Learner licence
The first step you need to take before learning to drive a vehicle is to obtain a learner licence for that class of vehicle.
Make the most of your time as a learner, so you become a safe and capable driver. Use the following links to find the information you need:
- how to apply for a learner licence
- practice road rules test questions
- when learning to drive you must...
- when can you take the practical driving test?
- learner logbook exemption
- driving without L plates on your vehicle.
How to apply for a learner licence
Visit your nearest Queensland Transport customer service centre, authorised Queensland Government Agency Program (QGAP) office or a police station that issues driver licences.
To apply for a learner licence you must:
- be at least 16 years of age
- complete the Driver Licence Application/Renewal Form (F3000), show suitable evidence of identity and Queensland residency documents
- pass an eyesight test, if required
- declare that you are medically fit to learn to drive the class of motor vehicle. Note: If you have a medical condition that might affect your ability to drive safely, you are required to show a medical certificate from your doctor stating that you are medically fit to drive or ride safely
- pay the road rules test fee and pass the test
- pay the required learner licence fee.
If you are transferring your learner licence from interstate or overseas the process is slightly different.
Practice road rules test questions
Before you sit the road rules test you can test your knowledge for all licence classes by completing the practice road rules test. This will give you an indication of the areas you need to focus on before you try and pass the test on your first go.
When learning to drive you must:
- clearly display L plates at the front and rear of the vehicle.
- be accompanied by a person who holds and has held an open licence for the class of vehicle you are learning in (for example, automatic or manual), for at least one year
- carry your learner licence with you and show it to a police officer when asked to do so
- obey any conditions stated on your learner licence
- have a zero (0.00) blood or breath alcohol limit (BAC) if you are under 25. Drink driving offences carry monetary fines and disqualification periods
- not use a mobile phone. Passengers and supervisors are also restricted from using a mobile phone in loudspeaker mode while the car is being driven.
The RACQ has developed maps for learner drivers* to ensure they gain a range of experience while learning to drive. By following the routes on these maps you will practice different skills and experience a variety of driving situations.
When can you take the practical driving test?
Before you are eligible to take a practical driving test you must have held your learner licence for at least one year and have completed and recorded 100 hours of supervised on-road driving experience (for drivers under 25) in your learner logbook. This must include 10 hours of night driving. Your logbook must be assessed and passed by Queensland Transport before you take your practical driving test.
Note: special allowances apply if you turn 16½ years between 1 June and 31 December 2007 and are applying for your first learner licence between 1 July and 31 December 2007 which reduce the number of on-road driving hours to be recorded in your logbook and also reduces the minimum length of time you must hold your learners permit.
If you renew your learner licence on or after 1 July 2007, any record of supervised driving you have already completed can count towards your 100 hours of supervised on-road driving experience in Queensland.
See the learner logbook section for more information on gaining recognition of prior driving experience, or you can download a copy of the Prior Driving Experience Application (F4450).
Learner logbook exemption
If due to special circumstances you are unable to complete and record 100 hours of supervised on-road driving experience in a learner logbook, an exemption is available.
Applications for exemptions are assessed on a case-by-case basis and strict guidelines apply. You will be required to pay a non-refundable application fee for this exemption. If successful, you will need to hold your learners licence for a mandatory period of two years.
Driving without L plates on your vehicle
If you learn to drive a motor vehicle without correctly displaying L plates on your vehicle, both you and your supervisor may be fined.
Further information for learners can be found in the learning to drive and licence demerit points sections of this website.
Learner driver handbook
Supervising driver handbook
Related information
**While this department has taken every possible precaution with the creation of these files, they are downloaded and used at your own risk. Adobe Reader is required to open and print Portable Document Format (PDF) files and is free to download from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html. Various tools to enable access to these files for people using a screen reader can be found at http://access.adobe.com. Further information is available from our "Help with downloading, reading and printing PDF" web page.
*The content found by using this link is not created, controlled or approved by this department. No responsibility is taken for the consequences of viewing content on this site. This link will load into a new window.
Last updated 06 February 2008
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