Introduction
Year after year, crash statistics show that too many young drivers
are at risk of being killed or injured on our roads. While young
adults aged 17-25 years comprise only 16 per cent of licensed
drivers in NSW, they account for 26 per cent of drivers involved
in crashes resulting in injuries. To reduce the high numbers of
young drivers being killed or injured on NSW roads, the State
Government introduced the Graduated Licensing Scheme in 2000.
The scheme helps new drivers gain the necessary skills and
driving experience before they obtain a full licence. Under the
scheme, new drivers progress from a learner licence to a full
licence over an extended period of time, and at a pace that suits
their individual driving needs.
This allows new drivers the time needed to develop experience
behind the wheel and greater knowledge about the road,
resulting in safer driving.
How do I get my learner licence?
To get your learner licence you need to be 16 years
of age or older. You will need to attend an RTA motor registry prove
your identity and pass a Driver Knowledge Test (DKT).
Booking your DKT
Because places are limited, you must book for your
DKT. You can book your DKT online at myTests,
by phoning 13 22 13 or at any motor registry.
The DKT and Road Users’ Handbook are available in
English, Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Greek, Korean, Serbian, Spanish,
Turkish and Vietnamese. The Road Users' Handbook (but not the test) is
also available in Japanese.
You can also download and study the list of DKT
questions and do a practice DKT (use the related link to the DKT page).
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/
What do I do once I have my learner licence?
Learner licences issued from 1 July 2007 will be
valid for five years. When you are issued with your learner licence you
will receive a Learner Driver Log Book so that you and your supervising
driver(s) can record your driving experience. You will have to log at
least 120 hours of supervised driving (which includes 20 hours of night
driving) before you can attempt the Driving Test to move to a
provisional licence. Night driving starts from sunset of one day and
ends at sunrise on the following day.
Learners issued a licence prior 1 July 2007
If your learner licence is current at 30 June 2007,
you can attempt the Driving Test once you have held your licence for at
least six months and completed 50 hours of log book practice but only
until the expiry date of your licence. Note: drivers over 25 years
of age are exempt from the six month tenure requirement but must still
complete the required log book hours.
If you have not passed the
drivers license test by the
expiry date of your licence, you will need to renew your licence and
complete a total of 120 hours log book practice (including 20 hours of
night driving) before another test can be attempted. Previous log book
experience will be recognised and counted towards the 120 hours.
You will also need to complete 120 hours of log
book practice (including 20 hours of night driving) if your licence is
cancelled and you re-apply after 1 July 2007 (as in the case of a
disqualification). This means that you will need to have also held your
licence for at least 12 months (if you are under 25 years of age) before
the Driving Test can be attempted.
If you are transferring your interstate and
overseas learner licence after 1 July 2007, you will be exempt from the
120 hours log book requirements if you pass the Driving Test. However,
if you fail the test, you will be issued with a NSW learner licence and
be required to hold your licence for 12 months (if under 25 years of
age) and complete 120 hours of log book practice (including 20 hours of
night driving) before a further test can be attempted.
The RTA will recognise any log book hours recorded
in your home state provided appropriate documentation is presented.
Those who are exempt from holding a log book
include:
Drivers who have previously held a
NSW driver's license or interstate
drivers licence other than a learner licence.
Drivers who apply for a learner licence and have
previously held an
International drivers license other than a learner licence.
Holders of an overseas licence, other than a learner
licence, who are issued with a learner licence after failing one Driving
Test.
Aged drivers issued with a learner licence after failing
an age Driving Test.
Have L plates displayed conspicuously at the front and
rear exterior of the car (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 80 km/h.
Not tow any other vehicle.
Not exceed zero blood alcohol concentration ( this means
you cannot drink before driving). 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 functions of a mobile phone including hands
free devices.
Failure to comply with any of the above
requirements is an offence and carries heavy penalties, including loss
of licence.
What happens next?
If you are 17 years of age or older, you are
eligible to attempt the Driving Test if you have logged at least 120
hours driving time (which includes 20 hours of night driving) and have
held your learner licence for at least 12 months (drivers over 25 are
exempt from the tenure requirement). If you pass, you will be issued
your provisional P1 licence. You can attempt the Driving Test in any
type of light vehicle however you will be restricted from driving
certain prohibited vehicles when a P licence is issued.
In the State of New South Wales, if you wish to be employed or be an owner operator of commercial vehicles used for hire, You need to apply for a "Driver Authority"
