Before You Start

There are a number of RMS enforced rules that all learner drivers must comply with when taking to the roads.

Failure to comply with any of the following requirements is an offence and will carry heavy penalties, including loss of licence.

Learner drivers must

• Only drive cars
• Be supervised at all times by the holder of a full (not learner or provisional) Australian driver licence
• Have L plates displayed on the front and back of the vehicle, on the outside, when driving
• Observe a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h, and observe the posted speed limit where it is below 90 km/h
• Not tow any other vehicle
• Have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of zero
• Not supervise another learner driver
• Only carry the number of passengers that can be properly seated in seats and restrained by approved seatbelts or child restraints
• Only drive vehicles that have a seat belt fitted to the driver’s position, and must wear the seat belt
• Not use any function of a mobile phone, including hands free or loudspeaker, while driving, or while your vehicle is stopped, but not parked
• If in Sydney, not drive in Parramatta Park or Centennial Park

You will need to complete 120 hours of log book practice (including 20 hours of night driving) and have held your licence for at least 12 months (if you are under 25 years of age) before the Driving Test can be attempted.

Those who are exempt from holding a log book include:

• Drivers who are 25 years and over.
• Drivers who have previously held a NSW or interstate drivers licence other than a learner licence.
• Drivers who apply for a learner licence and have previously held an overseas licence other than a learner licence.
• Holders of an overseas licence, other than a learner licence, who are issued with a learner licence after failing one Driving Test.
• Aged drivers issued with a learner licence after failing an aged Driving Test.
• Drivers specifically exempted by the RMS.

Interstate and International Drivers

If you are transferring your interstate and overseas learner licence, you will be exempt from the 120 hours log book requirements if you pass the Driving Test.

However, if you fail the test, you will be issued with a NSW learner licence and be required to hold your licence for 12 months (if under 25 years of age) and complete 120 hours of log book practice (including 20 hours of night driving) before a further test can be attempted.

The RMS will recognise any log book hours recorded in your home state provided appropriate documentation is presented.

Holders of overseas licences who want to convert to an Australian licence are exempt from all above mentioned requirements regardless of their age.

If your licence is not in English, you will need an official translation before taking a test with the RMS. Overseas driver’s licences can be translated at any Service NSW centre. Please click here for more details.