Queensland Learner Drivers: Rules of the Road

If you’re a learner driver in Queensland, there are a few things you need to know before hitting the open road. From what types of vehicles you’re allowed to drive, to how many passengers you can have in the car, Transport and Main Roads have laid out all the rules and regulations on their website. Here’s a brief overview of what you need to know.

Type of vehicle 

As a learner driver in Queensland, you’re only allowed to drive a vehicle that belongs to the Light Vehicle class. This includes cars, motorcycles, scooters, car-derived vans (up to two-tonne GVM), utility trucks (up to two-tonne GVM) and light trailers (up to two tonnes). If you want to tow a trailer that weighs more than two tonnes, you’ll need to get an ‘F’ endorsement on your licence. 

License conditions 

There are a few additional Conditions that apply specifically to learner drivers in Queensland. These include: 

– You must display ‘L’ plates at all times while driving 

– Do not use any hands-free or Bluetooth technology while driving 

– Never consume any alcohol or drugs before driving 

– Avoid driving between 10 pm and 5 am 

– You must log at least 100 hours of supervised driving before taking your practical driving test.  

Supervised driving 

As mentioned above, one of the key requirements for learner drivers in Queensland is that they must complete at least 100 hours of supervised driving before taking their practical test. This is designed to give learners the opportunity to put their skills into practice and build up their confidence behind the wheel. Of those 100 hours, at least 10 must be completed at night.  

If you’re having trouble logging your hours or finding someone who’s willing to supervise your driving, try booking some professional driving lessons with a qualified instructor. 

  • Obey traffic signs and signals at all times. They’re there for a reason!
  • Ensure you have enough time to get completely across the road before starting to cross. No one likes a jaywalker! 
  • Look both ways for approaching vehicles before crossing, even if the traffic lights are green. Just because you have the right of way doesn’t mean drivers will see you in time to stop. Better safe than sorry! 
  • If the roadway is divided by a median strip, make sure you cross only at designated pedestrian crossings or traffic signals. It’s tempting to just dash across when there’s no one around, but it’s not worth the risk. 
  • When crossing with young children, hold their hands firmly so they don’t dart out into the roadway unexpectedly. Children have shorter legs than adults, so it’ll take them longer to get across the road. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time. 
  • When crossing in low light or poor visibility conditions (fog, rain, etc.), wear bright clothing so drivers can see you more easily. 

DON’T

  • Jaywalk! This one should be obvious, but it bears repeating. Just because there aren’t any cars around doesn’t mean it’s safe to cross outside of a marked crosswalk intersection. Drivers might not see you until it’s too late. 
  • Cross while distracted by your phone or other electronic devices. It only takes a second for an accident to happen! 
  • Stand on or near the edge of the roadway to hail a taxi or bus—it’s much safer to wait at a nearby bus stop or taxi stand. 
  • Drink alcohol before attempting to cross the road—alcohol impairs your judgment and reaction time, making it more likely that you’ll misjudge a situation and end up in danger.  

The next time you need to cross the road, remember these simple tips courtesy of the Queensland Government website! following them will help ensure that you make it safely to the other side every time. stay safe out there!

If you’re planning on getting your license anytime soon, make sure you head over to the Transport and Main Roads website and familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations surrounding learner drivers in Queensland. From what types of vehicles you’re allowed to drive, to how many hours you need to log before taking your practical test, it’s all there waiting for you. So what are you waiting for? Start reading!

If you found this article useful, check out this article on how to get your logbook hours up fast and safely! “Getting Your 100 Hours Made Easy” – https://yloodrive.com/getting-your-100-hours-in-queensland-made-easy/