffic lights or stuck in traffic.
All of the endorsed apps let you ‘set and forget’ – start the app while you’re safely parked out of the line of traffic, and then put your phone away while you’re driving. The apps will record your drive in the background.
Endorsed apps

The apps listed on this page are the only apps accepted by Roads and Maritime Services and Service NSW. Any other apps are not official, and won’t be accepted as evidence of your 120 hours of driving experience when you go for your driving test.

L2P

L2P app is a digital logbook designed for the latest generation of learner drivers. Its intuitive user interface features a countdown to motivate learners, real time tracking and recording of driving sessions plus an online educational platform with video clips for demonstrations.

L2P is more than a learner logbook – supervisors and professional instructors can use it to structure lessons, record achievements and verify driving sessions. L2P gets you there one hour closer.

Licence Ready

With digital driving instruction, personalised training and NSW log book, this is the go-to app for learner drivers. Download across devices and utilise with multiple supervisors for flexible learning.

Roundtrip

Roundtrip is an app for NSW Learner Drivers that makes it super easy to record supervised driving practice. Tap the record button, enter your odometer and you’re off!

You can close the app, put it somewhere safe and then while you’re driving Roundtrip will track your time, start and end location, weather and more, so you focus on learning to drive.

You can use Roundtrip to view and unlock learning goals, see your total practice times and when you’re ready you can submit your practice to Roads and Maritime Services as an official record. No more paper logbook needed!

28/09/201713/01/2022

Changes to the Graduated Licensing Scheme

Changes coming to the Graduated Licensing Scheme from 20 November 2017

Important information for learner, P1 and P2 drivers.

From Monday, 20 November 2017, there are some changes for learner, P1 and P2 drivers:

Learner drivers will have to pass the Hazard Perception Test before they can attempt the driving test
P1 drivers will no longer have to pass the Hazard Perception Test to apply for a P2 licence. As long as you pass the Hazard Perception Test before you were issued your P1 licence, and you’ve held your P1 licence for at least 12 months, you can apply for your P2 licence without taking a test
The Driver Qualification Test is being removed, so after 20 November 2017 if you’ve had your P2 licence for at least 24 months, you can apply for your full licence without doing a test. This is only for P2 licences issued from 20 November. See P2 for more information.
If your P2 licence is suspended for getting too many demerit points, or for a higher risk offence like speeding by 30km/h or more, you will need to spend an extra 6 months on your P2 licence. Also remember that any time spent suspended does not count towards the 24 months you need before you can apply for your full licence. You’ll need to complete an extra 6 months for every suspension received while on your P2 licence.

I already have my learner, P1 or P2 licence – how will the changes affect me?

Learners
If you already have a learner licence, and you haven’t progressed to a P1 licence by 20 November 2017, you will need to pass the Hazard Perception test before you can book your driving test.

This applies to all learner licence holders, even if you’re 25 or older.

Under 25s: You need to hold your learner licence for at least 10 months before you can sit the Hazard Perception Test.

25 or over: You can take the Hazard Perception Test at any time before you book your driving test.

Remember the Hazard Perception Test (HPT) for learners does not last forever. If you wait more than 15 months without passing the driving test, you’ll have to do the HPT again.

P1
If you got your P1 licence before 20 November 2017, you will need to pass the Hazard Perception Test before you can apply for your P2 licence. This applies whether you apply for your P2 before or after 20 November 2017.

If you renew your P1 licence you’ll still need to pass the Hazard Perception Test before you can apply for your P2 licence but only if you haven’t done one earlier.

Remember you need to hold your P1 licence for at least 12 months before you can apply for a P2 licence.

P2
If you got your P2 licence before 20 November 2017, you will need to pass the Driver Qualification Test before you can apply for a full licence. This applies whether you apply for your full licence before or after 20 November 2017.

You are not subject to the extra 6 month period if your P2 licence is suspended.

If you renew your P2 licence on or after 20 November 2017 and are suspended for unsafe driving you will need to do an extra 6 months on your P2 licence before applying for a full unrestricted licence. P2 licences issued after 20 November do not need to do the DQT.

Do these changes apply to riders?

No. These changes only apply to car learner, P1 and P2 licences.

See Rider licences for information on how to get a motorcycle rider licence.

I’m over 25 – do these changes apply to me?

Yes, these changes apply to you even if you’re 25 or older.

The only exception for learners aged 25 and older is that you don’t need to complete 120 hours driving on your learner licence.

Reminder: ALL mobile phone use is banned for novice drivers and riders

Learner, P1 and P2 drivers and riders must not use any function of a mobile phone while driving or riding, or when stationary but not parked. This includes using hands-free or speaker mode, or to use GPS functions.

You must be safely parked out of the line of traffic to use a mobile phone.

If you are caught using your phone in any way while driving or riding, you will be fined, and get 4 demerit points.

More information about using mobile phones while driving or riding.

What is the reason for these changes?

Transport for NSW recently led an Austroads project to develop a best practice model for graduated licensing. This work identified features that should be included in a best practice graduated licensing scheme. This model has since been endorsed by all Australian States and Territories.

The changes we are making in November 2017 will align the NSW system with this new model, and better prepare novice drivers for real world road hazards. These changes will also help drive the road toll towards zero.

By taking the Hazard Perception Test, learner drivers will be more prepared for common crash scenarios before they start driving unsupervised.

The new suspension rules for P2 drivers will make sure that novice drivers have a good driving record before they can apply for a full licence. The extra 6 months a suspended driver will need to spend on their P2 licence restrictions will encourage safer driving behaviour. Restrictions applying to P2 licence holders are speed, a zero blood alcohol level and bans on high performance vehicles.

Road Users Handbook
Road Users Handbook
View or download the Road Users Handbook.
Austroads Learning to Drive
View or download the Austroads Learning to Drive handbook
View or download the Austroads Learning to Drive handbook
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06/02/201713/01/2022

Production of NSW driving instructor’s licence.

Production of NSW driving instructor’s licence.

Before starting a driving lesson with a new driving instructor please ask the instrutor to show a NSW Driving Instructors licence. If they dont, do not do the lesson. There are many people doing driving lessons without training, insurance and any interest in your well being. Plus any hours they enter in your log book will not count.

Driving Instructors Regulation 2016 [NSW

A driving instructor must not give driving instruction on any occasion to a person
until the instructor has produced his or her driving instructor’s licence to the person
and allowed the person time to examine the licence.

30/11/201613/01/2022

NSW Road fatality comparative statistics.

NSW Road fatality comparative statistics

For the period 01 January to 29 November 2015, 2016 and the average for the same period in 2013, 2014 and 2015
Road user class
2016 2015 +/- % change 3-year average
Driver 176 142 34 24% 143.7
Motorcyclist 62 61 1 2% 60.3
Passenger 48 57 -9 -16% 45.3
Pedal cyclist 4 6 -2 -33% 10.3
Pedestrian 66 56 10 18% 44.7
Motorcyclist & pedal cyclist includes passenger
Gender
2016 2015 +/- % change 3-year average
Male 269 222 47 21% 213.0
Female 87 100 -13 -13% 91.3
Excludes unknown gender
Age group
2016 2015 +/- % change 3-year average
0-16 16 19 -3 -16% 13.7
17-25 70 50 20 40% 58.0
26-39 66 55 11 20% 56.0
40-59 100 92 8 9% 82.0
60-79 71 71 0 0% 64.3
80+ 32 35 -3 -9% 30.0
Excludes unknown age
Urbanisation
2016 2015 +/- % change 3-year average
Metropolitan 119 112 7 6% 100.0
Country 237 210 27 13% 204.3

30/11/201613/01/2022

Are you driving blind? Get your hand off it.

Research shows that being distracted when driving, such as by a mobile phone, increases the risk of a crash.
Simply taking your eyes off the road for longer than two seconds, doubles the risk of a crash.
A short lapse of concentration can have lifelong consequences.
See how far you travel when you take your eyes off the road for just two seconds:
Travel speed Metres travelled in 2 seconds
40 km/h 22.22
50 km/h 27.78
60 km/h 33.33
80 km/h 44.44
100 km/h 55.56

Overview
Our original Get your hand off it campaign has evolved to highlight the serious consequences of using your mobile phone illegally while driving, which could cost you or those you care about everything.

We – NSW RTA, have adapted the successful ‘Are you driving blind?’ mobile phone distraction campaign launched by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads in March, 2015.

The campaign also encourages drivers to know the rules about mobile phone use.

Dangerous problem
Crash data from 2010 to 2014 showed there were 236 crashes where hand-held mobile phone use by drivers was identified as a contributing factor. This included seven fatal crashes and 116 injury crashes. These crash numbers are considered to be under-reported because of the difficulty of finding evidence of illegal mobile phone use at crash scenes. This suggests the size of the problem could be much greater.

From July 2014 to June 2015, more than 35,300 fines were issued to drivers in NSW for using hand-held mobile phones, showing the problem is still prevalent.

Research shows that males and females aged 17-39 years have the highest rate of claimed use while driving, and the greatest involvement in crashes where hand-held mobile phone use is a factor.

Main messages
It’s not worth it. Get your hand off it
At 60 km/h if you look at your phone while driving for just two seconds, you travel 33 metres blind

30/11/201613/01/2022

NSW Mobile phone road rules 2016

Learner and provisional P1 (red Ps) drivers and motorcyclists

Learners and provisional P1 licence holders are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving or riding.
This includes when waiting at traffic lights or stuck in traffic. You must be parked out of the line of traffic to use your phone in any way.

These laws encourage learner and P1 drivers and riders to concentrate on developing their vehicle control and hazard-perception skills.
Mobile phone use can distract novice drivers and riders from the driving task.

From 22 January 2016, learner and P1 drivers and riders penalised for illegally using a mobile phone (four demerit points) will exceed their demerit point threshold and face a three-month licence suspension.

Changes to help keep L and P plate drivers safer

From 1 December 2016, P2 licence holders will no longer be permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving or riding. P2 licence holders will have the same restrictions as learner and P1 licence holders.

1. Can I hold and use my phone when waiting at traffic lights, or stuck in traffic?
No. It is illegal to hold and use your phone at any time while driving or riding. If you want to hold and use your phone your vehicle must be parked out of the line of traffic.

2. Can I use my mobile phone for calls if it is on loudspeaker and in my lap?
No. It is illegal to have your mobile phone touching any part of your body, other than to pass it to a passenger.

3. Can I have my mobile phone in my pocket if I’m using Bluetooth to make or receive a call?
Yes, if you have a full unrestricted licence or a provisional P2 licence (green Ps).
You can use a mobile phone for calls if it does not require you to touch the phone in any way (e.g. via Bluetooth).
The rules allow your mobile phone to be in a pocket of your clothing.

No, if you have a learner or provisional P1 licence (red Ps), you are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving.

4. Can I listen to music on my phone if it is in a cradle?
Yes, if you have a full unrestricted licence or a provisional P2 licence (green Ps). You can use the audio playing function of a mobile phone as long as the phone is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and doesn’t obscure your view of the road, or the phone can be operated without you touching any part of it, such as via Bluetooth.

No, if you have a learner or provisional P1 licence (red Ps), you are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving.

5. Can I dial a number if my mobile phone is in a cradle?
Yes, if you have a full unrestricted licence or a provisional P2 licence (green Ps). You can use a mobile phone for calls if it is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle. Using a mobile phone legally can still be distracting. Consider if the call is urgent and the demands of the traffic before using your mobile.

No, if you have a learner or provisional P1 licence (red Ps), you are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving.

From 1 December 2016, P2 licence holders will no longer be permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving or riding. P2 licence holders will have the same restrictions as Learner and P1 licence holders.

6. Can I use the GPS function on my mobile phone?
Yes, if you have a full unrestricted licence or a provisional P2 licence (green Ps). You can use a mobile phone as a driver’s aid, such as GPS, as long as it is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and doesn’t obscure your view of the road. You cannot hold your phone to use the GPS function.

No, if you have a learner or provisional P1 licence (red Ps), you are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving.

7. Can I use a GPS device that is not a phone if I am a learner or provisional P1 licence holder?
Yes. A GPS device that is not a mobile phone is permitted for all drivers, as long as the device is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and does not obscure the driver’s view of the road. The device must not be placed in a location that will increase the likelihood of injury in a crash.

8. Can I send a text message if my mobile phone is secured in a cradle?
No. You cannot text at all while driving, whether or not your phone is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle.

9. What kind of cradle can I use for my mobile phone?
Your mobile phone must be in a mounting that is commercially designed and manufactured for that purpose.

10. Where can I attach a cradle to my vehicle?
The mounting must be fixed to the vehicle in the manner intended by the manufacturer. It must not obscure your view of the road (in front and to the sides), and must not be placed in a location that will increase the likelihood of injury to you or a passenger in a crash.

30/11/201613/01/2022

NSW Practical driving experience – Learner Driver Log Book

Research indicates that learner drivers who increase their supervised on-road experience can reduce their crash risk by 30 per cent, in the first two years of solo driving. Learner drivers under supervision have a very low involvement in crashes. It is only when they begin to drive solo that their involvement in crashes increases.

Your learner driver log book allows you and your supervising driver(s) to record your driving experience. Take care of your log book. If you need a replacement log book, you will need to attend a registry or service centre and pay a replacement fee.

You must log at least 120 hours of supervised driving, including a minimum of 20 hours of night driving, before you can attempt the driving test. Night driving hours are between sunset and sunrise.

Driving lessons with an instructor – 3 for 1

For every one hour structured driving lesson you complete with a licensed Driving Instructor, you can record three hours driving experience in your Log Book. A maximum of 10 hours of lessons will be accepted and recorded as 30 hours driving experience.

This doesn’t mean that driving lessons with an instructor are compulsory, or that you should stop having lessons once you reach the 10 hour limit, if you feel you’d benefit from more lessons.

Driving lessons at night (between sunset and sunrise) count for only one hour of night driving. The other two hours are added to your day driving hours.

Log it – Be sure to record these sessions in your Structured Lesson Record Keeper log book insert.

Exemptions
You do not have to complete a Learner Driver Log Book if you:

Are over 25 years old

Previously held a NSW or interstate driver licence, other than a learner licence

Previously held an overseas licence, other than a learner licence

Hold an overseas licence, other than a learner licence, and are issued with a learner licence after failing one driving test

Are specifically exempted by Roads and Maritime Services.

Recognition of log book hours recorded in another state or territory

If you’ve held a learner licence in another Australian state or territory, Roads and Maritime will recognise hours recorded in an interstate learner driver log book, as long as you provide appropriate documentation.

Practice drives planner

The Practice drives planner is available for supervisors, parents and learner drivers to plan on-road driving experiences. The weekly calendar-style planner can be put up on the fridge or on the wall, so that everyone gets a reminder to negotiate dates and times for practice drives.

The planner can also stimulate discussion between the supervisor and learner driver about where to drive, and what skills to practice. It helps when negotiating and developing a driving partnership. Learning goals and learning content can be found in the Learner Driver Log Book.

Remember:

Plan for practice on a variety of types of roads with different levels of traffic
Ensure the learner driver is getting variety in the time of day
Make sure you plan some night drives, preferably later in the process.
Safer Drivers Course

The Safer Drivers Course helps young drivers on their Ls prepare for driving solo when they graduate to provisional licences.

The course teaches learners how to reduce road risks and includes ways to cope when you have your mates in the car or if you’re running late by developing safe driving behaviour.

It’s also designed to help you understand more about speed management, gap selection, hazard awareness and safe following distances, which your parents, supervising drivers or professional driving lessons may not have covered.

Earn credit hours

As well as becoming a safer driver, you can earn a bonus of 20 hours of log book credit once you complete the course, so you only need to finish 100 hours of supervised driving outside the course.

The course has been designed for a learner to attend once, and therefore, the 20 hours of bonus log book credit will only be deducted once.

If you also take 10 hours of professional driving lessons, you’ll receive a further 20 hours of credit on top of the 10 hours you drive during those lessons.

Learner driver Credit Supervised driving hours Logbook total
Safer Drivers Course 20hrs
10hrs of professional lessons 20hrs
Safer Drivers Course and 10hrs professional lessons 40hrs

Professional lessons totalling more than 10 hours will not provide additional credit.

More information

To complete a course, you must be on your Ls , aged under 25 and have completed at least 50 log book hours of driving.

The course costs $140 and includes a three-hour group discussion with other learners and a two-hour in-vehicle coaching session with another learner.

The course is available in almost 250 locations across NSW.

29/11/201613/01/2022

NSW LICENCE RESTRICTIONS FOR LEARNERS

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
Your BAC must be zero. This means your (BAC) cannot have any alcohol in your system when you drive a vehicle.
Demerit points
Your licence will be suspended if you incur four or more demerit points.
Display of L signs
L signs must be clearly displayed on the front and back of the exterior of the vehicle.
Seatbelts
You must ensure all occupants are properly restrained by seatbelts or approved restraints.
Speed limit
You must not drive faster than 90 km/h and must observe the speed limit where it is
below 90 km/h.
Supervision
A person who has an appropriate Australian full licence (not a learner or provisional licence or an overseas licence) must sit next to you.
Towing
You must not tow a trailer or any other vehicle.
Location restrictions
You must not drive in Parramatta Park,
Centennial Park or Moore Park when in Sydney.
Mobile phone
You must not use any function of a mobile phone, including hands free or loudspeaker
devices when driving.
Licence class
You cannot learn to drive for a higher licence class.

SUSPENSION OR CANCELLATION OF LEARNER LICENCE
A learner who commits driving offences may have their licence
cancelled by a court or suspended or cancelled by Roads & Maritime.
A learner licence can be suspended by Roads & Maritime for offences
such as:
• The learner drives without a supervising driver.
• The learner or passengers are not restrained by seatbelts or child
restraints, as appropriate.
• The learner drives with a passenger(s) in the boot or on the vehicle.