Learner driver restrictions in QLD

What are the learner driver restrictions in QLD?

TMR's rules for learner drivers come down to these:

• Drive only with a supervisor sitting beside you
• Display L plates correctly
• Have no alcohol at all in your blood or breath, and don't drive affected by drugs
• Follow the mobile phone rules for learners under 25
• Carry your licence and follow any conditions on it
• Record your supervised hours in a logbook if you're under 25

There are no lower speed limits for learners in Queensland. You follow the posted limit, like everyone else, and drive to the conditions.

Who can supervise you

Your supervisor must hold a valid open licence for the class of vehicle you're driving and must have held it for at least a year. It can't be expired or suspended. A provisional licence, P1 or P2, doesn't meet that rule.

Where to put L plates

On a car, at the front and the rear. On a motorcycle, the rear only. Each plate must be yellow with a black capital L, at least 14.6 cm by 14.6 cm, and the L must be visible from 20 m away. No other colour is allowed. If they're not displayed properly, you and your supervisor can both be fined, and you get 2 demerit points. A P or open licence holder driving the car with your plates still up can be fined too.

Mobile phones

If you're a learner under 25, you can't use hands-free kits, Bluetooth, wireless headsets or speaker mode, and a phone in your pocket or a pouch can't be touched, looked at or voice-operated while you drive. No driver of any age may hold a phone or rest it on their body, even when stopped in traffic, and the phone doesn't need to be on for it to be an offence.

The penalty is a fine and 4 demerit points, and double demerits for another offence within 12 months. Your supervisor and passengers can't use a phone on loudspeaker while you're driving either. You can use your phone once you're safely parked.

Demerit points and suspension

If you get 4 or more demerit points in 12 months on a learner licence, you're suspended from driving for 3 months.

Licence conditions

Your licence may carry a condition code. For example, code S means you must wear glasses or contact lenses when you drive.