Rules for learner driving
Once you have successfully obtained your learner licence you can start driving—with a supervisor. Make sure you
- only drive with a supervisor who holds a valid open licence for the class of vehicle you are driving and has held the licence for at least 1 year
- always display your L plates
- carry your learner licence with you
- record 100 hours of supervised driving in your learner logbook, including 10 hours of night driving
- know the rules for driving.
L plates
You must clearly display L plates when you are learning to drive.
The minimum size and colour of an L plate is 14.6cm x 14.6cm, with a black uppercase letter 'L' on a yellow background. You can't use any other colour.
You can buy L plates from most service stations, major retailers and automotive outlets. Or, you can make your own if they are the right size and colour.
You can use this L plate template to create your own L plates. Just print 2 copies on a colour printer. You can also laminate them, if you want to.
How to display your L plates
You must display L plates so the letter 'L' on each plate can be seen clearly at the front and rear of the vehicle (rear only for motorcycles) from 20m away.
You and your supervisor may both be fined if your L plates are not correctly displayed. As the learner driver, you will get 2 demerit points recorded on your traffic history. If you get 4 or more demerit points in a 12 month period, you will be suspended from driving for 3 months.
If a person on a provisional or open licence drives the vehicle and does not remove the L plates, they may be fined. This does not apply to accredited driver trainers.
Rules for driving with a learner licence
When learning to drive you must:
- have a supervisor beside you—someone who holds a valid open licence for the class of vehicle you are driving and has held the licence for at least 1 year
- clearly display L plates at the front and rear of the vehicle (rear only for motorcycles)
- carry your learner licence (physical card or Digital Licence app), or driver licence receipt or digital licence if you are waiting for your licence, and show it to a police officer if asked
- comply with the no alcohol limit
- not be affected by drugs—either illegal or prescription
- obey any conditions on your learner licence, such as only driving with corrective lenses if you have the condition code S
- follow all Queensland road rules.
Mobile phone rules for young learner drivers
All drivers are banned from using a mobile phone in the hand or having it rest on any part of their body, such as their lap, while driving. This applies even if you're stopped in traffic.
The phone does not need to be turned on or in use for it to be an offence. Find out more about mobile phone rules that apply to all drivers.
If you are under 25, you must not use hands-free kits, Bluetooth accessories, wireless headsets or the phone's loudspeaker function. If your phone is in a pocket of your clothing or a pouch you're wearing, you must not use it in any way. This includes touching it, looking at it or operating it with your voice.
When safely stopped you can use a phone to:
- pay for goods and services, for example at a drive through
- gain access to or from a road-related area, such as a car park
- present a digital driver licence or other document to police when asked
- get a card or money out of a phone wallet for these listed purposes.
You can also use your phone when safely parked. Parked means stopped with the intention of staying at that place.
If you are found using a mobile phone while driving, you may be given a fine and 4 demerit points will be recorded on your traffic history. Double demerit points will apply for second or subsequent mobile phone offences committed within 12 months of an earlier offence.
As a learner driver, if you get 4 or more demerit points in a 12 month period, you will be suspended from driving for 3 months.
If you are under 25, your supervisor and passengers can’t use a mobile phone on loudspeaker while you are driving. If your supervisor or passengers are found using a mobile phone on loudspeaker while you are driving, they will be given a fine.
This table explains the mobile phone restrictions.
| Licence type and age | Hands-free | Wireless headsets | Mobile phone on speaker setting | Hand-held/Resting on body |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learner licence holder under 25 (car class C) | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Supervisors and passengers of a learner licence holder who is under 25 | Allowed | Allowed | Not allowed | Allowed |