Learner Driver Resources
Queensland
Supporting you to learn how to drive
If you are in the process of getting your Learners license or are supporting somebody who is, it can be tough to know where to start.
You can rely on the ADTA to have the most up to date information to support you in your journey of learning to drive in Queesnland.
Getting your Learners License
Where do I start?
To get a learner car (C class) licence in Queensland your first step is to complete either
- Written road rules test or
- PrepL
Written road rules test
To be eligible to sit a written road rules test you must be at least 16 years old and must attend a licence issuing centre.
To prepare for the written road rules test, you will need to study Queensland’s road rules. The written road rule test will eventually be replaced with PrepL.
Practising the test online will help you decide when you are ready to take the test.
PrepL
PrepL is an interactive online program for getting your learner licence. It teaches new drivers the road rules and safe driving behaviours. It does this through a series of interactive activities, videos and scenarios. At the end of PrepL, there is a 30 question multiple choice test. You need to get 90% correct to get your learners.
You can enrol in PrepL if you are at least 15 years and 11 months old. This gives you time to work through and pass PrepL so you can get your learner licence on your 16th birthday. PrepL takes approximately 4 to 6 hours to complete.
PrepL combines both learning and assessment (the test). PrepL will take around 4-6 hours to complete. You will have 12 months to complete the course from the date of your enrolment. You can do PrepL at your own pace, any time, using a compatible smartphone, tablet or computer.
PrepL also has a Supervisor Course to assist those teaching you to drive.
Next steps
Once you have passed PrepL or the written road rules test, and are at least 16 years old, you can apply for your learner licence. You will need to do this in person at a TMR service centre.
When you get your learner licence it will be valid for 3 years to allow enough time for you to complete your 100 hours of supervised driving experience, pass your hazard perception test and undertake your practical driving test.
If you need to retake your practical driving test, you have 3 years to work on your driving skills before you upgrade to your P1 provisional licence.
A learner licence is issued only for the learner driving stage. If you progress to your P1 provisional licence before your 3 year learner licence expires, you won’t be able to transfer the remaining time to your P1 licence.
You no longer have to complete a driver licence application form when visiting a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre. You will still need to complete a driver licence application form (F3000) at police stations and participating QGAP offices.
You will receive a driver licence receipt for your learner licence which authorises you to drive until your learner licence is received in the mail. You will also receive information on how to access the learner logbook app (such as YLOODrive App logbook which has been approved by QLD Govt) to record your driving experience. If you need one, you can be provided a hardcopy logbook.
What to do once you have your license
Rules for learner driving
Once you have successfully obtained your learner licence you can start driving—with a supervisor. Make sure you
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only drive with a supervisor who holds a valid open licence for the class of vehicle you are driving and has held the licence for at least 1 year
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always display your L plates
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carry your learner licence with you
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record 100 hours of supervised driving in your learner logbook, including 10 hours of night driving
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know the rules for driving.
L plate
You must clearly display L plates when you are learning to drive.
The minimum size and colour of an L plate is 14.6cm x 14.6cm, with a black uppercase letter 'L' on a yellow background. You can't use any other colour.
You can buy L plates from most service stations, major retailers and automotive outlets. Or, you can make your own if they are the right size and colour.
How to display your L plates
You must display L plates so the letter 'L' on each plate can be seen clearly at the front and rear of the vehicle (rear only for motorcycles) from 20m away.
You and your supervisor may both be fined if your L plates are not correctly displayed. As the learner driver, you will get 2 demerit points recorded on your traffic history. If you get 4 or more demerit points in a 12 month period, you will be suspended from driving for 3 months.
If a person on a provisional or open licence drives the vehicle and does not remove the L plates, they may be fined. This does not apply to accredited driver trainers.
Rules for driving with a learner licence
When learning to drive you must:
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have a supervisor beside you—someone who holds a valid open licence for the class of vehicle you are driving and has held the licence for at least 1 year
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clearly display L plates at the front and rear of the vehicle (rear only for motorcycles)
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carry your learner licence, or driver licence receipt if you are waiting for your licence, and show it to a police officer if asked
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comply with the no alcohol limit
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not be affected by drugs—either illegal or prescription
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obey any conditions on your learner licence, such as only driving with corrective lenses if you have the condition code S
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follow all Queensland road rules.
Mobile phone rules for young learner drivers
All drivers are banned from using a mobile phone in the hand or having it rest on any part of their body, such as their lap, while driving. This applies even if you're stopped in traffic.
The phone does not need to be turned on or in use for it to be an offence. Find out more about mobile phone rules that apply to all drivers.
If you are under 25, you must not use hands-free kits, Bluetooth accessories, wireless headsets or the phone's loudspeaker function. If your phone is in a pocket of your clothing or a pouch you're wearing, you must not use it in any way. This includes touching it, looking at it or operating it with your voice.
When safely stopped you can use a phone to:
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pay for goods and services, for example at a drive through
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gain access to or from a road-related area, such as a car park
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present a digital driver licence or other document to police when asked
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get a card or money out of a phone wallet for these listed purposes.
You can also use your phone when safely parked. Parked means stopped with the intention of staying at that place.
If you are found using a mobile phone while driving, you may be given a fine and 4 demerit points will be recorded on your traffic history. Double demerit points will apply for second or subsequent mobile phone offences committed within 12 months of an earlier offence.
As a learner driver, if you get 4 or more demerit points in a 12 month period, you will be suspended from driving for 3 months.
If you are under 25, your supervisor and passengers can’t use a mobile phone on loudspeaker while you are driving. If your supervisor or passengers are found using a mobile phone on loudspeaker while you are driving, they will be given a fine.
Reminder
You must pass the hazard perception test before you can take your practical driving test.
You are eligible to take the hazard perception test after you've held your learner licence for 6 months. Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will send you an email to let you know when you can take the test.
Your next step is to start learning how to drive - either with a trusted family member / supervisor, or with a professional driving instructor.
If you would like to find a trusted ADTA instructor in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you get your license
How do I practice for my test?
You can practice for the Driver Knowledge Test online.
You can find a complete list of Queensland road rules on the TMR web site.
How much are the license fees?
A list of licence fees can be found on the Transport and Main Roads (TMR) website.
How can I find out more about Prep L?
Go to the Transport and Main Roads web site.
Do I get my license immediately at the service centre?
When you apply for or renew a licence card or Photo Card at a service centre, it will be posted to you at no extra cost.
Cards usually arrive within 10 working days.
For driver licence renewals or applications, a receipt is provided that allows you to drive until the card arrives in the mail. The receipt is valid for 30 days.
After your get your license
What are the rules for mobile phones?
You must not use any function of a mobile phone while you're driving or riding. This includes when you're waiting at lights, or stuck in traffic, and means texting, hands-free, speaker mode and GPS functions. The only time you can use your mobile is when you're safely parked out of the line of traffic.
How do log books work?
If you’re under 25, you must record your driving experience in a log book. You can choose to use a paper log book or a log book app.
If you are 25 years or older, you are not required to log your driving hours in a log book.
How long do I have to be on my Learners license for?
You hold your learner licence for at least 12 months, and must complete 100 hours of supervised driving practice, including 20 hours of night driving.
If you're 25 or older, you can apply for your provisional P1 licence at any time after obtaining your learner licence.
How does my license get renewed?
Renewal notices are mailed generally within 6 weeks of the card's expiry date.
For driver licence renewals or applications, a receipt is provided that allows you to drive until the card arrives in the mail. The receipt is valid for 30 days.
