Important changes for NSW Learners, P1 and P2 Licence Holders

By Ben
General
A little known change that occurred in NSW Laws in 2013 was to revert to the previous legislative approach of applying speed limits on learner drivers as a licensing condition rather than as a Road Rule. This means that the issuing State or Territory licensing conditions apply when a learner driver is driving in NSW. QLD allows learner drivers to drive to the posted speed limit. This therefore means that there is no supplementary limit on a QLD Learner Driver when driving in NSW as they are permitted to drive to the posted speed limit.

However, there are strict obligations when driving in New South Wales. Interstate learner drivers must comply with the following licence conditions:

1.Be supervised at all times by the holder of a full Australian driver licence.
2. Have L plates displayed conspicuously at the front and rear exterior of the car (or an L sign on the roof) when driving.
3.The letter 'L' on the plate must not be hidden.
4.Not tow any other vehicle. Not exceed zero blood alcohol concentration (this means you cannot drink before driving).
5.It is also illegal to drive under the influence of drugs.
6.Not supervise another learner driver.
7.Only carry the number of passengers that can be properly seated in seats and restrained by approved seat belts or child restraints.
8.Only drive vehicles that have a seat belt fitted to the driver's position and you must wear the seat belt.
9.Not use any functions of a mobile phone including hands-free devices.

An interstate learner driver, must comply with the above conditions when driving in NSW even if they do not ordinarily apply in your home state. Failure to comply with any of the above conditions is an offence and can carry severe penalties including immediate suspension of driving privileges by Police. You must also comply with any other conditions that have been applied to your licence by your licensing authority. When travelling in NSW, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of the conditions that apply to your licence. Demerit points and penalties apply to learner drivers who commit an offence in NSW.
If you are unsure of the requirements, please ask your instructor who will be able to assist you.

Source: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/licensing/visitorstonsw/interstate_learners.html
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