Who can supervise a learner driver in NSW?

Anyone with a current full Australian driver licence. They must sit next to you and keep their blood alcohol under 0.05 while supervising.

Can a learner use Google Maps on a phone mount?

No. Learners cannot use a phone in any way while driving or while stopped but not parked, and that includes navigation and hands-free.

Can learners drive on the freeway?

Yes, but never above 90 km/h, even where the limit is 100 or 110 km/h.

Can I carry passengers on my Ls?

Yes, as long as every passenger has their own seatbelt or child restraint and your supervisor is beside you.

What happens if my learner licence expires?

Your Ls last five years. To renew you must pass the DKT again and pay the test and licence fees.

Learner rules

Learner licence rules in NSW

Quick answer

What are the rules for learner drivers in NSW?

On your Ls in NSW you must show L plates on the front and back, drive only with a supervisor who holds a full Australian licence sitting beside you, stay at or under 90 km/h, have zero alcohol and not use a phone at all, even hands-free. You cannot tow. Four demerit points brings a suspension, and under 25s must log 120 hours.

Top speed90 km/hEven where the sign says more
AlcoholZeroNo alcohol in your system at all
Demerit limit4 pointsWithin three years suspends your Ls
Log book (under 25)120 hoursIncluding 20 hours at night

Must and must not

You must

Display L plates on the outside, front and back, or an L sign on the roof
Have a supervisor with a full Australian licence in the seat beside you
Wear a seatbelt, and make sure every passenger is restrained
Drive a car only, never another class of vehicle

You must not

Go faster than 90 km/h
Drive with any alcohol in your system, or after taking drugs
Use a mobile phone in any way, including hands-free or speaker
Tow a trailer or another vehicle
Drive in Parramatta Park, Moore Park or Centennial Park

Before each drive

L plates clipped on firmly so they cannot blow off, letter fully visible
Phone away and out of reach before the car moves
Supervisor beside you holds a full licence and is under 0.05
Plan for 90 km/h on freeways and highways signed higher
Log book or log book app ready to record the drive

The phone rule catches people out

For learners and P platers, rule 300-1 of the NSW road rules bans every kind of phone use while driving. That includes hands-free calls, loudspeaker and using maps, and it applies while you are stopped in traffic too. Only once the car is parked is the phone allowed.

The ban follows you interstate: NSW learner conditions apply wherever you drive.

Log book and time on your Ls

	Under 25	25 and over
Supervised hours	120, including 20 at night	Not required
Earliest Hazard Perception Test	After 10 months on your Ls	Any time you feel ready
Minimum time before the driving test	12 months	No minimum
Learner licence valid for	5 years	5 years

Bonus log book hours

A Safer Drivers Course adds 20 bonus hours to your log book, and structured lessons with a licensed NSW driving instructor can also earn bonus hours. Both are optional.

Common questions

Who can supervise a learner driver in NSW?: Anyone with a current full Australian driver licence. They must sit next to you and keep their blood alcohol under 0.05 while supervising.
Can a learner use Google Maps on a phone mount?: No. Learners cannot use a phone in any way while driving or while stopped but not parked, and that includes navigation and hands-free.
Can learners drive on the freeway?: Yes, but never above 90 km/h, even where the limit is 100 or 110 km/h.
Can I carry passengers on my Ls?: Yes, as long as every passenger has their own seatbelt or child restraint and your supervisor is beside you.
What happens if my learner licence expires?: Your Ls last five years. To renew you must pass the DKT again and pay the test and licence fees.

Sources

nsw.gov.au, Learner driver licence checked 20 Oct 2026
L plates, supervisor beside you, 90 km/h cap, no phone use including hands-free, no towing, zero alcohol, park bans, 4 demerit points in 3 years, 120 hours with 20 at night for under 25s, HPT after 10 months, 5 year validity.
nsw.gov.au, Supervising a learner driver checked 20 Oct 2026
Supervisors need a full Australian licence and must be under 0.05 BAC.
Service NSW, apply for a learner driver licence checked 20 Oct 2026
Under 25s hold their Ls for at least 12 months; 25 and over can apply for a P1 any time after getting their Ls.
nsw.gov.au, The Driving Test checked 20 Oct 2026
Under 25s need 12 months on their Ls, 120 logged hours and to be at least 17 before the driving test.
Road Rules 2014 (NSW), rule 300-1 checked 20 Oct 2026
Learner, P1 and P2 drivers may not use a mobile phone while driving, including hands-free (read in our content audit).
nsw.gov.au, Using your learner driver log book checked 20 Oct 2026
Under 25s record 120 hours of supervised driving with a supervisor or licensed instructor.

NSW Learner is an independent study site, not affiliated with Transport for NSW or Service NSW. Fees and rules can change, so confirm with Service NSW before you go.

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