NSW study guide · Your learner licence

NSW Learner Licence Guide

Getting a learner licence is the start of supervised driving, not just a test result. Know the conditions that apply every time you drive and use the learner period to build safe habits across varied roads and conditions.

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Original learning content · Reviewed August 2026 · Independent practice resource

16+Minimum age to receive a NSW learner licence

120 hSupervised driving for most learners under 25

20 hNight driving included in the 120 hours

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Knowledge first, then supervised experience and hazard-perception practice

Getting started

You can begin the DKT Online course from 15 years and 11 months, but you must be at least 16 to apply for a learner licence. Once eligible and the knowledge requirement is complete, you prove your identity and complete the licence application process.

A learner licence is generally valid for five years. Keep your contact details current and check any special conditions shown on the licence.

Supervision, plates and vehicle conditions

A supervisor with a full Australian driver licence must sit beside you. Display approved L plates clearly at the front and rear of the vehicle, or use an approved roof display, so other road users can recognise a learner vehicle.

Learners may drive cars under supervision but must not drive unsupervised or tow a trailer. The supervisor should be ready to guide without distracting the learner.

Hours and progression

Most learners under 25 must hold the learner licence for at least 12 months and record 120 hours of supervised driving, including 20 hours at night. Learners aged 25 or older do not have the same logbook and minimum-hours requirement.

The Hazard Perception Test becomes available after the required learner period milestone. Spread practice across daylight, night, rain, higher-speed roads and busy traffic rather than repeating only familiar routes.

Remember

Logbook hours measure experience, not readiness. Use each drive to practise a specific skill and ask the supervisor for one clear improvement point.

Restrictions every learner must know

The maximum speed for a NSW learner is 90 km/h, even where the posted limit is higher. Learners must have a zero blood-alcohol concentration and must not use any mobile-phone function while driving, including hands-free use or use while stopped in traffic but not parked.

Learner and provisional drivers face strict consequences for speeding and other offences. Treat the licence conditions as part of the driving task, not as rules to recall only for the test.

Maximum 90 km/h
Zero alcohol
No mobile-phone use while driving
Qualified supervisor beside you
L plates visible front and rear
No towing

Make the distinction

Rules learners often confuse

Compare the two ideas before answering a scenario question.

Under 25

Usually 12 months on Ls and 120 logged hours, including 20 at night.

25 or older

No minimum logbook-hours requirement, but supervised skill development still matters.

Driving

Phone functions are prohibited for learners, including hands-free use.

Parked safely

The vehicle must be legally parked before general phone use.

Road limit

The sign sets the maximum for ordinary drivers on that road.

Learner limit

The learner’s 90 km/h maximum applies whenever it is lower.

Exam-day awareness

Common mistakes to avoid

Pause when one of these patterns appears in a question or on the road.

01
Using a phone while stopped at lights
02
Following a 100 or 110 sign instead of the 90 learner maximum
03
Displaying an obscured or internal L plate that cannot be seen clearly
04
Counting hours without practising varied conditions and independent decision-making

Apply what you learned

NSW Learner Restrictions Quiz

Test NSW learner speed, alcohol, mobile-phone, supervision and licence-condition knowledge in 10 questions. Answer options shuffle when each attempt starts.

Start topic quiz Go to a 45-question quiz