Australian Learner Driver Guide

Everything you need to know about getting your L plates, completing your logbook hours, and preparing for your Driver Knowledge Test across all Australian states.

Select Your State Australian Road Rules

What Are L Plates?

L plates (the yellow "L" on a black background) indicate that you are a learner driver. As an L-plater, you must be supervised at all times by a fully licensed driver seated in the front passenger seat.

The learner phase is a critical part of the Graduated Licensing System (GLS) — it ensures new drivers gain real-world experience in a supervised, lower-risk environment before driving independently.

📋 To Get Your L Plates You Need To:
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Pass the Driver Knowledge Test
  • Pass an eyesight test
  • Provide 100-point ID
  • Pay the learner licence fee
⚠️ L Plate Rules (All States):
  • Display L plates front and rear
  • 0.00% blood alcohol (BAC)
  • No phone use of any kind
  • Maximum 100 km/h
  • Fully licensed supervisor required
🚗
L Plate Driver Image
AI Prompt: "Young Australian teenager proudly displaying L plate on car bumper, smiling, suburban street, Australian flag in background, warm sunny day, photorealistic"

Logbook Hours by State

Required supervised driving hours vary by state. All hours must be recorded in an official logbook or app.

State / Territory Required Hours (Under 25) Night Hours Min. Learner Period DKT Questions Pass Mark
New South Wales 120 hours 20 hours 12 months 45 questions 80%
Victoria 120 hours 10 hours 12 months 32 questions 78%
Queensland 100 hours 10 hours 12 months 30 questions 80%
Western Australia 50 hours 5 hours 6 months 30 questions 80%
South Australia 75 hours 15 hours 12 months 30 questions 80%
Tasmania 80 hours 10 hours 12 months 25 questions 80%
Australian Capital Territory 100 hours 10 hours 12 months 30 questions 80%
Northern Territory 50 hours 5 hours 6 months 30 questions 80%

* Drivers aged 25 and over typically have reduced or no minimum hour requirements. Check with your state authority for current rules.

Tips for New Learner Drivers

🎯
Practise in Different Conditions

Drive in the rain, at night, on freeways, and in heavy traffic. Your logbook must include night hours — so start building those early.

📱
Use the Official App

Most states have official logbook apps (e.g., Service NSW app, QLD Traffic). These make logging hours easy and can be used as evidence for your driving test.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑
Choose Your Supervisor Wisely

Your supervisor must be fully licensed and sit in the front passenger seat. Choose someone patient and calm who can give constructive feedback.

🛣️
Vary Your Routes

Practice on a variety of road types — residential streets, highways, roundabouts, multi-lane roads, and unfamiliar areas. Diverse experience builds better drivers.

📖
Study the Road Rules

Before and during your L-plate period, study the official road rules handbook for your state. The DKT tests your knowledge of these rules.

🏫
Consider Professional Lessons

Taking lessons with a qualified driving instructor (ADI) can accelerate learning. Instructors know what examiners look for in the driving test.

⏱️
Start Logbook Hours Early

Don't leave your logbook hours to the last minute. Spread driving practice throughout your learner period for more varied, quality experience.

🎓
Pre-Driver Courses

Some states offer accredited pre-driver education courses (such as KEYS2DRIVE) that may count toward logbook hours and improve your skills.

Start Practising for Your DKT

Select your state to access state-specific DKT practice tests.

NSW
New South Wales
45 questions · 80% pass
VIC
Victoria
32 questions · 78% pass
QLD
Queensland
30 questions · 80% pass
WA
Western Australia
30 questions · 80% pass
SA
South Australia
30 questions · 80% pass
TAS
Tasmania
25 questions · 80% pass
ACT
Australian Capital Territory
30 questions · 80% pass
NT
Northern Territory
30 questions · 80% pass

Learner Driver FAQ

Yes, a parent, guardian, or other fully licensed driver who is sitting in the front passenger seat can supervise you. They must hold an unrestricted (open) licence and be sober. In most states, their licence must also be for the same class of vehicle you are driving.

Yes, in general you can drive interstate on an Australian learner licence, but you must follow the road rules and speed limits of the state you are driving in. Some states have different speed restrictions for learners — always check before crossing state borders.

Driving without a supervisor as a learner is a serious offence. Penalties include fines, loss of licence, and potentially having to start the learner period again. In some states it is treated as an unlicensed driving offence.

In general, logbook hours earned in one state can be counted toward another state's requirements, but you need to check with the specific state's transport authority as rules can differ.

Both options are available in most states. NSW uses the Service NSW app, QLD uses the QLD Traffic app, and Victoria uses VicRoads My Logbook. Paper logbooks are also accepted. Digital logbooks are recommended as they are harder to lose and easy to verify.