Learner driver licence

If you're 16 or over, you can apply for a learner driver licence. Follow these steps to get your Ls.

To get your NSW learner driver licence, you must:

• be 16 or over
• prove your identity
• pass an eyesight test
• pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT).

You must pass the DKT before you can apply for your learner licence. Find out more about the options to complete the Driver Knowledge Test.

Once you have passed your test, you can apply for your licence in the service centre.

You will need to:

• be 16 years or older
• show proof of identity
• provide a completed Licence application form
• pass an eyesight test

You will have your photo taken for your licence card and be issued with a temporary paper licence. You can use this until your licence card arrives in the mail.

Once you receive your licence card in the mail you may choose to get a digital licence available through the Service NSW app.

You will also be given a paper log book to record your supervised driving experience while you're on your learner licence. You can also choose to use a log book app, if you prefer.

Like other drivers, learners must follow the NSW road rules. There are also some special conditions that apply to learner drivers.

These conditions are designed to keep you safe while you're building your driving skills and experience.

What you must do

• Learners must have a supervisor present when driving. The supervisor must hold a full Australian driver licence and sit next to the learner.
• Learners can drive with passengers in the car. If you're driving with passengers, you must ensure these passengers all sit in seats with seat belts or child restraints.
• Learners must only drive vehicles that have a seat belt fitted to the driver's seat, and you must wear the seat belt.
• When driving, learners must display L plates clearly on the front and back of the car. The plates must be on the outside, or there must be an L sign on the roof. The letter L on the plate must not be hidden. So your plates do not fall off, secure them with a clip or holder.
• Learners must only drive cars.

What you must not do

• Learner must never drive without a supervisor sitting in the seat next to them.
• Learners must never drive above 90km/h.
• Do not use any mobile phone while driving, or while your vehicle is stopped but not parked. This includes hands-free devices or loud speakers.
• Learners must not tow any other vehicle.
• Learners must not have any alcohol in their system when driving. It is also illegal to drive under the influence of drugs.
• If in Sydney, do not drive in Parramatta Park, Moore Park or Centennial Park.

You must comply with these learner driver restrictions when you are driving outside NSW. You should also find out about any driving laws that may apply to you while in another jurisdiction.

Failure to comply with these rules is an offence. This can carry heavy penalties, including the loss of your licence.

Demerit points apply to learner drivers. If you reach or exceed 4 demerit points in a 3-year period, your learner licence will be suspended or disqualified. For more see Learner and provisional driver demerit points.

If you're under 25 and working towards your red Ps:

• you need to record at least 120 hours of driving experience, including 20 hours of night driving.
• you can choose to take a Safer Drivers Course to improve your skills (and get a bonus 20 hours in your log book).
• you can choose to have structured lessons with a licensed NSW driving instructor, which allows you to record bonus hours in your logbook.
• once you've held your learner licence for 10 months, you can book in for the Hazard Perception Test (HPT). This is first test to pass before you can get your provisional P1 licence.

If you're 25 or over, you can take the HPT when you feel ready. You do not need to have held your Ls for 10 months.

Do not feel any pressure to take the driving test before you're ready. You can continue to practise on your learner licence for as long as you need. Only take the driving test when you feel confident that you have the experience and skills to safely drive by yourself.

Your learner licence is valid for 5 years. If you haven't progressed to your red Ps after this time, you can renew your learner licence. However, each time you renew, you must pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) and pay the test and licence fees.

Restricted P1 licences for people in remote areas

If you're under 25 and live in a remote area, you may be eligible for a restricted P1 licence. A restricted licence lets you drive without a supervisor, in particular circumstances.

This type of licence makes it easier for young people in remote areas to drive to health, education and work-related appointments.