QT0905 Learner Driver Manual

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Your keys todriving inQueensland

No. 9: October 2006 r.r.p. $10.35

For more information visit www.transport.qld.gov.au

Due to anticipated legislative changes in July 2007 theinformation in this book may not be valid after that date.


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ContentsIntroduction to Queensland driver licences 2

Queensland licences 3

Applying for a driver licence 15

Learner licence 23

Q-SAFE practical driving test 31

Q-RIDE motorbike training and competency-based assessment 49

Non-Queensland driver licence 53

Licence suspensions 57

Unlicensed driving 63Organ donation 67

On the road driving skills 69

On the road traffic conditions 95

On the road special driving skills 125

On the road heavy vehicles 137

On the road cyclists and pedestrians 151

On the road sharing with other road users 159

On the road responsible road use 167On the road enforcement 179

On the road what to do at a crash 185

On the road your vehicle 195

Answers to sample test questions 205

Index 211

Notes 217


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Your keys to driving in QueenslandPublished by

Queensland Transport

PO Box 673

Fortitude Valley 4006

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,

without the prior written permission of Queensland Transport.

Offenders will be prosecuted.

Crown copyright rests with the publisher.

Information in this guide is current as of October 2006. For the latest road rules please refer to the

Queensland Transport website www.transport.qld.gov.au

Please note:

The notes and information contained in this guide are an interpretation of current traffic law and

should not be used for a legal interpretation.

1300 phone numbers (cost of a local call) or 1800 phone numbers (freecall) are listed throughout

this publication. Please note higher rates apply when calling these numbers from mobile phonesand pay phones. If calling from outside Queensland, STD rates will apply.

ISBN 0 724 297 529


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2

Introduction to Queensland driver licencesYour keys to driving in Queensland is a publication for Queensland drivers that

combines important information about the Queensland driver licensing system plus the

Queensland road rules.

This book is essential reading for anyone wanting to learn to drive. Questions you may

find in your road rules test are featured at the end of some sections.

Your keys to driving in Queensland also comes complete with a learner driver tutors

guide, Ready to guide, to help someone teach a learner driver how to drive safely.

However, Your keys to driving in Queensland is not just for learner drivers it is

important for everyone who uses the road, regardless of their level of experience, to

read the book to update their knowledge of the road rules and road safety.

You will be able to find information easily theres an index at the back and eachsection is colour coded for quick reference.

The information in this guide is an interpretation of the rules applying to road use in

Queensland. For the complete definitive picture, visit the Office of the Queensland

Parliamentary Counsel website at www.legislation.qld.gov.au or purchase a copy of the Transport Operations

(Road Use ManagementRoad Rules) Regulation 1999, which contains the Queensland road rules, from The

Government Bookshop by calling 07 3246 3399 or 1800 679 778 (if you live outside Brisbane).

For further information visit www.transport.qld.gov.au, contact your nearest Queensland Transport Customer

Service Centre or call Queensland Transport on 13 23 80.

Please note:

Higher rates apply when calling 1300 or 1800 phone numbers from mobile phones and pay phones. If calling

from outside Queensland, STD rates will apply.


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Queenslandlicences

Licence types

Licence classes, codes and conditions

Upgrading your licence

Renewing your licence

Travelling interstate or overseas

Changing your name or address


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Licence typesBefore you drive, or learn to drive, any class of motor vehicle on a road, you must

have a current driver licence allowing you to drive or learn to drive that class of

vehicle. There are three types of licences:

Learner licence P type licence which means a Provisional, Probationary or Restricted licence

Open licence.

Learner licence

Before learning to drive a class of motor vehicle you must hold a Learner licence.The Learner licencesection, page 23, gives you information about getting your

Learner licence and preparing for your practical driving test.

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P type Provisional licenceYou may be eligible for a Provisional licence if you:

are at least 17 years of age

hold and have held a Learner licence for that class of vehicle for at least six months within the previous two years.

This period is cumulative, but any period the Learner licence is suspended or cancelled will not count

pass an eyesight test, if required, see page 19

declare you are medically fit to drive the class of motor vehicle that you want to drive (for more information see

Applying for a driver licence, medical conditions affecting driving, pages 20 and 21).

You must then:

book and pay the practical driving test fee. You may make a booking by contacting 13 23 90 or visit Queensland

Transports website at www.transport.qld.gov.au pass the practical driving test, see Q-SAFE, page 31

pay the licence fee if you can, purchase your Provisional licence for the entire period that you are required to

hold the licence (see below).

When you pass your driving test, you will be given a Provisional licence. Your age determines how long

you are required to hold your Provisional licence before you may upgrade to an Open licence.

Required period

If you are:

under 23 years of age, you must hold your Provisional licence for at least three years

at least 23 years but under 24 years of age, you must hold your licence for at least two years

24 years of age and over, you must hold your licence for at least one year.

You do not need to hold the Provisional licence continuously for the required period before you apply for an Open

licence. You can accumulate the time over a number of individual periods within the previous five years.

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P type Probationary licence

You may be eligible for a Probationary licence if you were disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence by a court

and you have now served the period of disqualification.Conditions for Provisional or Probationary licence holders

You must:

keep your licence with you when driving

show your licence straight away to any police officer who asks you to do so. You may be fined if you do not

produce your licence.

if you are under 25 years of age, have a zero alcohol limit when driving (see On the road responsible road use,

alcohol, pages 168 to 171).You may:

drive any class of vehicle shown on your licence

learn to drive a higher class as long as you are with someone who holds, and has held, an Open licence for at

least one year for that class. See Driver licence classes, pages 9 and 10.

P type Restricted licenceIf you are convicted of drink driving but need a licence to earn your living, you may ask the court that convicts you to

grant you a Restricted licence, commonly known as a work licence. You must apply to the court for this licence

before the Magistrate decides what period you will be disqualified for.

You are not eligible to apply for this licence if any of these conditions apply to you.

You have had another drink driving offence in the past five years.

You are under 25 years of age and hold a Learner or Provisional driver licence.

You did not hold a Queensland Provisional or Open driver licence at the time you committed, or were convicted of,

the drink driving offence.6


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You were driving a motor vehicle that you were not authorised to drive under your Queensland Provisional or

Open driver licence.

When tested, your alcohol level was 0.15% or greater (see On the road responsible road use, alcohol, pages 168 to 171).

In the past five years, you have had your licence suspended or cancelled or you have been disqualified from

holding a driver licence.

Note:This five-year period is calculated backwards from the day your application is made to the court.

In all cases, you must be able to prove to the court that you need a driver licence to earn your living.

Conditions for Restricted licence holders

You must hold the Restricted licence for the same period as the disqualification period imposed by the court.

You may only drive the class of vehicle shown on the licence and drive the vehicle in accordance with conditions

stated on the court order. You may also be required to hold a Probationary licence for a required period of timebefore being eligible for an Open licence. See Required period, page 5.

Open licenceYou may be eligible to be given an Open licence if you have held your P type licence

for the required period. See Required period, page 5.

Conditions for Open licence holders

You should:

keep your licence with you when driving

show your licence to any police officer who asks you to do so.

If you do not have the licence with you, you may be given 48 hours to produce it at a police station nominated

by the police officer. You may be fined if you do not produce your licence.

If you pass a practical driving test for an additional or higher class of licence and already hold a Queensland driver

licence, your licence will be re-issued to you showing the additional or higher class.7

Queensland licences


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Queensland licencesDriver licence classesThis table shows what class of licence you need to drive a particular vehicle.

Licence class

RE (motorbike)

R (motorbike)

C (car)

LR (light rigid)

Class of vehicle

You may ride:

a moped (a motorbike with an engine capacity of not more than 50mL and a manufacturer's

top rated speed of not more than 50km/h). Excludes power assisted cycles

a motorbike with an engine capacity of not more than 250mL, with or without a trailer.

You maylearn to ride a class R motorbike once you have held your class RE motorbike licence

for at least 1 year.

You may ride:

a class RE vehicle

a motorbike, with or without a trailer.

You may drive: a moped

a car, with or without a trailer

a specially constructed vehicle of not more than 4.5 tonne Gross Vehicle Mass, with or without a trailer.

You maylearn to drive a class LR, MR, HR or UD vehicle.

You may drive:

a class C vehicle

a bus of not more than 8 tonne GVM, with or without a trailer of not more than 9 tonne GVM

a truck (including a prime mover) of not more than 8 tonne GVM, with or without a trailer of

not more than 9 tonne GVM

a specially constructed vehicle of not more than 8 tonne GVM, with or without a trailer of not

more than 9 tonne GVM.

You maylearn to drive a class MR, HR or UD vehicle.


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Licence class

MR

(medium rigid)

HR

(heavy rigid)

HC (heavy

combination)

MC

(multi-

combination)

UD

Class of vehicle

You may drive:

a class LR vehicle

a bus of more than 8 tonne GVM with not more than 2 axles, with or without a trailer of not

more than 9 tonne GVM

a truck (including a prime mover) with not more than 2 axles, with or without a trailer of not

more than 9 tonne GVM

a specially constructed vehicle of more than 8 tonne GVM with not more than 2 axles, with or

without a trailer of not more than 9 tonne GVM.

You maylearn to drive a class HR, HC or UD vehicle.

You may drive:

a class MR vehicle

a bus, with or without a trailer of not more than 9 tonne GVM

an articulated bus

a truck (including a prime mover), with or without a trailer of not more than9 tonne GVM

a specially constructed vehicle of more than 8 tonne GVM, with or without a trailer of not

more than 9 tonne GVM.

You maylearn to drive a class HC, MC or UD vehicle.

You may drive:

a class HR vehicle

a truck (including a prime mover), with or without a trailer

a specially constructed vehicle of more than 8 tonne GVM, with or without a trailer.You maylearn to drive a class MC vehicle.

You may drive:

a class HC vehicle

a B-double

a road train.

You may drive a specially constructed vehicle.


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Licence codes and conditions

Upgrading your licenceTo upgrade your licence, you must meet these requirements.

Complete an application form and produce your driver licence (Note:you will be required to declare any traffic

offences for which you have been convicted).

Provide evidence of identity and residence if required, see Evidence of identity, pages 16, 17 and 18.

Pass an eyesight test if required, see Eyesight test, page 19.

Pass a road rules test if required (Note:To pass the heavy vehicle test, you will need to answer eight out of ten

questions correctly and for the motorbike test, answer four out of five questions correctly).

Pass the practical driving test.

Before you can upgrade to a higher class of licence, you must have held your existing class of licence for the

minimum period for the class of licence. See Minimum periods for higher licence classes, page 12.

Queensland licences

Code

A

B

I

M

S

V

X1

X2

Licence condition

You may only drive the class of vehicle with automatic transmission.

You may only drive the class of vehicle with synchromesh gearbox.

You may only drive while carrying, and in accordance with, an order under the Penalties and Sentences

Act 1992, part 5, division 1.

You may only drive while carrying, and in accordance with, your medical certificate.

You may only drive while wearing corrective lenses.

You may only drive while carrying, and in accordance with, your vehicle modification notice.

You may only drive while carrying, and in accordance with, your order under section 87 or 88

of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995.

You may only drive the class of vehicle with a L plate displayed conspicuously at the front and rear

of the vehicle.

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Minimum periods for higher licence classesYou must have held a Provisional, Probationary or Open licence for a minimum period before you can upgrade to a

higher licence class.

Licence class Minimum period

R (motorbike) You must have held a class RE Provisional, Probationary or Open licence for at least one year.

LR (light rigid) You must have held a class C Provisional, Probationary or Open licence for at least one year.

MR (medium rigid)

HR (heavy rigid) You must have held:

a class C Provisional, Probationary or Open licence for at least two years; or a class LR or MR Provisional, Probationary or Open licence for at least one year.

HC (heavy You must have held a class MR or HR Provisional, Probationary or Open licence for at least one year.

combination)

MC(multi-combination) You must have held a class HR or HC Provisional, Probationary or Open licence for at least one year.

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LR MR

HR

HC

MC


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Renewing your licenceTo apply for, or renew, your Queensland driver licence, visit a Queensland Transport Customer Service Centre

or a driver licence issuing centre. The licence may be granted to you for a period of not more than five years.

You may renew your licence up to six weeks before it expires. If it has expired, you may have to show extra

identification when you apply to renew it. You will need to pay a fee when renewing your licence.

If you renew your P type or Open licence within five years of the expiry date of the licence, you will not be required

to take another practical driving test before being granted a further licence of the same class. However, if you are

found driving after your licence expires and before you renew it, you will be charged with unlicensed driving. See

Unlicensed driving, page 63.

Travelling interstate or overseasIf your licence will expire while you are travelling interstate or overseas, and you still need to drive after it expiresand before returning to Queensland, contact Queensland Transport. For more information about renewing your

licence, call 13 23 80.

Changing your name or addressIf you change your name or address, you must tell Queensland Transport or its agent within 14 days. Call

Queensland Transport on 13 23 80 for information about what you will need to show to change your name or

address on your Queensland licence.Alternatively, you can change your address online by visiting www.transport.qld.gov.au

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Applying fora driver licence Evidence of identity

Eyesight test

Medical conditions affecting driving

Road rules test


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Evidence of identityYou will need to comply with the evidence of identity requirements when you are applying fora Queensland driver licence for the first time or renewing your licence and are unable to showyour Queensland driver licence (current or expired less than two years).

You will also need to comply with these requirements when you are applying for a replacementof your licence because it has been cancelled, lost, stolen, destroyed or defaced, or you havechanged your name and you want your new name shown on your driver licence.

Evidence of identity requirementsYou will need to show three evidence of identity documents. These documents must includeat least:

one category A document

one category B document one document from either category.

One of these documents must include your signature. Each document must be an original.All documents must be current unless otherwise stated. See pages 17 and 18 for examplesof acceptable evidence of identity documents.

If your current Queensland residential address is not shown on any of the documents, you mustshow one evidence of Queensland residential address document, see Evidence of Queenslandresidential address, page 18.

If you have changed your name or the details of your name are different on the documents to be shown, you mustalso show an official change of name document. This may be a change of name certificate or a marriage certificateissued by the Registrar of an Australian Births, Deaths and Marriages. An official overseas marriage certificate mayonly be accepted if it is accompanied by one category A or two category B documents already in the married name.

If you cannot show any of the evidence of identity documents, you should discuss this with staff at QueenslandTransport. For more information, contact Queensland Transport on 13 23 80.

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Category A documentsThese documents establish the legal existence of your name and date of birth. They include:

Australian BDM Birth Certificate full (Commemorative certificates, extracts, acknowledgement of birth,photocopies or certified copies of original documents are not acceptable)

Australian or foreign Passport (current or expired less than two years)

Australian Citizenship Certificate or Naturalisation Cer tificate

Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs travel document, for example resident visa(valid up to five years after issue)

Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs Cer tificate of Evidence of Resident Status

Australian photo driver licence, (current or expired licence less than two years)

Australian Defence Force (excluding civilians) photo identity card Queensland or federal police officer photo identity card

Queensland Card 18+ (issued after 01/01/92)

Queensland Transport Driver Authorisation (current or expired less than two years)

Queensland Transport Accreditation, for example driver or rider trainers, pilot vehicle drivers (current or expiredless than two years).

Category B documents

These documents establish your identity as the person presenting the category A documents. They include:

Medicare card

Plastic financial institution debit/credit card with signature and embossed name

Education institution student identity document (must be issued in Australia and include photo and/or signature)

Department of Veterans' Affairs/Centrelink, Pensioner concession card (including Health Care Cards)

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Eyesight testYou may be required to undergo an eyesight test before you get your licence. To pass the test, you must be able to read theeyesight chart from a distance of six metres and not make more than two errors. You must meet these standards:

If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses when driving, bring them with you and wear them during the test.

The code S will appear on your licence, showing you must wear corrective lenses while driving.

If you have any eyesight problems, you may be required to obtain a medical certificate from a doctor, optometristor ophthalmologist certifying your sight meets the approved standard for the class of licence you want.

If you only have vision in one eye (monocular vision), you will be required to obtain a certificate from an optometristor ophthalmologist confirming the extent of the loss of your visual acuity and visual fields regardless of whetheryou are a private or commercial vehicle driver.

If you do not meet the eyesight standards, you will not be granted the licence.

Driver licence class

Private vehicle driver

RE, R, C, LR

Commercial vehicle driver

MR, HR, HC, MC. Includes any class of vehicleused for commercial purposes e.g. taxi,limousine or a driver trainer vehicle.

Eyesight standard

You must be able to read line 12 or smaller with both eyes.

You must be able to read line 9 or smaller with one eye orline 18 or smaller with the other eye.


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Medical conditions that are likely to affect your driving ability include: (but are not limited to)

epilepsy

diabetes

heart disease

stroke

arthritis and other joint problems

loss or partial loss of a limb

sight or hearing disorders

lung disease

sleep disorders

Alzheimer's disease and other dementias depression and other mental problems

injuries and disabilities.

If you have a medical condition that will adversely affect your ability to drive safely and you already hold a driverlicence, you can notify Queensland Transport by completing the approved form.

If you hold a class MR,HR,HC,MC or a class R, C, LR and the licence holder has authority to carry passengers ordangerous good, you require specialist medical reports for conditions such as diabetes and vision or eye disorders.

For more information, contact your nearest Queensland Transport Customer Service Centre, driver licence issuingcentre or Queensland Transport on 13 23 80.


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Road rules testYou can take the road rules test at a driver licence issuing centre when youapply for your driver licence. You pay a test fee for each test. If you fail yourtest, you cannot take it again until the next day.

Allow at least 30 minutes to complete your road rules test. Once you pass,you will not have to take it again but, if you apply for an additional licenceclass, you may need to pass a specific road rules test for that class.

Class C general road rules testThere are 30 questions in the general road rules test. The questions havemultiple choice answers this means each question has a number ofpossible answers and you must mark the correct one. The test has two

main sections. In the first section, you must correctly answer nine out of the ten questions. In the second section,you must correctly answer 18 out of 20 questions.

Class RE or R (motorbike) road rules testIf you hold a car licence or higher, you will only have to correctly answer four out of the five additional questionsspecific to motorbikes to pass the test.

Class UD, LR, MR, HR, HC or MC (heavy vehicle) road rules testIf you hold a car or motorbike licence or higher, you will only have to correctly answer eight of the ten additional

questions specific to heavy vehicles to pass the test.


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Learnerlicence Class C (car)

Class RE (motorbike)

Ready to drive for the learner


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Class C (car) or class RE (motorbike)You need a class C Learner licence before you learn to drive a car or a class RE Learner

licence before you learn to ride a motorbike.

You may apply for the Learner licence when you are at least 16 years and six months of

age. The Learner licence will be issued for one year.

Applying for a Learner licence

To apply for a Learner licence, you must:

visit a driver licence issuing centre Queensland Transport Customer Service Centre or Queensland Government Agent

Program (QGAP) licence issuing office. In some rural or remote areas, Queensland police stations may issue the licence

complete an application form about your personal information including your name, address, date and place of birth,

medical fitness, details of any previous driver licences and any traffic convictions

provide identification and evidence of residence, see Applying for a driver licence, evidence of identity, pages 16 to 18

pass an eyesight test if required, see Applying for a driver licence, eyesight test, page 19

pass the road rules test, see Applying for a driver licence, road rules test, page 22.

Learner licence conditions

Class C (car)

You must:

obey the conditions shown on your Learner licence

always carry your Learner licence when you are learning to drive and show it straight away to any police officer who

asks you to do so

only be taught by a person who holds, and has held an Open class C licence for at least one year. Note:If the vehicle

has passenger seating, the person must accompany you by sitting next to you

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not drive unless L plates are fitted to the front and rear of the vehicle you are driving. The L plate is a sign that

measures 146mm x 146mm and shows a black uppercase letter L on a yellow background. The L plate must

be conspicuous to anyone else looking at the front and rear of the vehicle.

drive with a zero alcohol limit if under 25 years of age.See On the road responsible road use, alcohol, pages 168 to 171.

Class RE (motorbike)

You must:

obey the conditions shown on your Learner licence

always carry your Learner licence when you are learning to ride and show it straight away to any police officer

who asks you to do so

only be taught by a person who holds, and has held an Open class RE or class R licence for at least one year only learn to ride a motorbike with an engine capacity of not more than 250mL.

always display an L plate on the rear of the motorbike you are riding or on the back of a vest worn while riding. The

L plate is a sign that measures 146mm x 146mm and shows a black uppercase letter 'L' on a yellow background.

Your first motorbike licence will be for a motorbike not more than 250mL engine capacity (class RE). After you have

held your class RE Provisional or Open licence for at least one year, you may learn to ride a motorbike with an

engine capacity more than 250mL under this licence. But you may only be taught by a person who holds, and has

held an Open class R licence for at least one year.

Note:If the vehicle has pillion passenger seating or a sidecar, the person may either accompany you by sitting onthe pillion if suitable footrests are fitted, or by being safely seated in the sidecar. If the vehicle does not have

passenger seating or a sidecar, then you may learn to ride the motorbike under the direction of a person who

may be in another vehicle.

You must pass a practical driving test on that class of motorbike before your Provisional or Open licence will be

upgraded. If you are learning through Q-RIDE, see pages 49 to 51.

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Special rules about mopedsIf you want to learn to ride a moped, you must:

be the holder of a class C or RE Learner licence always carry your Learner licence when you are learning to ride and show it straight away

to any police officer who asks you to do so

be accompanied by, or ride under the direction of, a person who holds, and has held an

Open class C or RE licence for at least one year.

However, you cannot take the practical driving test on a moped because it is not representative

of the class of vehicle that may be driven under a class C or RE licence. You must take the test

on either a class RE motorbike or in a car. If you pass the test, you will be granted a driver

licence for the class of vehicle that you were actually tested in.

Ready to drive for the learnerEverything you need to know to help you get your licence and drive safely

This is a practical guide to help you get your Provisional licence. It will give you helpful tips and explain the

step-by-step process of upgrading from a Learner licence to a Provisional licence.

Remember that taking risks and driver inexperience are key factors in many fatal crashes involving young drivers.

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Learner drivers are not generally prone to having crashes. But when you get your Provisional licence you are much

more likely to have a serious crash than any other motorists. Dont fall into the trap of taking risks and becoming

a statistic by doing something stupid.

Use your time as a learner to make yourself the best possible driver. Its a bit like sport and other interests.

You dont want to just pass. You want to be the best driver you can be.

To obtain a copy of the book called Ready to Guide, please contact your nearest Queensland Transport Customer

Service Centre or call Queensland Transport on 13 23 80. The Ready to Guidecontains important information for

the person who will be teaching you to drive. Make sure you give your teacher the book. This book explains how your

teacher can help you, and how to keep both of you calm and cool during those first few, sometimes scary rides.

Its a good idea to sit down with the accredited driver trainer you choose or with your parents or friends who are

going to teach you, and plan out your program for learning to drive by following these steps.

Step 1 plan your programA professional learn-to-drive program will include some lessons to provide you with the right skills, attitude and

behaviour, and lots of practice behind the wheel.

If you dont want to use an accredited driver trainer, you should still plan your program. If you are learning to drive

from someone other than a driver trainer, plan the skills you will need to learn and how to get them.

Make sure you:

1. have your Learner licence with you whenever you are driving2. bring your own L plates if using your own vehicle

3. go through your driving plan with your teacher before you both go out on the road

4. review your road rules yet again.

So, you have a plan mapped out where do you go from here?

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Step 2 out on the road Resist the temptation to turn the radio on; it may distract you and your teacher.

Adjust your seat to a comfortable driving position. Make yourself familiar with the basic controls.

Take the time to adjust to different vehicles some may have power steering, unfamiliar brakes or mirrors,

and so on.

Step 3 practise and learnYou should spread your practice and driving lessons over the entire Learner licence period rather than taking all your

lessons just before the practical driving test. You may legally take your driving test after six months, but the more

you practise, the better driver you will be and the more chance you will have of passing on your first go. Weekly

practice, in a variety of situations, develops good driving skills. Make every effort to drive in different conditions:in the dry, in the wet, during peak hour, at dusk and at night.

Who can you learn to drive with?It is a good idea to learn with an accredited driver trainer. However, you can learn to drive with anyone you choose,

provided they hold a current Open licence and have held that licence for at least one year for the class of vehicle

you will be driving. Most people find their parents experience and tips make all the difference.

What parents and friends can do well:

provide a wide range of practice opportunities

allow you to proceed at your own pace

provide a relaxed and familiar environment in which to learn

promote a safe driving attitude.

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What accredited driver trainers can do well:

teach correct driving techniques

correct mistakes

teach you how to apply the road rules

explain patiently to you what you have done wrong thats what they do for a living

promote a safe driving attitude.

The ideal way for you to learn is to combine professional driving school lessons with lots of regular practice

sessions with parents or friends.

How do you arrange for professional driving lessons?If your parents or friends cannot recommend anyone, the Yellow Pages is the best place to start. Ask accredited

driver trainers if they use a lesson plan, how long the lessons will be and the make and model of the car you will

be taught in. Consider all these factors before making your final decision.

Whoever you choose, you and your teacher will find the Ready to guidebook a great help.

Step 4 the practical driving testOK, so youve been practising solidly for months. When you and your teacher are feeling confident about your driving

ability, the next step is the test.

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The use of hand-held mobile phones while

driving has proven to be deadly on our

roads. Statistics show that talking, texting

or operating hand-held mobile phones in

any way while driving is distracting and

dangerous. Its simply asking for trouble.

Thats why it's time to get tough.

In January 2004, increased traffic penalties

were introduced in Queensland for using

hand-held mobile phones while driving.

The penalty increased from $75 to $225

and 3 demerit points.

The smarter, safer way to avoid this penalty

is to turn your phone off while driving,

use a hands-free mobile phone kit, or pull

over to the side of the road. We're prepared

to do whatever it takes to discourage

unsafe driving on Queensland roads. It had

to happen. Dangerous driving has already

taken far too many innocent lives.

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Preparing for your Q-SAFE practical driving testNote:If you wish to obtain a motorbike licence under Q-RIDE training and competency-based assessment,

see pages 49 to 51.

If you have an accredited driver trainer, they will arrange an appointment time for your practical driving test at

a testing centre. If not, youll need to do this yourself. You will be required to pay the driving test fee and makea booking by contacting 13 23 90 or visiting the Queensland Transport website at www.transport.qld.gov.au

You must provide a registered vehicle for the test that would pass a basic safety check conducted by the driving

examiner. Before turning up for your test, make sure the vehicle would pass the safety check by having:

signalling devices, horn and stop lights that are all working

brakes and tyres that are in good condition

mirrors and internal sun visors that are adjustable

windscreen and wipers in good condition (except motorbikes)

seatbelts and head restraints fitted to both front seats (except motorbikes).

If you are providing the vehicle for the test make sure you bring your own L plates. Failure to do so may result in

your test being cancelled.

For more information about booking a practical driving test, call Queensland Transport on 13 23 80.

Test vehiclesClass C (car) licence test vehicleFor your driving test, you must drive a vehicle that is representative of the class of vehicle that is authorised to be

driven under a class C licence.

Convertible style vehicles must have the hood closed. All doors must be able to be opened from inside and outside

the vehicle and be fitted with suitable door handles.

The on-road test time for a class C licence will be not more than 35 minutes.32


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The standard test vehicle for a class C licence is:

Classes LR, MR, HR or HC (heavy vehicle) licence test vehicleFor your driving test you must drive a vehicle that is representative of the class of vehicle authorised to be driven

under the particular class of licence.

A vehicle of more than 12 tonne GVM must be equipped with at least three portable warning triangles for the test.

The individual on-road test time will be not more than 35 minutes for a class LR licence, 70 minutes for a classMR and HR licence and 90 minutes for a class HC licence.

The standard test vehicles for each class of licence is:

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Q-SAFE

Licence class

C (car)

Vehicle requirement

A vehicle (other than a motorbike) not more than 4.5 tonne GVM, built or fitted to carry no more than

12 adults including the driver.Note:the test cannot be taken on a moped.

Licence class

LR (light rigid)

MR

(medium rigid)

HR(heavy rigid)

HC (heavy

combination)

Vehicle requirement

A bus or truck more than 4.5 tonne GVM but not more than 8 tonne GVM.

A bus or truck with not more than 2 axles.

Note:the vehicle must be more than 8 tonne GVM.

A bus or a truck with at least 3 axles.Note 1:the vehicle must be more than 15 tonne GVM.

Note 2:the test cannot be taken in a bobtail prime mover.

A prime mover more than 15 tonne GVM with at least 3 axles and semitrailer with at least 2 axles.

A truck more than 15 tonne GVM with at least 3 axles and trailer more than 9 tonne GVM with

at least 2 axles.


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Classes RE or R (motorbike) licence test vehicleFor your test, you must ride a motorbike that is a standard test vehicle for the licence you want.

Standard test vehicles:

The individual on-road test time will be 35 minutes or less for both the class RE and R licence.

The practical driving testWhat youll need to do before taking the practical driving test.

Bring your:

Learner licence or

current licence if you are being tested for another class of licence

L plates if you are using your own vehicle Driving test appointment sheetor Examiners authority to drive test vehiclesection of the driver licence

application form signed by the registered owner, authorising a Queensland Transport driving examiner to drive

the vehicle if necessary

form stating you have read and understood the conditions applying to your driving test

vehicle.

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Licence class

RE (restricted

motorbike)

R (motorbike)

Vehicle requirement

A motorbike with an engine capacity of not more than 250mL.

Note:The test cannot be taken on a moped or a motortrike.

A motorbike with an engine capacity more than 250mL.

Note:The test cannot be taken on a motortrike.


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After the practical driving test

After you have completed all the driving tasks, the driving examiner directs you back to the testing of fice. The

examiner will tell you at the end of your test whether you have passed or failed. You also get feedback on any errors,

and a copy of your Driving Assessment Report. If you have passed, you pay the licence fee and have your phototaken. You then receive your Provisional licence. You will be eligible for an Open licence after you have held your

Provisional licence for the required period, see Queensland licences, P type, required period, page 5.

Note: If you already hold a Provisional or Open licence, your licence will be re-issued with the new class stated on it.

If you failed dont panic

Come back after more practice and try again. Before you leave, make sure you know exactly what you did wrong

and how you can improve. You can take the test as many times as you like, but you must pay each time and cant

re-take the test on the same day. Your Learner licence is issued for one year and it is easily renewed. Dont pushyourself if youre not ready. You have many people to help you through one of the most important challenges youll

ever take on. So take your time.

During your practical driving test

When you arrive for your driving test, you get information on how the test will be conducted. The driving examiner

carries out a basic safety check on your vehicle. If it passes, the driving examiner starts your test with a pre-drive

check of your knowledge of your vehicles controls. Then you have a chance to ask questions before your on-road

test starts.

As you drive, the driving examiner records how well you complete each task on the form, so dont assume you have

made a mistake when the driving examiner marks the report. You should allow at least one hour for your driving test

and associated activities. Driving examiners are there to help. Its their job to assess your ability to drive safely so

dont feel intimidated or nervous.

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A message from your driving examiner

The driving examiner will make the following statements to you before you start your driving test:

Q-SAFE is designed to evaluate your ability to drive safely and correctly

in different driving situations which may include a variety of speed zones.

I will be asking you to perform a series of driving tasks throughout your

driving test. You will be given clear directions in ample time.

If I dont give you any specific directions please follow the road and

be directed by road signs, signals and markings.

Do you have any questions?

Additional information

You will be expected to perform the driving tasks according to

the road rules.

At no time during your test will you be asked to perform any driving

tasks that are illegal or unsafe.

If your vehicle is fitted with blind spot mirrors, you must still

look over your shoulder to make sure there are no vehicles in

the blind spot.

Once your driving test has begun, the driving examiner cannot

answer any questions that may influence your driving per formance.

Please turn off your mobile phone while you are taking your test.

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Speed drive at a speed that suits the road and traffic conditions (even 10km/h can sometimes be too fast).

Observation/scanning be on guard, always looking for traffic hazards and possible problems. Look left, right,

ahead and behind when approaching a hazard, then use a driving system to deal with it in time, see On the road

special driving skills, pages 125 to 136.Mirrors check rear vision mirrors, including both side mirrors, frequently.

Following vehicles in good conditions, travel at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. Double this

gap in poor conditions, see On the road driving skills, pages 69 to 94.

Marked lanes keep within lane markings. Change lanes only after signalling and if it is safe to do so.

Road position keep as far left as safe and practical when driving on a road without marked lanes.

Signalling and indicators give other road users sufficient warning of what you intend to do, see On the road

driving skills, pages 69 to 94.

Steering always keep control of the steering wheel. Never:

put your hands inside the rim of the wheel

remove your hands or let the wheel go free

hold the wheel with your arms crossed or so that the movement of the wheel is restricted

operate the wheel with one hand unnecessarily (for example, one arm resting on the door)

palm the wheel with one hand

operate the wheel with the vehicle stationary (dry steering).

Manoeuvres Reverse park and perform one of the listed manoeuvres:

Reverse parking park the vehicle parallel to and within 45cm of the kerb. You can have one attempt with

a maximum of two reverse and one forward movements.

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Reversing exercise steer a steady course (in an approximate straight line), starting and finishing within 50cm of

the kerb. The observation should be predominantly by turning your head and looking through the rear window.

Turning around use the available space with a minimum of going forward or back. Do not turn the wheel when

the vehicle is stopped.U-turn give way to all other vehicles and pedestrians and have a clear view of all approaching traffic.

Hill start position the car parallel to and within 50cm of the kerb and apply the hand brake and move off without

rolling backwards.

Gear changing in automatics if you are driving an automatic car, you will be asked to select a lower gear and

re-select drive.

Q-SAFE practical driving test classes

LR, MR, HR & HC (heavy vehicle)When you do a practical driving test for a heavy vehicle you will also beassessed on the following tasks.

Pre-drive check

The pre-drive check asks you to locate and explain a range of vehicle

controls including wipers, washers, demister, air conditioner,

seat adjustment, hazard lights, mirrors, horn and headlights.

On-road driving test

In your on-road driving test, the driving examiner will check that you perform the following procedures correctly.

Reversing exercise reverse the vehicle around a corner. You can do the manoeuvre in a left or right-hand direction.

Start and finish reversing parallel to and within two metres of the edge of the road.

The driving examiner may allow you two attempts to successfully reverse the vehicle around the corner. Two reverse

movements and one forward movement are allowed for each attempt. The forward movement for left and right

reversing can be as far as the furtherest edge or kerb you are turning from.40

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You should check what you are doing by looking in your mirrors, though you can glance over your shoulder occasionally.

If you drive a truck with a dog trailer in the test, you may reverse with or without the trailer steerable axle locked.

Gear changing change down to a lower gear, excluding crawler gears, when the vehicle is in motion. On a manualvehicle, use the clutch. You must be able to operate exhaust brakes, two-speed differential, range selector, and

so on, if they are fitted.

Hill start move off smoothly from a parked position and travel up a moderate incline without the vehicle rolling

backwards.

Uncouple/recouple requirements for the class HC licence test, uncouple the trailer, drive forward approximately

ten metres and reverse back onto the trailer to recouple. Uncouple and recouple the trailer, following all safe

practices, in the correct sequence within 12 minutes. Extra time may be given for some configurations, e.g. flying

saucer type coupling.

Correct sequence and procedure uncouple

1. Apply the park brake to the vehicle.

2. Alight from the cab facing the vehicle.

3. Secure the wheel chocks (necessary for vehicles that do not have a spring brake system).

4. Lower trailer/drawbar support legs.

5. Disconnect, retract and secure:

electric cable

hydraulic lines

brake hoses

chains where applicable.

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6. Release the turntable jaws/pin coupling.

7. Where the vehicle has air bag suspension, operate the air dump valve (where applicable) to prevent

any damage to the vehicle.

Correct sequence and procedure recouple

1. Ensure pin coupling/jaws are in the correct position for recoupling.

2. Reverse prime mover/truck back towards the trailer. You can stop and check the position of the prime

mover/truck in relation to the trailer coupling. Where applicable, activate valve to refill air bag suspension.

3. After you have coupled the prime mover/truck and trailer, check that all the mechanisms are locked by:

attempting to carefully ease forward against the trailer brakes (i.e. tug test)

visually checking the coupling to ensure locking pin/jaws have engaged after first applying the park brake.

4. Connect and check the condition of: brake hoses

hydraulic lines

electric cables

chains if applicable (ensure they are crossed).

5. Wind up trailer support legs and lock in position or secure drawbar leg.

6. Start engine and build up air pressure to operating level.

7. Turn engine off and walk around vehicle listening for air leaks and checking the condition of all tyres.

8. Remove wheel chocks if appropriate.

9. Check trailer and footbrake stop lights, turn indicators, and sound the horn. This is done to ensure correct

functioning of the electrical system.

10. An additional tug test should be conducted on the trailer brake at low speed after recouple when asked

to do so by the driving examiner.

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Long vehicle

When driving a long vehicle, you should know the length of the vehicle and your obligations towards turning,

following distance and giving way to other vehicles.

Synchromesh restriction code

If the driving test is conducted in a vehicle with a synchromesh transmission and non synchromesh skills havent been

displayed in a previous licence test, a licence condition code B (synchromesh restricted) will be stated on the licence.

For additional road rules for heavy vehicles, see On the road heavy vehicles, pages 137 to 150.

Q-SAFE practical driving test class RE & R (motorbike)Clothing requirements

Queensland Transport recommends that you wear thefollowing clothing when you take your motorbike test:

pants made from heavy material that cover leg length

long sleeve shirt or jacket made from heavy material

gloves providing appropriate protection

fully enclosed shoes.

You must wear a helmet that meets the Australian

standards for motorbike helmets when riding a bike,

including when taking the test.

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A message from your driving examiner class RE & R (motorbike)

This message only applies to you if you are taking a motorbike driving test. The driving examiner will make the

following statements to you before starting your driving test:

I will follow you during the driving test. Please keep me in your vision and should you lose sight of me or I am heldup for any reason, please stop somewhere safe and legal and wait for me.

I will make my directions as clear as possible, but please ask me to repeat any directions you are unsure of.

After you have followed my directions, please stop somewhere safe and legal on the side of the road and wait for me.

Do you have any questions?

Pre-drive check

The test will start with the pre-drive check followed by the on-road driving test. The pre-drive check will involve the

driving examiner asking you to locate and explain your knowledge of and ability to operate and adjust thefuel reserve, choke, kill switch, side stand, horn and headlight/dip switch.

On-road driving test

The on-road driving test will include general riding exercises and low speed manoeuvres.

In your on-road driving test, the driving examiner will check that you do the following procedures correctly.

Changing road position giving other road users sufficient warning of what you intend to do and always checking

your mirrors and your vehicles blind spot before changing your position on the road. For more information, see

On the road driving skills, indicating and signalling, page 74.

Posture when riding: keeping your knees into the tank

keeping your head up so you are looking well ahead through the corners

keeping your foot instep on the footrest

keeping your feet on the footrests except when stopping or moving off

keeping your feet out and slightly down.44

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Gear changing avoiding wheel lock-up by smooth gear changes. (A touch to the accelerator on down changes

is recommended.)

Balance and control maintaining full balance and control of the motorbike in all speed and driving conditions.

Road position keeping clear of painted surfaces and metal inspection covers on the road surface. (Beware ofoily or loose surfaces, especially near intersections.)

The positioning of your motorbike on the road must be suitable for the road conditions. When in a marked lane,

keeping within the lane. On a two-way road where there are no line markings, maintaining a road position that

enhances your safety.

Required manoeuvres

Slow ride riding in a straight line at the speed of a slow walk using the clutch if necessary to adjust the speed

of the motorbike, see Posture when riding, previous page 44.

U-turns giving way to all other vehicles and pedestrians and having a clear view of all approaching traffic in all

directions of travel. For more information about U-turns, see On the road driving skills, U-turns, page 85.

Emergency stop stopping the motorbike safely with full control from a speed of at least 40km/h. Using all your

fingers on the front brake at all times. Not locking the wheels. (You are not required to change back through the

gears in this exercise.)

Hill start moving off smoothly from a stationary position and travelling up a moderate incline without the

motorbike rolling backwards.

Additional road rules class RE and R (motorbike)

You as a motorbike rider, are subject to the same road rules that apply to you when you drive other vehicles.

However, because of the different nature of a motorbike, the following road rules also apply.

You must sit astride the riders seat, face forward and keep your feet on the riders footrests, except to use

a foot-operated device on the motorbike or to remain stable when travelling at low speeds.

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Before carrying a passenger on your motorbike, you must have held your current Provisional or Open motorbike

licence for that size motorbike for at least one year.

You must not carry more passengers in the motorbikes sidecar than the sidecar was designed to carry.

Rules for passengers on motorbikes

A passenger must be seated safely on the pillion seat or in a sidecar attached to the motorbike.

A pillion passenger must not ride on the motorbike unless the motorbike has a suitable pillion seat and suitable

passenger footrests.

A pillion passenger on a moving motorbike must sit astride the pillion seat and face forward with their feet on the

passenger footrests.

A passenger must not interfere with the riders effective control of the motorbike.

Parking

When parking a motorbike or moped, position at least one wheel as close as possible to the kerb. Park a motorbike

with the sidecar parallel to the kerb. You must obey the parking rules. For more information about parking, see

On the road driving skills, parking, pages 89 to 93.

Preparing to get on the road

You and your passengers (both pillion and sidecar) must wear a safety helmet at all times when riding unless the

motorbike or moped is parked. The helmet must be Australian Standards approved. It should fit properly (e.g. an

adults helmet on a child will offer no protection) and be kept in good condition.

For safety, both you and your passengers should wear eye protection, gloves, boots, and hard-wearing, high-visibility

clothing, covering legs and arms.

To increase your visibility and safety, Queensland Transport recommends you ride your motorbike with the headlights

on at all times.

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If you or your passengers are involved in a crash, there are certain ways of safely removing a helmet. For more

information, see On the road what to do at a crash, helping motorbike crash victims, page 191.

Before riding on the road, check the following safety equipment on your motorbike is working:

headlight

rear light that shows a red light

rear number plate light (clear)

rear red reflector

front and rear brakes

footrests for you and for the pillion passenger, if the motorbike is registered to carr y one passenger

muffler

horn

chain guard (Note:If the motorbike is chain driven, ensure that the chain is correctly adjusted and lightly lubricated)

right rear-vision mirror (a left rear-vision mirror is optional if the motorbike was manufactured before June 1975)

a registration label on the left side or rear that can be seen clearly from 6 metres away

safe tyres (with a tread at least 1.5mm deep)

indicators (if manufactured after 1962).

Note:If you are an employee of, or a contractor or a sub-contractor with Australia Post, you may ride a bicycle,

tricycle, power-assisted cycle, moped or motorbike on a footpath or road reserve if:

you are delivering postal articles the motorbike engine is not more than 125mL

the speed of the moped or motorbike is not more than 10km/h

you ride safely, taking care to avoid danger or a crash.

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Sample test questions

motorbike1. How long must you have held a Provisional or Open motorbike licence before you may carry a pillion passenger?2. What extra equipment should your motorbike have if you wish to carry a pillion passenger?

3. When must you wear a motorbike helmet?

4. When must a pillion passenger wear a motorbike helmet?

5. How must a motorbike, without a sidecar, be parked?

6. Where should the registration label be on your motorbike?

7. Where must the riders feet be placed while the motorbike is in motion?8. Under what circumstances may a Learner licence holder for a motorbike carry a pillion passenger?

Answers on page 206.

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Q-RIDE About Q-RIDE

Applying for Q-RIDE training and assessment

motorbike training

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Q-RIDE motorbike training andcompetency-based assessmentQ-RIDE aims to improve road safety for motorbike learner riders in Queensland. It is available in regions with access

to a Q-RIDE registered service provider. Q-RIDE licence candidates are assessed while they learn to ride. If you are

thinking about learning to ride a motorbike or are already undertaking training, you may choose between Q-RIDE or

the Queensland Transport practical driving test to obtain your motorbike licence.

When learning to ride a motorbike you may either display an L plate at the rear of the motorbike or wear a vest that

displays an L on the back of the vest. When you have enrolled in your Q-RIDE training session remember to bring

along your L plate or vest.

EligibilityYou can sign up for Q-RIDE if you:

hold a class RE (restricted) motorbike Learner licence; or

currently hold a class RE (restricted) motorbike Provisional or Open licence.

Q-RIDE advantage1. You do not need to hold your motorbike Learner licence for six months before obtaining your Provisional or

Open licence. However, you must be 17 years of age to be issued with your Provisional licence.

2. If you obtained your class RE (restricted) motorbike licence through Q-RIDE, you can learn to ride a class

R (unrestricted) motorbike if you undertake further Q-RIDE training.

3. To obtain a class R (unrestricted) motorbike licence through Q-RIDE, you must hold a Provisional or OpenRE licence for at least one year or a Provisional or Open car licence for at least three years (conditions apply

in both cases).

Calculating the required period you have held the licence When calculating the period that you have held the licence, you may include the sum of any periods, within the

previous five years, that you have held a valid licence for the same class of licence.50

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This means you cannot count any period during which your licence was expired, suspended (including SPER

suspensions), or any period that you were disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver licence by order of an

Australian court.

Applying for Q-RIDE training and assessmentOn your bike in fiveWith Q-RIDE, getting your licence to ride is as easy as following these five steps.

1. Get started you need to hold a class RE Learner, Provisional or Open licence.

2. Choose a Q-RIDE registered service provider (your choice may depend on location, fees and charges).

3. Enrol in Q-RIDE training with a Q-RIDE registered service provider. The registered service provider will ask

you to provide some information about your licence history to determine which class of motorbike you are

eligible to learn to ride.

4. Learn develop your motorbike riding skills through progressive training and when you have been assessed as

attaining the required competencies by the rider trainer, the Q-RIDE registered service provider may issue you with

a competency declaration (Q-RIDE certificate). You need to carry your Learner licence and Q-RIDE receipt when

learning to ride a motorbike. Be prepared to show your Learner licence and Q-RIDE receipt to any police officer

who asks you to do so. You may only receive instructions from another rider or passenger who holds an Openlicence for the class of motorbike you are riding and has held an Open licence for at least one year.

5. Licence take your Q-RIDE certificate together with your driver licence into a Queensland Transport Customer

Service Centre to apply for your class RE or R licence.

For further information about your local registered Q-RIDE trainer/service provider visit the Queensland Transport

website at www.transport.qld.gov.au/licensingrego

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BUY ANY

USED CARAS LONG

AS ITS

BLUE

Buying a used vehicle can be full of hidden

traps. Thats why Queensland Transport has

introduced the COMPULSORY

Motor Vehicle Safety Certificate designed to

give better protection against the sale

of unsafe vehicles.

You are entitled to ask to see the BLUE

Safety Certificate before making a decision

to purchase a vehicle.

A Safety Certificate must be displayed on a

vehicle from the time it is offered for sale.

For more information phone

13 23 80or visit www.transport.qld.gov.au


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Non-Queenslanddriver licence

Interstate licence

Foreign licence

New Zealand licence

Driving in Queensland


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2. you have been disqualified by an Australian court from holding or obtaining a driver licence

3. your authority to drive in Queensland on your licence has been suspended because:

you have been convicted of driving more than 40km/h over the speed limit

you have not paid any fines imposed by a court you have gained too many demerit points, see Licence suspensions, accumulation of demerit pointsinterstate

and foreign licence holders, page 60

4. your authority to drive in Queensland has been withdrawn because:

you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, see Applying for a driver licence,

medical conditions affecting driving, pages 20 and 21

the three months residency rule applies to you

once you are granted a Queensland driver licence.

When the three months residency rule appliesThe three months residency rule will apply to you if:

1. you are an Australian citizen and you have been residing in Queensland for three months

2. you are not an Australian citizen, and:

a. before you took up residence in Queensland you were given a permanent visa or special category visa

under the Migration Act 1958(Cwlth), and

b. you have now been residing in Queensland for three months

3. you are not an Australian citizen, and:

a. after you took up residence in Queensland you were given a permanent visa or special category visa

under the Migration Act 1958(Cwlth) and

b. you have now been residing in Queensland for three months since getting the visa.

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Permanent visa and special category visaA permanent visa and a special category visa are visas that allow you to stay indefinitely in Australia. A visa, such

as a student visa, that allows you to stay in Australia for a limited time, or until a certain event happens or while

you have a special status, is not a permanent visa or special category visa.

If you need to drive in QueenslandIf your licence has expired or your authority to drive in Queensland on it has been withdrawn because of the three

months residency rule, and you still need to drive, you may be eligible to be granted a Queensland driver licence

to do so, see Applying for a driver licence, pages 15 to 22.

If any of the following happens:

1. your licence has been suspended by the issuing authority

2. you have been disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver licence by an Australian court3. your authority to drive in Queensland has been suspended because you have:

a. been convicted of driving more than 40km/h over the speed limit

b. gained too many demerit points

c. not paid any court fines

you will not be eligible to be granted a Queensland driver licence until the period of suspension or disqualification

has ended.

If your authority to drive in Queensland has been withdrawn because you have a medical condition that affectsyour ability to drive safely, you will not be eligible for a Queensland driver licence until your doctor gives you a

certificate stating that you are medically fit to drive again.

For more information about unpaid court imposed fines, contact the State Penalties Enforcement Registry on

1300 365 635 or view their website www.sper.qld.gov.au

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Licencesuspensions

Speed suspension

Accumulation of demerit points Queensland licence holders

Appeals against suspension of Queensland licence

Accumulation of demerit points interstate and foreign licence holders Demerit points offences table


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Accumulation of demerit points Qld licence holdersIf you commit a demerit points offence, you will be given an infringement notice for the offence. As soon as you pay

the fine or have been dealt with by a court, the number of demerit points that are set for the offence are then

recorded against your traffic history. These points are taken to have been allocated on the day the offence was

committed. Demerit points offences committed anywhere in Australia may be recorded on your traffic history.

If you gain too many demerit points you will be sent an 'Accumulation of demerit points notice to choose' requiring you to

choose between having your driver licence suspended for a specified period or agreeing to continue driving under a period

of good behaviour for one year.

The number of demerit points varies according to the type of offence. For more information, see Demerit points

offences table, page 61.

Learner and P type (Provisional, Probationary and Restricted)licenceIf four or more demerit points are recorded against your traffic history in a one year period, while you hold your

Learner or P type licence, you will be sent an 'Accumulation of demerit points notice notice to choose'. The notice

will require you to choose between having your driver licence suspended for three months or agreeing to continue

driving under a period of good behaviour for one year.

Open licenceYou may receive a warning letter when you gain at least seven demerit points in a three year period.

If 12 or more demerit points are recorded against your traffic history in a three year period, you will be sent an

'Accumulation of demerit points notice notice to choose'. The notice will require you to choose between havingyour Open licence suspended for a specific period or agreeing to continue driving under a period of good behaviour

for one year.

Open licence suspension periods

59

p

12 to 15 16 to 19 20 or more

3 months 4 months 5 months

Demerit points

Suspension

periods

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Driving under a period of good behaviour for one yearIf you choose to continue driving under a period of good driving behaviour for one year, you may keep your current

licence provided that you do not gain more than one demerit point during the one year period. If you gain two or

more demerit points during this period, your licence will be suspended for double the suspension period that

would have applied had you taken the licence suspension in the first place.

Appeals against suspension of Queensland licenceYou mayonly appeal against the suspension of your Queensland driver licence if the suspension of your licence

will cause extreme hardship to you or your family by depriving you of the means of earning a living, and:

you gained two or more demerit points while driving under a period of good behaviour for one year, OR

your licence has been suspended for six months for driving more than 40km/h over the speed limit.

You only have 21 days from the start of the suspension period to lodge the appeal with the Magistrates court

in the district where you reside.

Accumulation of demerit points interstate and foreign licence holdersIf you commit any demerit points offence, you will be given an infringement notice for the offence. As soon as you

pay the fine or have been dealt with by a court, the number of demerit points that are set for the offence are then

recorded against your traffic history. If you gain too many demerit points you will be sent a notice from Queensland

Transport advising you that your authority to drive in Queensland on your interstate or foreign driver licence is

suspended for a specified period.

The length of the suspension period will depend on the type of licence you were holding during the period thedemerit points offence/s were committed and the number of demerit points you gained during the period.

You cannot appeal against the suspension of your authority to drive in Queensland.

Note: Demerit points information is current as of this publication date. For more information about demerit points,

suspensions, cancellations or appeals, visit the Queensland Transport website www.transport.qld.gov.au or contact

your nearest Queensland Transport Customer Service Centre or contact Queensland Transport on 13 23 80.

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licence suspensions

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61

Demerit points offences table

*You will also be suspended from driving for six months, see Speed suspension, page 58.

Double demerit points apply when you speed more than 20km/h above the speed limit more than once within a 12 month period,see Double Demerit Points - recidivist drivers and riders, page 58.

Speeding more than 40km/h over the speed limit 8*

Speeding more than 30km/h but

not more than 40km/h over the speed limit 6Speeding more than 20km/h butnot more than 30km/h over the speed limit 4

Speeding at least 13km/h but notmore than 20km/h over the speed limit 3

Driver use hand-held mobile phone while driving 3

Careless driving 3

Disobeying certain red traffic light signals 3

Disobeying emergency traffic signs 3

Disobeying stop or give way signs and certain

other traffic control devices 3

Failing to give way, other than by disobeying a traffic sign 3

Failing to keep left of two continuous dividing lines 3

Failing to wear helmet, seatbelt or restraint 3

Drive with passenger < 16 years who fails towear seatbelt or restraint 3

Passenger 16 years or older who fails to wear seatbelt 3

Drive vehicle with person/s in or on parts of a motor

vehicle not designed for passenger or goods, or in open

part of a motor vehicle designed for the carriage of goods. 3Drive with person/s in a trailer being towed. 3

Exceed carrying capacity of vehicle (for example, by numberof persons in vehicle) 3

Improper turn (U-turn, left or right turn) 3Using vehicle not in safe condition 3

Disobeying traffic lane arrows in roundabout 3

Failing to keep left in any other case 2

Failing to give proper change of direction signal 2

Improper overtaking, passing or driving toright of centre of road 2

Improper turn (other than U-turn, left or right turn) 2

Increasing speed when being overtaken 2

Placing or dropping injurious matter on roads 2Unnecessary noise or smoke from vehicle 2

Speeding - less than 13km/h over the speed limit 1

Following too closely 1

Failing to dip headlights 1

Failing to have lights lit 1

Improper vehicle equipment, constr uction or loading 1

Operating television receivers and visualdisplay units other than in a parked vehicle 1

Dazzling road users with any light f it ted to or in vehicle 1Learner driving while unaccompanied by licensed driver orwhile not under direction of licensed driver 1

Offence Points Offence Points


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How does a car like this, attract a damage bill like this? Easy. Its driven and crashed while unregistered. And since unregisteredvehicles dont carry CTP insurance, the driver will usually end up wearing any ongoing medical and legal costs suffered by the injuredparties. Drivers of unregistered vehicles also face hefty fines when caught by the police. Registration is easy and an affordable sixmonthly payment option is available. For further information call Queensland Transport on 13 23 80. Remember its important toupdate your address details within 14 days so you receive your registration renewal notice. Why risk it, when you can register it?

$1,594,650

damage

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Unlicenseddriving Driving while disqualified by a court

Driving while your Queensland driver licence is suspended

Driving while your authority to drive is suspended

Driving after your authority to drive is withdrawn

Driving when you do not hold a driver licence

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Driving while disqualified by a courtYou will be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver licence for a stated period by an order of an Australiancourt if you have been convicted of:

a drink or drug driving offence

a dangerous driving offence committing a criminal offence involving the driving of a motor vehicle.

If you are found driving a motor vehicle while you are still disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver licencebecause of this order, you will be charged with disqualified driving.

If the court finds you guilty of disqualified driving, the court must further disqualify you from holding or obtaininga driver licence for a period of at least two years to a maximum period of five years. You may also be given a fineof up to $4500 or a period of imprisonment up to 18 months.

Driving while your Queensland driver licence is suspendedor driving while your authority to drive is suspendedYour Queensland driver licence or your authority to drive in Queensland under your non-Queensland driver licence willbe suspended for a stated period if you have:

not paid any fines imposed on you by a court

gained too many demerit points on your traffic history, see Licence suspensions, pages 57 to 61

been convicted of driving more than 40km/h over the speed limit, see Licence suspensions, speed suspension, page 58.

If you are found driving a motor vehicle while your driver licence or your authority to drive in Queensland under yournon-Queensland driver licence is suspended because of any of the above reasons, you will be charged withunlicensed driving.

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If the court finds you guilty of the unlicensed driving offence, the court will impose a fine of up to $3000 or a periodof imprisonment up to one year.

Driving when you do not hold a driver licenceYou are not taken to be the holder of a driver licence if: your driver licence has expired and you have not renewed it

you have voluntarily surrendered your driver licence

your Queensland driver licence has been suspended or cancelled because you have a mental or physicalincapacity that adversely affects your ability to drive safely

you do not hold the class of licence for the vehicle you are found driving

you have never held a driver licence after completing a period of disqualification, you do not obtain a further driver licence before starting to drive again.

If you are found driving a motor vehicle and you do not hold a driver licence because of any of the abovereasons, you may be given an infringement notice for the offence, or required to be dealt with by a court, forunlicensed driving.

The penalties for driving when you do not hold a driver licence presently range from $115 to $335, depending onthe reason why you did not hold a driver licence when the offence was committed.

If the court finds you guilty of the unlicensed driving offence, the court will impose a fine of up to $3000 or a periodof imprisonment up to one year.

For more information about court imposed fines, contact the State Penalties Enforcement Registry on1300 365 635 or view their website www.sper.qld.gov.au

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Organdonation Being a donor

How to register

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Being a donorYour decision about organ and tissue donor intention is no longer

recorded on driver licences in Queensland. Instead, Australia now has

the single national Australian Organ Donor Register.

This register is now the only place for you to record your legal decisionto donate organs and tissue for transplantation. The register allows you

to specify what you would like to donate.

How to record your consent onthe Register?You can record your donor consent on the national register by completing and

returning an Australian Organ Donor Register form. Use the reply paid

envelope attached to the form to send your consent to the national register.

Call the Australian Organ Donor Register on 1800 777 203 for a brochure

and form or pick one up from Queensland Transport customer service

centres, Medicare offices, QGAP offices or your local police station if

located in a rural area. Visit the Health Insurance Commission website

www.hic.gov.au for more organ donor information.

Once you have registered it is important to tell your family and friends

about your decision.

Remember:

anyone can be an organ and tissue donor regardless of age

donated organs and tissues include kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, eye tissue, bone tissue,

skin and heart valves

you can change your mind at anytime and remove your name from the register

discuss your decision with family and friends68


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drivingskills

roadOn the Vehicle positioning keeping left Following distance

Braking

Indicating and signalling

Giving way

Turning

Overtaking

Parking

Sample test questions


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on the road driving skills

Vehicle positioning keeping lefton the road driving skills


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71

Vehicle positioning keeping leftWhen you drive on a two-way road, the basic rule is keep left.

When you drive on a multi-lane road where the speed limit is more than 80km/h,

you must not travel in the far right lane unless you are:

overtaking

turning right

making a U-turn

avoiding an obstacle

driving in congested traffic.

You could be fined for not keeping left.

You may overtake on the left of a vehicle on a multi-lane road if you can do it safely.

For more information about overtaking, see Overtaking, page 86.


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76

STOP signsWhen you face a STOP sign or STOP line, you must bring your vehicle

to a complete stop just behind the STOP line. You must give way

to vehicles approaching, entering or on the intersection. If you turnat the intersection, you must also give way to pedestrians crossing

the road you are entering. If there is no STOP line, you should stop

where you have a clear view of the intersection before entering

the intersection.

2

1

Vehicle 2 must stop andgive way to vehicle 1.

2

1

After both vehicles havestopped and given way toall other vehicles, vehicle 1

must give way to vehicle 2because it is on vehicle1s right.

2

1

After both vehicles havegiven way to all othervehicles and pedestrians,

vehicle 2 must give way tovehicle 1 because it is

turning right across thepath of vehicle 1.

Giving way at GIVE WAY

and STOP signsWhen two or more drivers face each other at STOP or GIVE WAY

signs at an intersection, they must first give way to all other vehicles

and pedestrians (see note). Then they apply the give way rules (see

also Giving way to the right, page 77).

Note:If you are t

Documents

QT0905 Learner Driver Manual