Restrictions on learner drivers

As an L plater, you are not allowed to operate a non-mounted portable device in any way when driving, even when stationary but not parked.

When driving, you must not:

• Touch a portable device (regardless of whether the device is on or off)
• Look at the display of a portable device being operated by another person
• Allow a portable device to be in your lap or resting on any part of your body or clothes (unless it is in a pocket or a holding pouch attached to your clothes e.g. to your belt)
• Operate a portable device at all - not even by using voice controls
• Have any ongoing activity on a portable device while driving (such as audio or navigation setup prior to driving).

If you want to operate a portable device in a motor vehicle, you will need to be parked.

For mobile phones and tablets to be considered a “mounted device”, the mounting must be commercially designed and manufactured for that purpose, and the device must be secured in the mounting.

As an L plater if you use a mounted device or an inbuilt device while driving, you must not:

• Scroll or enter information, text, numbers or symbols on mounted or inbuilt devices.
• Use voice controls to operate any mounted or inbuilt devices.
• Use the device for:
  • Reading or writing text messages, emails, message threads or viewing websites;
  • Watching movies, TV, video games or other moving images;
  • Viewing social media and photos;
  • Video or audio calls.

However, as an L plater you can:

• Use mounted devices for navigation and playing audio (such as music or podcasts) providing it is set up before a journey commences. You must pull over and park to change a song or enter a different address. You are not permitted to touch a mounted device for any purpose during a drive.
• Briefly touch your inbuilt device to adjust navigation settings, climate controls and audio functions (such as the radio).
• For navigation, a safer option is to only use the GPS audio directions and avoid looking at the images on the screen.

You cant:

• Touch a wearable device (other than by incidental contact with the device caused by the driver wearing the device)
• Operate the device using voice controls
• Look at the display of a wearable device being operated by another person in the motor vehicle

What can I do with a wearable device?

• You are allowed to play or stream audio material on a wearable device, provided it is set up before you begin driving, or by pulling over and parking first.
• You can only operate the wearable device by permitting ongoing activity on the device. This means you will need to park before you can touch the device or use voice controls to adjust the volume or change what audio is playing.

Other than using the device for images or information associated with the safety or operation of the bike, L platers can only use motorbike helmet device for:

• Playing or streaming audio material (music, podcasts, audio books)
• Navigation

However, you must not:

• touch the device or use voice controls when doing the above.

The functions need to be set up before you start driving, and you must pull over to change the settings.

Driving with a supervising driver

It is an offence for the holder of a learner permit to drive without an appropriate supervising driver. If you’re caught driving unsupervised, penalties apply and it’s also possible that the vehicle you’re driving may be impounded.

An 'appropriate supervising driver' is a person who:

• Holds a current, full (not probationary) Australian or overseas driver licence that authorises the person to drive the type of vehicle that is being driving by the learner.

Handy resources for supervising drivers

To help your learner get 120 hours of driving go to: 

• the myLearners website (External link)
• the learner handbook

Learn more about who can be a supervising driver.

How long do I need to have my Ls before I can go for my Ps?

Before you can go for your Ps, you’ll need to have your learner permit for a minimum continuous period.

The length of your ‘holding time’ is a licence requirement and will depend on your age. Go to ‘How to get your Ps’ to learn more.

What speed am I allowed to drive at?

There is no set speed limit driving on your Ls, but you should always drive within the speed limit and at a speed that’s safe for the area you’re in.

Can I have any passengers on my Ls?

When learning to drive we recommend you only have your supervising driver with you, until you get more practice. When you both agree you’re ready, you can start to practise with passengers if they’re not distracting you from driving.

How long can a practice drive be?

When learning to drive, it’s good to practice no more than 2 hours and remember to take lots of breaks.

Where can I learn more about the road rules?

See Safety & Road Rules for more information.