Your keys to driving in Queensland

Queensland licensing

• Queensland driver licence

• Licence types

• Graduated licensing system

• Licence classes, codes and conditions

• Applying for a licence

• Learning to drive

• Q-Safe practical driving test

• Provisional licences

• Open licences

• Probationary and restricted licences

• Motorbikes

• Heavy vehicles

• General provisions

• Non-Queensland driver licences

Queensland driver licence

Queensland has secure, durable and reliable licences, authorities andproof of

age cards.

The cards include:

• driver licence

• heavy vehicle driver licence

• photo identification card

• marine licence indicator

• industry authority.

Applying for a card

Applying in person and providing additional information

Due to the introduction of more secure technology, you will need to apply in

person at a licence issuing centre to obtain a card. This is so you can have your

photo and signature captured digitally.

Receiving your card

For improved security, you will not receive your card on the spot. Instead,it will

be produced at a secure location and mailed to you within 14 days.Once your

application is approved you will receive an interim Driver Licence Receipt to

show to a police officer if requested to do so. This will act as proofyou hold a

licence until your card arrives in the mail.

For more information please visit www.qld.gov.au or call 13 23 80.

Licence types

Before you drive, or learn to drive, any class of motor vehicle on a roadin

Queensland, you must hold a current licence allowing you to drive,or learn to

drive, that class of vehicle.

Learner licence

Before learning to drive any class of motor vehicle you must hold either a

learner, provisional, probationary or open licence that allows you to learn to

drive that vehicle. Licence classes, codes and conditions provides information

about learning to drive another class of vehicle under your provisional,

probationary or open licence. Applying for a licence provides information

about getting your learner licence. Learning to drive outlines the conditions

for driving with a learner licence and helps you get ready for your Q-Safe

practical driving test or Q-Ride assessment.

Provisional licence

Queensland has a two-stage provisional licence – P1 and P2 – as partof its

graduated licensing system.

You can go for your driving test once you have held your learner licence for

one year, completed 100 logbook hours (if you are under 25), and passed the

hazard perception test. Depending on how old you are when you pass your

practical driving test, you will get either a P1 or P2 provisional licence, which

you must hold for a minimum period before you can progress to the next stage

– see Provisional licences.

Probationary licence

You will only be eligible for a probationary licence if you have been

disqualifiedfrom holding or obtaining a licence by a court and you have

served the period of disqualification – see Probationary licences.

Restricted licence

If you are convicted of drink driving but need a licence to earn a living, you

maybe eligible to ask the court that convicts you to grant you a restricted

licence, commonly known as a ‘work’ licence – see Restricted licences.

Open licence

You may be eligible for an open licence if you have held your provisionalor

probationary licence for the required period – see Open licences.

Graduated licensing system

Statistics show that drivers aged 17 to 24 have the highest risk of being

involvedin crashes resulting in death or injury.

As a result, the Queensland graduated licensing system has been designed

to give novice drivers more supervised on-road driving experience, including

identifying and dealing with hazards, to improve their driving skills with

minimal distraction.

For learner drivers aged 23 and under, there are seven steps before you get

youropen licence:

PrepL (or the written road rules test if you cannot access PrepL)

Learner licence

Hazard perception test

100 hour logbook requirement

Practical driving test

P1 provisional licence*

P2 provisional licence.

*If you got your P1 licence before the hazard perception test was moved to the learner

licence phase, you will have to complete the test before you upgrade your P1 licence.

Open licence

Under the graduated licensing system, you can get your learner licenceat 16

and if you meet all the requirements for each stage, you may get youropen

licence by the time you are 20.

For information on the graduated licensing system, visit www.qld.gov.au.

For a learner licence

• You may only get a car learner licence if you are at least 16.

• You will need to pass PrepL (an online road rules test), or the written road

rules test if you cannot access PrepL.

• Your learner licence will be issued for three years.

• You must carry your learner licence with you at all times while learning to

drive. If you are waiting to receive your licence in the mail, you must carry

your Driver Licence Receipt.

• L plates must be clearly displayed at the front and back of the car you are

learning to drive (back only for motorbikes) – see L plates.

• You must be accompanied by a person who holds and has held an open

licence for that class of vehicle for at least one year. The supervising

driver must not be on a provisional, probationary, restricted, suspended,

cancelledor expired licence.

• If you are a learner driver under 25, you must complete 100 hours of

supervised on-road driving (including at least 10 hours of night driving)

recorded in your Queensland learner logbook, Queensland learner logbook

app or a learner logbook app from a recognised third party provider – see

The compulsory Queensland learner logbook.

• You must always drive with a zero (0.00) breath/blood alcohol concentration

(BAC).

• Your supervising driver must have a BAC below 0.05 if you are learning

to drive a car or 0.00 BAC for drivers supervising heavy vehicle learners.

• If you are under 25, additional restrictions on mobile phone use apply

to you,your supervisor and passengers – see Mobile phones.

• If you accumulate four or more demerit points over a continuous one

year period while on your learner licence, your driver licence will be

suspendedfor a three month period – see Demerit points.

• You must hold your learner licence for at least six months, before you can

take the hazard perception test – see Hazard perception test.

• You must hold you learner licence for at least one year, have passed the

hazard perception test, and have completed 100 hours of supervised

on-road driving (if you are under 25), before you can take your practical

driving test – see Q-Safe practical driving test.

For a P1 provisional licence

• You may only get a P1 licence if you are at least 17.

• If you are under 25, your first provisional licence will be issued

as a P1 licence.

• You are required to hold your P1 licence for at least one year.

• Red P plates must be clearly displayed at the front and back of your

car(back only for motorbikes) – see P plates.

• You must always drive with a zero BAC.

• If you are under 25, additional mobile phone restrictions apply to you

and your passengers – see Mobile phones.

• You must always carry your licence when you are driving. If you are

waitingto receive your licence in the mail, you must carry your Driver

Licence Receipt.

• If you are under 25, restrictions apply to driving high-powered

vehicles(such as those with eight or more cylinders, or those with

turbo,super-charged or modified engines) – see High-powered vehicles.

• If you accumulate four or more demerit points in a continuous one year

period you will be required to choose between a three month licence

suspension or a one year good driving behaviour period – see Demerit

points.

• Peer passenger restrictions apply – see Peer passengers.

• Late night driving restrictions, prohibiting you from driving between 11pm and

5am, may apply if your licence is suspended or cancelled or you are serving a

good driving behaviour period –see Late night driving restrictions.

If you turn 25 when you are on your P1 licence, the peer passenger, high-

powered vehicle and additional mobile phone restrictions no longer apply

to you. You must continue to display red P plates, drive with a zero BAC and

always carry your licence or Driver Licence Receipt.

For a P2 provisional licence

• You may only get your P2 licence if you are at least 18.

• You must also:

– have held your P1 licence for at least one year (If you got your P1 licence

before the hazard perception test was moved to the learner licence

phase, you will have to complete the test before you upgrade your

P1 licence).

– if you are 25 or over, have held your learner licence for at least one

yearand passed your hazard perception test and practical driving test.

• If you got your P1 licence when you were under 23 and your P2 licence when you

were under 25, you are required to hold your P2 licence for at least two years.

In any other case you are required to hold your P2 licence for at least one year.

• Green P plates must be clearly displayed at the front and back of your

car(back only for motorbikes) – see P plates.

• You must always drive with a zero BAC.

• You must always carry your licence when you are driving. If you are

waitingto receive your licence in the mail, you must carry your Driver

Licence Receipt.

• If you are under 25, restrictions on driving high-powered vehicles

(such as those with eight or more cylinders, or those with turbo,

super-charged or modified engines) apply – see High-powered vehicles.

• If you accumulate four or more demerit points in a continuous one

year period you will be required to choose between a three month

licence suspension or a one year good driving behaviour period – see

Demerit points.

• Late night driving restrictions, prohibiting you from driving between 11pmand

5am, may apply if your licence is suspended or cancelled or you are serving a

good driving behaviour period – see Late night driving restrictions.

For an open licence

• You may only get your open licence if you are at least 20.

• If you were under 23 when you got your P1 licence, you must hold your P2

licence for at least two years to progress to an open licence.

• If you were 23 when you got your P1 licence, you must hold your P2

licencefor at least one year to progress to an open licence.

• If you were 24 when you got your P1 licence, you must hold your P1

licencefor at least one year to progress to an open licence.

• If you were 25 or over when you passed your practical driving test, you

would have been issued with a P2 licence which you must hold for at least

one year to progress to an open licence.

• If you accumulate 12 or more demerit points in a continuous three year

period you will be required to choose between a licence suspension or

a one year good driving behaviour period – see Accumulation of demerit

points– Queensland licence holders.

Learner licence for motorbike

• You may apply for a class RE motorbike learner licence after you have

heldyour class C car provisional, probationary or open licence for at least

one year– see Motorbikes.

• When you are learning to ride a motorbike, an L plate must be displayed

at the back of your motorbike or on the back of a vest worn while riding

– see L plates.

• You may only learn to ride a learner approved motorbike– see Motorbikes.

• You must always ride with a zero BAC.

• Restrictions on passengers apply – see Pillion passenger restriction

for learner riders.

• You will need to pass the motorbike hazard perception test before you can

take the Q-Ride RE Course or Q-Safe practical riding test and upgrade your

motorbike learner licence – see Hazard perception test.

Minimum period for licence types

If you are required to hold your licence for a minimum period, the time will

only count if your licence is current. Any time that your licence is expired,

suspended (for any reason) or cancelled will not count and the minimum

period you are required to hold your licence will be extended.

Returning drivers

If you previously held a class of licence that has not been valid for more than

five years (for example, expired, surrendered or cancelled), you may apply to

reobtain that class or a lower class of licence without having to hold any other

licence for a minimum period of time. For more information about returning

drivers, visit www.qld.gov.au.

Licence classes, codes and conditions

You need a particular class of licence to drive certain vehicles. Your licence

will show only the highest class of vehicle you are authorised to drive and, if

required, the code for any conditions with which you are required to comply.

This means you are allowed to drive each type of vehicle listed for that

licence class. However, motorbike classes RE or R will appear separately

on your licence.

Authority to learn

If you hold a provisional, probationary or open licence for a particular

class of vehicle, you can learn to drive the higher class of vehicle – see

thetable below.

Also, if you hold a provisional, probationary or open licence for a particular

class of vehicle, you can learn to drive that class of vehicle with either an

automatic or manual transmission or with a synchromesh gearbox.

For example, if you hold an automatic car licence, you can learn to drive a car

with a manual transmission.

If you are authorised to learn to drive a class of vehicle under your provisional,

probationary or open licence, you must be accompanied by a person who

holds an open licence for the class of vehicle you are learning to drive

and has held that licence for at least one year. You risk a fine if you drive

unaccompaniedor with a person who is not appropriately licensed.

Note: L plates must be displayed while learning to drive the higher

classof vehicle.

Driver licence classes

This table shows what class of licence you need to drive a particular vehicle.

Licence class Class of vehicle

RE (motorbike) You may ride:

• a learner approved motorbike that is a moped

• a learner approved motorbike, other than a moped, with or without

a trailer – see Motorbikes.

You must have held a class C provisional, probationary or open licence

for at least one year to be eligible for a motorbike (class RE) learner

licence.

You may learn to ride a class R motorbike once you have held your class

RE provisional, probationary or open licence for at least two years.

R (motorbike) You may ride:

• a class RE motorbike

• a motorbike with unlimited engine size, with or without a trailer.

C (car) You may drive:

• a moped

• a car, with or without a trailer

• a vehicle, e.g. a minivan, not more than 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle

mass (GVM), built or tted to carry no more than 12 adults, including

the driver

• a specially constructed vehicle with or without a trailer.

Note: A specially constructed vehicle does not include a mobile crane

of more than 4.5 tonnes GVM.

You may learn to drive a class LR, MR, or HR vehicle.

LR (light rigid) You may drive:

• a class C vehicle

• a bus of not more than 8 tonnes GVM, with or without a trailerof not

more than 9 tonnes GVM

• a truck (including a prime mover) of not more than 8 tonnes GVM,

withor without a trailer of not more than 9 tonnes GVM

You may learn to drive a class MR, or HR vehicle.

MR (medium

rigid)

You may drive:

• a class LR vehicle

• a bus of more than 8 tonnes GVM, with not more than two axles,

withor without a trailer of not more than 9 tonnes GVM

• a truck (including a prime mover) of more than 8 tonnes GVM,with

not more than two axles, with or without a trailer of not more than 9

tonnes GVM

You may learn to drive a class HR, or HC vehicle.

Licence class Class of vehicle

HR (heavy rigid) You may drive:

• a class MR vehicle

• a bus of more than 8 tonnes GVM, with more than two axles,with or

without a trailer of not more than 9 tonnes GVM

• an articulated bus

• a truck (including a prime mover) of more than 8 tonnes GVM,with

more than two axles, with or without a trailer of not more than9

tonnes GVM

You may learn to drive a class HC, or MC vehicle.

(heavy

combination)

You may drive:

• a class HR vehicle

• a truck (including a prime mover) of more than 8 tonnes GVM,with a

trailer of more than 9 tonnes GVM

• You may learn to drive a class MC vehicle.

(multi-

combination)

You may drive:

• a class HC vehicle

• a B-double

• a road train.

UD You may drive a specially constructed vehicle, with or withouta trailer.

Note: Class UD is no longer issued to new applicants. Mobile cranes of

more than 4.5 tonnes GVM can no longer be driven on a class UD.

You will need the appropriate class of heavy vehicle licence.

Licence codes and conditions

Code Licence condition

A You may only drive the class of vehicle with automatic

transmission.

B You may only drive the class of vehicle with synchromesh

gearbox; or a class C motor vehicle with an automatic or manual

transmission.

I You may only drive a nominated vehicle tted with a prescribed

interlock, or while carrying, and in accordance with, an interlock

exemption certicate.

M You may only drive while carrying a current medical certicate

form F3712. You must obey any conditions listed on the certicate.

RD You may learn to drive the class/es of vehicle stated in your

returning driver certicate. You must carry your certicate at

all times while learning to drive - for more information about

returning drivers, visit www.qld.gov.au.

S You may only drive while wearing corrective lenses.

Code Licence condition

V You may only drive a motor vehicle tted with driver aids,or

equipped or adapted, in the way stated in a written notice given

to you by the chief executive, and only while carrying the notice.

X1 You may only drive while carrying, and in accordance with,an

order under section 87 or 88 of the Transport Operations(Road

Use Management) Act 1995.

X3 You may only drive while carrying, and in accordance with,a

special hardship order and any special hardship ordervariation

order.

X4 You may only drive while carrying, and in accordance with,a

section 79E order and any section 79E variation order.

Upgrading your licence

To upgrade your licence to another class, you must:

• produce your licence. You will be required to declare any suspensions,

disqualifications or cancellations of your driver licence.

• provide evidence of identity and residence (if required)

– see Evidence of identity.

• pass a road rules test (if required). To pass the heavy vehicle test,

you must answer eight out of ten questions correctly. For the motorbike

test,you must answer 27 out of 30 questions correctly.

• pay the hazard perception test fee and pass the test (if required)

– see Hazard perception test.

• pay the practical driving test fee and pass the test (if required).

Minimum periods for licence classes

You must have held a provisional, probationary or open licence for a minimum

period before you can upgrade to another licence class.

Licence class Minimum period

RE (motorbike) You must have held a class C provisional, probationaryor open

licence for at least one year.

R (motorbike) You must have held a class RE provisional, probationaryor open

licence for at least two years.

LR (light rigid) You must have held a class C provisional, probationaryor open

licence for at least one year.

(medium rigid)

You must have held a class C provisional, probationaryor open

licence for at least one year.

Licence class Minimum period

(heavy rigid)

You must have held:

• a class C provisional, probationary or open licence for at least

two years

• a class LR or MR provisional, probationary or open licencefor at

least one year.

HC (heavy or open

combination)

You must have held a class MR or HR provisional, probationaryor

open licence for at least one year.

(multi-combination)

You must have held a class HR or HC provisional, probationaryor

open licence for at least one year.

Applying for a licence

To apply for a licence you must:

• visit a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre

or Queensland Government licence issuing office. In some rural or remote

areas, Queensland Police stations may issue the licence

• provide evidence of identity and evidence of Queensland residency

– see Evidence of identity, below

• declare that you are medically fit to drive the class of vehicle for the

licence that you are applying for. If you have a medical condition that may

adversely affect your ability to drive safely, you must provide a medical

certificate– see Medical conditions and driving

• pay the licence fee.

If you hold an interstate or foreign licence and need to get a Queensland

licence – see Obtaining a Queensland driver licence.

Learner licence

To apply for a learner licence, you will also need to pay for and completePrepL.

If you are unable to access PrepL you may be able to complete the written road

rules test instead, call 13 23 80 to find out more.

Provisional licence

To apply for a provisional licence you will need to:

• complete 100 hours of supervised on road driving experience (if you are

under 25) – see The compulsory Queensland learner licence logbook

• pass the hazard perception test (once you have held your learner licence

for six months) – see Hazard perception test. You don’t need to complete

your logbook before you take the hazard perception test

• pass the practical driving test (once you have passed the hazard

perception test) – see Q-Safe practical driving test.

Evidence of identity

You will need to comply with the evidence of identity requirements when you

are applying for a licence for the first time, or when you are renewing your

licence and are unable to show your Queensland licence (current or expired

less than two years).

If you are unable to present your Queensland driver licence, the evidenceof

identity requirements may be met if you can present your Queensland

industry authority, marine licence indicator, adult proof of age card or photo

identification card (conditions apply).

You will also need to comply with these requirements when you are applying

in person for a replacement of your licence if it has been lost, stolen,

destroyed or damaged. You may also apply for a replacement licence online.

If you have changed your name and you want your new name shown on your

licence, you must show an official change of name document – see Change

of name documents.

Evidence of identity documents

You will need to show three evidence of identity documents. These documents

must include either of the following:

• one category A document and two category B documents

• two category A documents and one category B document.

At least one of these documents must include your signature. Each document

must be an original.

All documents must be current unless otherwise stated. The Departmentof

Transport and Main Roads may keep a copy of your evidence of identity

documents or information about them to verify these documents with the

issuing agency or a document verification service.

If you cannot show any of the evidence of identity documents, you should

discuss this with staff at a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer

service centre. For more information call 13 23 80.

Note: If you have any documents in a foreign language, you must include

a recognised English translation. For a list of approved recognised

translators, visit the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and

Interpreters (NAATI) website www.naati.com.au and access the Online

directory.

Category A documents

These documents establish the legal existence of your name and date of birth.

They include:

• Australian birth certificate – full, including a bicentennial birth certificate

issued for births in 1988 (other commemorative certificates, extracts,

acknowledgment 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 certificate

• Department of Immigration and Border Protection travel document

(valid up to five years after issue)

• Department of Immigration and Border Protection Certificate of Evidenceof

Resident Status

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

• Queensland or Australian federal police officer photo identity card

• Queensland Card 18+ (issued after 1 January 1992)

• Industry Authorisation Card — for example driver or rider trainer,pilot or

escort vehicle driver, dangerous goods driver, tow truck driver, assistant

certificate (current or expired less than two years) or driver authorisation.

Category B documents

These documents establish the use of your name in the community.They

include:

• Australian Medicare card

• Australian Defence Force photo identity card (excluding civilians)

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

• education institution student identity document(must be issued in Australia

and include photo or signature)

• Department of Veterans’ Affairs/Centrelink pensioner concession cardor

health care card

• Australian security guard or crowd controller licence (with photo)

• Australian firearm licence (with photo).

For a full list of evidence of identity documents visit www.qld.gov.au.

Change of name documents

If you have changed your name, or the details of your name are different on

the documents to be shown, you must also show an official change of name

document such as:

• Australian marriage certificate issued by the relevant Registrar of Births,

Deaths and Marriages (ceremonial certificates are not acceptable)

• Australian change of name certificate issued by the relevant Registrarof

Births, Deaths and Marriages

• Australian civil partnership/relationship certificate

• Australian birth certificate (amended or with notations)

• divorce papers decree nisi or absolute (must show the name being reverted to)

• deed poll (issued before 1 February 2004).

An official overseas marriage certificate may only be accepted if it has a

registration number and official crest and is accompanied by one category A

document or two category B documents in your married name.

Evidence of Queensland residential address

If your current Queensland residential address is not shown on either the

category A or category B documents, you will need to show another document

that provides evidence of your Queensland residential address.They include:

• contract of purchase, lease or rental document, mortgage or landownership

certificate

• Queensland vehicle registration certificate

• Queensland licence or vehicle registration notice(for the coming period)

• Queensland local government rates notice

• Queensland land tax valuation notice

• Australian Taxation Office assessment (last or current financial year)

• Australian Taxation Office tax file number confirmation advice(valid up to two

years)

• electricity, gas or telephone account.

If providing documentation from the Australian Taxation Office, please

blackout all personal information other than your name and residential

address(this includes blacking out information such as your tax file number).

If you are genuinely unable to show one of these documents or would like more

information, visit www.qld.gov.au or call 13 23 80.

Eyesight

Clarity of vision is very important for driving. Any loss of vision may reduce

your ability to drive safely. If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses when

driving, your licence will show an ‘S’ code indicating that you must wear

corrective lenses when driving.

If you have any eyesight problems, you may be required to obtain a medical

certificate from a doctor, who may seek the specialist opinion of an optometrist

or ophthalmologist, certifying that 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 medical certificate from a doctor, with verification from an optometrist

or ophthalmologist, confirming the extent of the loss of your visual acuity and

visual fields. This applies regardless of whether you are a private or commercial

vehicle driver.

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

Medical conditions and driving

When you apply for a licence, you must tell the Department of Transport and

Main Roads about any medical condition that may adversely affect your ability

to drive safely.

Before you drive in Queensland, you must notify the Department of Transport

and Main Roads about any long term or permanent medical condition, or any

change to an existing medical condition that is likely to adversely affect your

ability to drive safely. You can notify the Departmentof Transport and Main

Roads by completing a Medical Condition Notification (form F4355) or visit

www.qld.gov.au.

If you fail to notify the Department of Transport and Main Roads about a

medical condition that is likely to adversely affect your ability to drive safely,

you risk a fine in excess of $8200 and you may also be disqualified from

holding or obtaining a licence for a period of time.

If you have a medical condition that may adversely affect your ability to drive

safely, you must present to the Department of Transport and Main Roads a

Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle Driver (form F3712) completed by your

doctor. In order to be eligible to apply for or continue to hold a licence, your

doctor must recommend on your Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle Driver

(form F3712) that you are either:

• fit to drive with no conditions

• fit to drive with stated conditions (for example only driving during

daylightor in a vehicle with an automatic transmission)

Common medical conditions that may adversely affect your ability to drive

safely include, but are not limited to:

• alcohol and/or drug dependency

• Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias

• arthritis

• diabetes

• eye problems (for example cataracts)

• epilepsy

• hearing problems

• heart disease

• injuries and disabilities

• loss or partial loss of a limb

• lung disease

• psychiatric conditions

• sleep disorders

• stroke.

If you have a medical condition the code ‘M’ will be recorded on your

licence. This means that when you drive you must carry a current medical

certificate(this is detachable from your Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle

Driverform F3712) and drive in accordance with any stated conditions. If you

don’t, you risk a fine in excess of $2700. You must also show your medical

certificateto a member of the Queensland Police Service if you have been

asked to do so.

If you have a medical condition and can only drive a specially modified vehicle,

you may also be required to carry a current written notice from the Department

of Transport and Main Roads authorising you to drive a vehicle with driver

aids or specialised equipment. For more information about driving a specially

modified vehicle, please visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au or call 13 23 80.

If you drive vehicles with a GVM of more than 8 tonnes, public passenger vehicles

(for example buses, taxis or booked hire) or drive a vehicle that is licensed or

required to be licensed to carry dangerous goods, you must meet the commercial

vehicle driver medical standards in the Assessing Fitness to Drive publication.

Formore information, visit the Austroads website www.austroads.com.au.

If you are 75 or older

You must have evidence that you are medically fit to drive. This means that you

must have a current medical certificate (this is the detachable form from the

Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle Driver (form F3712) completed by your doctor

recommending that you are fit to drive. You always carry your current medical

certificate when you drive and drive in accordance with any stated conditions.

This is a mandatory requirement even if you don’t have a long-termor

permanent medical condition that is likely to adversely affect your abilityto

drive safely.

You will be required to present a current medical certificate to the Department of

Transport and Main Roads when you apply for or renew a licence. However, in the

interim, if you do develop a long-term or permanent medical condition, or you

have a change to an existing medical condition that is likely to adversely affect

your ability to drive safely, the normal medical condition notification requirements

apply.

Medical certificates issued to drivers 75 or older are valid for a maximum

period of 13 months from the date of issue. Medical certificates issued prior to

7 July 2017 will expire on the stated expiry date. However, in some cases your

doctor may want you to undertake more regular check-ups and therefore may

issue you with a medical certificate for a period less than 13months.

If you are unsure about any medical condition you may have, you should talk

to your doctor about any potential impact on your ability to drive safely. Your

doctor is the best person to determine if you are fit to drive.

For more information or to obtain forms relating to medical conditions, please

visit www.qld.gov.au, call 13 23 80 or contact your nearest licence issuing

centre. Forms may also be available from your doctor.

PrepL/Road rules test

PrepL

PrepL is an online learning and assessment program which is replacing the

written road rules test to obtain a learner licence. You will need to pay the PrepL

fee upfront. This gives you 12 months to complete the program. You can retry as

many times as needed for the one fee. You must wait 24 hours to retake the test

if you fail.

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

Class C general road rules test

If you are unable to access PrepL, you may be able to take a written road rules

test at a driver licence issuing centre to obtain a learner licence. Allow at

least 30 minutes to complete your road rules test. You pay a fee for each test

attempt.

There are 30 questions in the general road rules test. The test has two main

sections. The first section is 10 questions on the give way rules. You need to get

9 correct answers. The second section is 20 questions on the other road rules.

You need to get 18 correct answers.

The questions on the test are all multiple choice. This means that you are given

a choice between different answers and you have to choose the correct one.

Once you complete PrepL or pass your written road rules test, the result is valid

for five years. If you apply for an additional licence class, you may need to pass

a specific road rules test for that class.

Class RE or R (motorbike) road rules test

The motorbike knowledge test is online. If you take the test online, a fee is only

required once you pass the test. If you pass your test, you may get a learner

licence. If you fail your test, you cannot take it again until the next working day.

You will have to correctly answer at least 27 out of the 30 additional questions

specific to motorbikes to pass the test.

Class LR, MR, HR, HC or MC (heavy vehicle) road rules test

You will have to correctly answer at least eight of the 10 additional questions

specific to heavy vehicles to pass the test.

Practice test questions

You can test your knowledge for all licence classes by completing the practice road

rules test online at www.qld.gov.au. This will give you an indication of the areas you

need to focus on.

Learning to drive

Accredited Driver Trainer

Using an accredited driver trainer will help you get training which promotes the

knowledge, attitude, and skills to efficiently and safely use a motor vehicle on

our public roads.

The benefits of using an accredited driver trainer include:

• a properly trained and qualified teacher who treats you as an individual

• the trainer can develop a teaching plan to suit your needs

• dual-controlled vehicles are used to provide driver training

• lessons may take place before or after work/school and in some cases on

weekends

• lessons run for a prescribed length of time.

If you have a driver licence, and want to update your skills, a driver trainer can

tailor a lesson to suit your needs.

When looking for a driver trainer, make sure you check:

• their accreditation

• how long each lesson will be

• whether the trainer follows a structured approach with defined outcomes

• whether there is a refund policy in place to cover any prepaid bulk lesson plan.

Every hour you drive with an accredited trainer counts for 3 hours in your

logbook—up to a maximum of 10 actual hours or 30 logbook hours.

Any hours with an accredited trainer after the first 10 hours must be recorded in

your logbook as like-for-like.

Learner licence conditions

Now you have your car learner licence, there are a numberof

requirements and restrictions that you must understand.

Rules for all class C learner licence holders regardless of your age

• Display L plates on the front and back of your vehicle.

• Keep your licence with you at all times while driving. If you are waiting to

receive your licence in the mail, you must carry your Driver Licence Receipt.

• Be accompanied by a person who holds and has held an open licence for

that class of vehicle (for example, automatic or manual), for at least one year.

The supervising driver must not be on a provisional, probationary, restricted,

suspended, cancelled or expired licence when accompanying a learner. They

must have a BAC below 0.05 if you are learning to drive a car or (0.00) for

drivers supervising heavy vehicle learners – see Alcohol and drugs.

• You must drive with a zero BAC.

• You must hold a learner licence for at least six months before being

eligible to undertake the hazard perception test. You must pass the hazard

perception test before you can undertake a practical driving test – see

Hazard perception test.

• You must hold a learner licence for at least one year before being eligible

to undertake a practical driving test. Passing the practical driving test will

enable you to move to the next stage of your licensing journey. If you are

under 25 years of age you will qualify for your P1 licence. If you are 25 or over

you will qualify for your P2 licence.

• All drivers are banned from holding a mobile phone in their hand or having

it rest on any part of their body, such as their lap, while driving. The phone

does not need to be turned on or in use for it to be an offence – see

Mobile phones.

Rules for class C learner licence holders (under 25 years of age)

• Complete 100 hours (or equivalent) of supervised on-road driving

experience including 10 hours at night, recorded and verified in a logbook

– see The compulsory Queensland learner logbook.

Research shows the more experience you have before graduating to your

provisional licence, the less likely you are to be involved in a crash. Make the

most of your time as a learner, it’s the safest driving period.

Continue to develop safe driving skills by practising in a variety of driving

conditions including wet weather, heavy traffic and night driving.

• Using a mobile phone is prohibited while driving, including hands-free

function, loudspeaker function and Bluetooth® accessories. Your driving

supervisor and passengers are also restricted from using mobile phones

on loudspeaker function.

Rules for class C learner licence holders (25 years of age or over)

The Queensland licensing system affects you differently if you apply for

a learner licence and you are 25 years of age or older.

Learners 25 years of age or over are not required to log 100 hours of driving

before undertaking a practical driving test, although this is encouraged.

Alldrivers are banned from using a mobile phone that is held in the hand

while driving.

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

If you accumulate four or more demerit points over a continuous one year

period while on your learner licence, your licence will be suspended for

a three month period – see Accumulation of demerit points – Queensland

licence holders.

L plates

An L plate is a sign that measures at least 146mm x 146mm and shows a black

uppercase letter ‘L’ on a yellow background.

When you are learning to drive a car or heavy vehicle, you

must clearly display L plates at the front and back of the

vehicle. When you are learning to ride a motorbike, an L plate

must be clearly displayed at the back of the motorbike or back

of a vest worn while riding.

You risk a fine if the letter L cannot be clearly seen at the front

and rear of the car (rear only for motorbikes) from 20m away.

You can buy L plates from service stations, major retailers and

automotive outlets. Check with your local supplier for the cost.

You can also download and print a colour template from

www.qld.gov.au.

A person driving or riding a vehicle, other than as a learner

driver or rider, must not display L plates on the vehicle.

The compulsory Queensland learner logbook

International research shows there is a significant link between the amount of

supervised on-road driving experience that new drivers gain and improvements

in road safety.

All learner drivers under 25 must gain 100 hours of supervised on-road driving

experience in a car (including at least 10 hours night driving) and record it ina

Queensland learner logbook. If you are a learner driver 25 or older, it is nota

requirement but highly recommended that you also gain 100 hours of on-road

driving experience.

When you are issued with your learner licence, you can download the

Queensland learner logbook app or receive a hard copy learner logbook. The

logbook has lots of important information about learning to drive, supervisors

and your Q-Safe driving test.

You can also record your 100 hours using a learner logbook app from a

recognised third party provider. For more information please visit

www.qld.gov.au.

If you need to replace your logbook for any reason (for example, your logbookis

lost, stolen or destroyed), you will need to:

• obtain another logbook (fee will apply)

• re-enter the previously completed driving experience in the new logbook

• get your supervisor to re-sign your prior driving entries.

You will not have to do this if you are using the Queensland learner logbook app.

The information contained in your logbook is valuable. It’s a good idea to keep

a copy of the driving experience pages or to keep an electronic logbook.

You cannot take your practical driving test until you lodge your completed

logbook and it has been assessed and passed.

Every time you gain on-road driving experience it should be recorded

accurately as an entry in your logbook.

Your supervisor can be a family member, a friend or an accredited driver

trainer, or a combination of all three of these. An accredited driver trainer

is a professional driving instructor with a driving school – see Accredited

Driver Trainer.

Driving experience (day or night) with an accredited driver trainer counts

as triple the amount of actual time you spend driving up to a maximum

of 10 hours. For example 10 hours tripled (x 3) = 30 hours which is 1800

minutesthat may be recorded in your logbook.

If you have undertaken driving experience in Australia or New Zealand under

an Australian or New Zealand learner licence, record that experience on a Prior

Driving Experience Application (form F4450). You can also use a combination

of that experience on Prior Driving Experience Application (form F4450) with

driving experience recorded in your logbook.

If you have undertaken driving experience in a recognised country under a

foreign learner licence, record a combination of that experience on a Prior

Driving Experience Application (form F4450) (no more than 50 hours) and

driving experience gained on Australian roads recorded in your logbook (at

least 50 hours, including the required 10 hours of night driving). For more

information on recognised countries visit www.qld.gov.au.

If you are unable to gain 100 hours of supervised on-road driving experience,

you may be eligible to apply for an exemption. If an exemption is granted, you

must hold your learner licence for two years before undertaking your practical

driving test.

Your supervising driver(s) must approve every entry in your logbook. If you are

submitting a Prior Driving Experience Application, your supervising driver(s)

must also sign this form.

When you have completed 100 hours, you will need to agree to a declaration

that the logbook entries are true and correct. Penalties apply to you and your

supervisor if you record false or misleading information in your logbook.

Hazard perception test

All learner drivers are required to pass the hazard perception test before they

can take the practical driving test. You can take the hazard perception test once

you have held your learner licence for six months.

To pass the hazard perception test you need to demonstrate your ability to

identify hazards through watching and reacting to situations in a series of high-

quality 3D computer generated clips. The hazards you will be tested on are the

most challenging for novice drivers based on road crash data.

The test is only available online at www.qld.gov.au. It is not available at driver

licence issuing centres.

If you pass the test, you will not be required to sit it again.

There is also a motorbike hazard perception test for learner motorbike riders.

Just like the car hazard perception test, you have to demonstrate your ability

to identify hazards by watching and reacting to situations in a series of high-

quality 3D computer generated clips. The hazards in this test are depicted

from the perspective of a motorbike rider and are the most challenging for

novice riders based on road crash data – see Getting a class RE provisional

or open licence.

Visit www.qld.gov.au for more information.

Mobile phones

Mobile phones can be a major distraction to young drivers. This is why learner

licence and P1 licence holders under 25 are banned from using mobile phones

at any time while driving. This includes using hands-free kits, Bluetooth®

accessories and loudspeaker functions.

Your supervisor and any passengers are also banned from using mobile phones on

loudspeaker function. If you are under 25, a learner licence holder and need to use

your mobile phone, you may use it only when you are legally and safely parked.

All drivers can also use their phone when stopped to pay at a drive through, gain

access to/from a car park or similar area, or present a digital driver licence.

Ready to drive – for the learner

When you receive your learner licence you can choose between the Queensland

learner logbook app or the Queensland learner logbook to record your 100 hours

of supervised on-road driving experience (including at least 10 hours night

driving).Visit www.qld.gov.au for everything you need to know to progress from

your learner licence to your provisional and open licence.

Use your time as a learner to make yourself the best possible driver. You don’t

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

Q-Safe practical driving test

You must pass the hazard perception test before you can undertake a practical

driving test – see Hazard perception test.

To be able to drive solo, you must demonstrate your driving ability by passing

the Q-Safe practical driving test. Please check the Queensland Government

website at www.qld.gov.au for up-to-date information about the Q-Safe test.

Booking your Q-Safe practical driving test

If you have an accredited driver trainer, they may arrange an appointment time

for your Q-Safe practical driving test at a testing centre. If not, you’ll need to do

this yourself. You will be required to pay the practical driving test fee. You will

not be able to take the practical driving test if you have not passed the hazard

perception test. You can book and pay for your practical test online at

www.tmr.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 23 80.

If you are a learner licence holder under 25, you must lodge your completed

and certified logbook via Australia Post ,or via your app, at least 12 business

days before your practical driving test. The Department of Transport and

Main Roads will carefully check your logbook and will then notify you of your

assessment result. Your logbook must be approved before you can take your

practical driving test.

For more information about booking a practical driving test, call the

Departmentof Transport and Main Roads on 13 23 80, visit Services onlineat

www.tmr.qld.gov.au, or check the information in your logbook.

Note: For information about getting a motorbike licence see Motorbikes. See

Heavy vehicles for information about getting a heavy vehicle licence.

Test vehicles

The standard test vehicle for a class C licence is a vehicle (other than a

motorbike) not more than 4.5 tonnes GVM, built or fitted to carry no more than

12 adults including the driver.

The vehicle must be registered and pass a basic safety check conducted by

the driving examiner. Before turning up for your practical test, make sure the

vehicle will 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

• windows that are clean and able to be opened and shut

• windscreen and wipers in good condition

• seatbelts and head restraints fitted to both front seats

• doors that are fitted with suitable door handles that are able to be

openedfrom inside and outside the vehicle.

Convertible-style vehicles must have the roof closed. All doors must be able to be

opened from inside and outside the vehicle and be fitted with suitable door handles.

If you are going for a manual licence, you must take your practical driving test

in a manual vehicle.

If you are under 25 and take your practical driving test in a high-powered

vehicle, you will not be able to drive it out of the testing centre if you pass the

practical driving test. You will need an open licence holder to drive the vehicle

from the licence testing centre as P1 and P2 licence holders under 25 must not

drive high-powered vehicles – see High-powered vehicles.

Before the Q-Safe 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 Sheet (form F3910)

• currently registered and roadworthy standard test vehicle (registration

number required)

• glasses or contact lenses, if needed (if you have to wear corrective lenses

when driving you must wear them during your practical driving test)

• P plates to attach to your vehicle after you pass your practical test and get

your provisional licence – red P plates if you are under 25 or green P plates

if you are 25 or older – see P plates for information on where to buyP plates

or how to download them from www.qld.gov.au.

You should arrive at least 10 minutes before your practical test with the Driving

Test Appointment Sheet fully completed by you and the registered operator of

the test vehicle.

Failure to be ready for your practical test at the scheduled time may result in

the cancellation of your test and the forfeiture of your test fee. You will then

be required to book and pay for another practical driving test. Make sure that

you give at least two working days notice if you need to alter or cancel your

appointment. You can change your booking online at www.tmr.qld.gov.au or

by calling 13 23 80.

Your practical driving test may be cancelled for any of these reasons:

• your vehicle is modified (unless the modifications have been approved

by the Department of Transport and Main Roads)

• your number plate is obscured by anything (such as a tow bar)

• your number plate cannot be read from 20m away

• your vehicle does not meet the minimum standards for test vehicles

• your vehicle does not pass a basic safety check

• L plates are not displayed on the vehicle

• you have not obtained the registered operator’s permission for

the vehicle to be used in the test

• you have not passed the hazard perception test

• you failed a practical driving test for the same class of licence

earlier the same day

• you are under 25 and your logbook has not been checked and passed

by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Your practical driving test fee will not be refunded if:

• you have not passed the hazard perception test when you present

for your practical driving test

• you fail your practical driving test

• you don’t give two working days notice before altering or cancelling

yourappointment or cannot take your practical driving test at the set time,

possibly because you arrived late

• your practical driving test is cancelled for any of the reasons outlined

above.

During your Q-Safe practical driving test

The duration of your practical driving test for a class C licence will be no more

than 35 minutes, but you should allow at least one hour in total so that any

administrative activities may be undertaken.

When you arrive for your practical driving test, you will be informed about how

the test will be conducted. Turn off your mobile phone as soon as you arrive at

the testing centre and leave it off for the duration of the test.

A message from your driving examiner

When you meet your driving examiner they 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

assessment. You will be given clear directions in ample time.

If I don’t give you any specific directions, please follow the roadand be

directed by road signs, signals and road markings.

If your vehicle is fitted with any driver assist technology, such as park

assist or GPS, please ensure that it is switched off for the duration of the

test.

Do you have any questions?

Then you have a chance to ask questions before your practical driving test starts.

The driving examiner will carry out a basic safety check of your vehicle. After

the safety check, the driving examiner will go through a pre-drive check, which

assesses your knowledge of the vehicle’s controls.

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 practical driving test has begun, the driving examiner cannot

answer any questions that may influence your driving performance.

• As you drive, the driving examiner may make notes about how well you

complete each task; don’t assume you have made a mistake. It is the

driving examiner’s job to assess your ability to drive safely, but they are

also thereto help – so don’t feel intimidated or nervous.

Q-Safe practical driving test

When you undertake your practical driving test for a car licence you will be

assessed on a number of tasks.

Pre-drive check

The pre-drive check asks you to locate and explain the operation of a rangeof

vehicle controls including wipers, washers, demister, air conditioner,seat

adjustment, hazard lights, mirrors and headlights.

Driving tasks

In your practical driving test, the driving examiner will check that you

performthe following procedures correctly:

• Stopping – use of the vehicle’s parking or foot brake when stopped.

• Giving way – slow down or stop and give way to vehicles or pedestriansso

they do not have to slow down, stop or take action to avoid your vehicle.

This also applies to reversing your vehicle.

• Signs, signals and road markings – obey all traffic signs, signals and road

markings, including any warning and guide signs.

• Moving off, changing direction or lane changing – follow this sequence:

1. look in mirrors

2. indicate your intention

3. check the vehicle’s blind spot by turning your head

4. check traffic, your road position and speed

5. when beginning to move, check for changed traffic conditions.

• Clutch – control the clutch so that there is a smooth take-up of power

to the drive wheels and smooth gear changing; no clutch coasting.

• Gears – demonstrate the correct use of gears appropriate for speed,

vehicle and driving conditions.

• Braking – drive to avoid harsh or abrupt movement by slowing the

vehicle smoothly and progressively. The parking brake is used when

the vehicleis stationary.

• Speed – do not exceed the speed limit and drive at a speed that suits

the road and traffic conditions.

• Observation and 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 Hazards.

• 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 Safe following distance.

• 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 Indicating and signalling.

• 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 (classes C or CA) – perform two of the listed manoeuvres

(at least one with a reversing component):

– 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

– reverse – steer a steady course (in an approximately 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

– turn around – within the width of a street, turn the car around witha

minimum number of forward and reverse movements. 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

move off without rolling backwards

– gear-changing in automatic vehicles – if you are driving an automatic

car, you may be asked to select a lower gear and re-select ‘drive’.

For more information about what to expect during your practical driving test,

please visit www.qld.gov.au.

Aer the Q-Safe practical driving test

After you have completed all the driving tasks, your driving examiner will direct

you back to the testing office. Your examiner will tell you at the end of your

practical driving 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 you may have your photo taken.

You then get a P1 licence if you are under 25, or a P2 licence if you are 25or

older. You risk a fine if you do not display the correctly coloured P plateson

your vehicle before you start driving.

Note: If you already hold a provisional or open licence and are upgrading your

licence, it will be re-issued with the new licence class stated on it.

If you failed, don’t 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 you can’t re-take

the test until your cooling off period is over. Cooling off periods highlight the

importance of taking time to practise more.

The cooling off periods are:

First fail - you may re-sit the test on the next calendar day.

Second fail - you may re-sit the test on the 8th day after the second fail test date.

Third and subsequent fail - you may re-sit the test on the 29th day after the

thirdor each subsequent fail test date.

Provisional licences

Once you have passed your hazard perception test and the

practical driving test, you will get a provisional licence. Under the graduated

licensing system, the type of provisional licence you receive will depend on

how old you are.

If you are under 25 you will get a P1 provisional licence. If you are 25 or older,

you will get a P2 provisional licence.

P1 provisional licence requirements

If you hold a P1 provisional licence and you are under 25, you:

• must display red P plates at the front and back of your car when

driving(back only for motorbikes)

• must not use your mobile phone when driving, including hands-free

functions or Bluetooth® accessories. Your passengers are banned from using

mobile phones on the loudspeaker function – see Mobile phones

• are not allowed to have more than one passenger aged under 21 in the

car with you between 11pm and 5am, unless they’re members of your

immediate family – see Peer passengers

• are not allowed to drive high-powered vehicles – see High-powered vehicles

• must drive with a zero BAC – see Alcohol and drugs

• must always carry your licence when you are driving. If you are waiting to

receive your licence in the mail, you must carry your Driver Licence Receipt.

If you turn 25 when you are on your P1 licence the peer passenger, high

powered vehicle and additional mobile phone restrictions no longer apply

to you. You must continue to display red P plates, drive with a zero BAC and

always carry your licence or Driver Licence Receipt.

Getting your P2 licence

If you hold a P1 licence, to get your P2 licence you will need to:

• be at least 18

• hold your P1 licence for at least one year (not including licence

suspensions or cancellations)

• obtain green P plates.

If you got your P1 licence before the hazard perception test was moved to the

learner licence phase, you will have to complete the test before you upgrade

your P1 licence.

P2 provisional licence requirements

If you hold a P2 provisional licence you must:

• display green P plates at the front and back of your car when driving

(back only for motorbikes)

• drive with a zero BAC – see Alcohol and drugs

• always carry your licence when you are driving. If you are waiting to receive

your licence in the mail, you must carry your Driver Licence Receipt.

If you are under 25 you must not drive high-powered vehicles– see High-

powered vehicles, below.

P plates

The first year of driving poses the greatest risk of crashes for young drivers.P

plates were reintroduced to remind young or inexperienced drivers that they

are novice drivers and are still developing their on-road experience. They also

help to remind other road users to exercise caution around P-plated drivers.

A P plate is a sign that measures at least 146mm x 146mm and features

an upper-case red letter ‘P’ or an upper-case green letter ‘P’ on a white

background. You can buy P plates from service stations, major retailers and

automotive outlets. Check with your local supplier for cost. You can also

download and print a colour template from www.qld.gov.au. If you are a P1 or

P2 licence holder, you must not drive a car or ride a motorbike unless a P plate

can clearly be seen from:

• the front and back of the car

• the back of the motorbike.

High-powered vehicles

You are not allowed to drive a high-powered vehicle if:

• you hold a P1 or P2 provisional licence and you are under 25

• you are returning from a disqualification and at the time of the offenceyou

were under 25 – you will get a P1 or P2 probationary licence.

You can drive a high-powered vehicle if you are learning to drive with a

different transmission and you are appropriately supervised.

Vehicles manufactured aer 1 January 2010

For vehicles that are manufactured on or after 1 January 2010 a high-powered

vehicle means any car with a power to weight ratio of more than 130kW/tonne.

The power to weight ratio of a vehicle (expressed in kilowatts per tonne),is

calculated by dividing the vehicle’s maximum engine power in kilowattsby the

tare weight and multiplying the product of the division by 1000.

For example, the power-to-weight ratio of a vehicle that has a maximum engine

power of 195kW and a tare weight of 1667kg would be calculated as follows:

(195 ÷ 1667) x 1000 = 117kW/tonne.

Vehicles manufactured before 1 January 2010

For vehicles that are manufactured before 1 January 2010 a high-powered

vehicle means any car that has at least one of the following:

• 8 or more cylinders

• a supercharged or turbocharged engine that is not diesel powered

• an engine that has a power output of more than 210kW under the

manufacturer’s specifications for the car

• a rotary engine that has an engine capacity of more than 1146cc underthe

manufacturer’s specifications for the car

• a modification to the engine of any kind that must be approved underthe

Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Vehicle Standardsand

Safety) Regulation 2021.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads provides an online service so

that you can check whether or not a vehicle is a high-powered vehicle. Please

visit www.qld.gov.au to use this service. You may request an exemption, but

exemptions are considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with strict

guidelines. If you breach the high-powered vehicle restriction, a fine and three

demerit points will apply.

Mobile phones

All drivers are banned from holding a mobile phone in their hand or having it

rest on any part of their body, such as their lap, while driving. The phone does

not need to be turned on or in use for it to be an offence. You will get a fine

and four demerit points if you are caught – see Mobile phones.

If you’re a learner or P1 licence holder under 25 you are further banned from

using hands-free kits, Bluetooth® accessories and loudspeaker function. Your

supervisor and any passengers are also banned from using a mobile phone

on loudspeaker function – see also Double demerit points. All drivers can use

their phone when stopped to pay at a drive through, gain access to/from a car

park or similar area, or present a digital driver licence.

Peer passengers

Research shows that the risk of having a crash is higher when a young driver

is carrying more than one passenger of a similar age to them (their peers)

in their vehicle.

If you are under 25 you are not allowed to have more than one passenger

under 21 in the car with you between the hours of 11pm and 5am, unless

they’re members of your immediate family (parents, grandparents, husband

or wife, brothers or sisters or children). You risk a fine and three demerit points

if caught.

Demerit points

If you hold a provisional licence and you accumulate four or more demerit

points over a one year period, you will have the choice between:

• a three month driving suspension

• a good driving behaviour option for one year.

If you are under 25, a late night driving restriction will be imposed during

the good driving behaviour period or when you resume driving after the

suspension– see Late night driving restrictions.

If your licence has expired, is suspended, or you are disqualified by a court

from holding or obtaining a licence during the provisional licence period, this

time will not contribute to the time for which you must hold that licence.

Sample questions – provisional licences

1. What is the maximum blood alcohol concentration for a provisional licence holder?

A. 0.05.

B. 0.02.

C. 0.00.

D. 0.08.

2. If you are under 25 and hold a P1 provisional licence, how many passengers under21

(other than immediate family members) are you allowed to have in the car between11pm

and 5am?

A. None.

B. 1.

C. 2.

D. 4.

3. Which two of the following statements are true for a driver with a P1 provisional licence

who is under 25?

A. You may use a mobile phone while driving provided you use a hands-freeor

Bluetooth® accessory.

B. You may not use a mobile phone while driving, but your passengers can, provided

they do not use the loudspeaker function.

C. You may use a mobile phone while driving provided you do not become distracted.

D. You may only use a mobile phone in the car when you are legally and safely parked, or

stopped to pay at a drive through, to gain access to/from a car park or similar area, or

to present a digital driver licence.

If you hold a provisional licence, your licence will be suspended or you will have to comply

with a good driving behaviour option if you get how many demerit points?

A. Four or more over a one year period.

B. Four or more over a three year period.

C. 12 or more over a one year period.

D. 12 or more over a three year period.

Open licences

You may be eligible for an open licence if you are at least 20 and you have

held your P1 or P2 licence for the required period:

• if you were under 23 when you got your P1 licence, you must hold your

P2 licence for at least two years to progress to an open licence

• if you were 23 when you got your P1 licence, you must hold your

P2 licencefor at least one year to progress to an open licence

• if you were 24 when you got your P1 licence, you must hold your

P1 licencefor at least one year to progress to an open licence

• if you were 25 or over when you passed your practical driving test, you

would have been issued with a P2 licence which you must hold for at

least one year.

If you pass a practical driving test for an additional or higher class of licence

and you already hold an open licence, your licence will be re-issued to you

showing the additional or higher licence class.

Conditions for open licence holders

• You must remove any P plates once you get your open licence.

• It is recommended that you always carry your licence with you when driving.

However, if you are driving a heavy vehicle you must always carry your

licence when you are driving. If you are waiting to receive your heavy vehicle

driver licence in the mail, you must carry your Driver Licence Receipt.

• You must drive with a BAC below 0.05 or 0.00 for interlock, public

passenger vehicle or heavy vehicle drivers – see Alcohol and drugs.

Demerit points

If you accumulate 12 or more demerit points over a three year period you will

have the choice between:

• driving suspension (up to five months)

• a good driving behaviour option for one year

– see Accumulation of demerit points – Queensland licence holders.

Probationary and restricted licences

Probationary licences

If you were disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence by a court and you

have now served the period of disqualification, you will be issued with

a probationary licence.

If you held a P1 or P2 licence before you were disqualified, you will get a P1 or

P2 probationary licence. You will be required to hold a probationary licence for

at least one year. You must continue to comply with the conditions applicable

to your P1 or P2 licence, including displaying P plates on your vehicle while

driving.

If you held an open licence before you were disqualified, you will get a P

probationary licence. You will be required to hold a probationary licence for

at least one year.

Conditions for probationary licence holders

You must:

• hold the probationary licence for at least one year

• carry your licence at all times when driving. If you are waiting to receive your

licence in the mail, you must carry your Driver Licence Receipt

• have a zero BAC when driving – see Alcohol and drugs

• comply with a late night driving restriction (if you held a P1 or P2 licence and

were under 25 at the time of committing the offence that resulted in your

disqualification), prohibiting you from driving between 11pm and 5am,

if required – see Late night driving restrictions.

You may:

• drive any class of vehicle shown on your licence

• learn to drive a higher class vehicle as long as you are with someone who

holds an open licence for that class vehicle and has held that licence for at

least one year – see Licence classes, codes and conditions.

Note: High-powered vehicle restrictions also apply to probationary licence

holders who return from a disqualification to a P1 or P2 probationary

licence, when at the time of the offence they were under 25. These

restrictions apply for the duration of the probationary period

regardless of age.

For further information about probationary licences visit www.qld.gov.au.

Restricted licences

If you are convicted of a drink or drug driving offence 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 your period of

disqualification is imposed.

To be eligible for a restricted licence you must be able to prove to the court

that you will not impose a risk on other road users and you need a driver

licence to earn your living.

You are not eligible to apply for a restricted licence if:

• you did not hold a Queensland open licence at the time you committed,

and were convicted of, the offence

• you were driving a motor vehicle that you were not authorised to drive

under your open licence at the time you committed the offence

• when tested, your BAC was 0.15 or greater – see Alcohol and drugs

• when you committed the offence you were using the vehicle in an activity

directly connected with your means of earning a living

• at the time of the offence, you were driving a truck, tractor, specially

constructed vehicle, bus, articulated motor vehicle, B-double, road train, public

passenger vehicle (for example bus, taxi or booked hire vehicle), tow truck,

pilot or escort vehicle escorting an oversize vehicle, a vehicle that is licensed or

required to be licensed to carry dangerous goods, or a vehicle being used by a

driver trainer to give drivertraining

• in the past five years, your provisional or open licence has been suspended

or cancelled, or you have been disqualified from holding or obtaining a

licence

• you have been convicted of drink or drug driving or dangerous drivingin the

past five years.

Conditions for restricted licence holders

You must:

• carry your licence and court order at all times when driving. If you are

waiting to receive your licence in the mail, you must carry your Driver

Licence Receipt

• comply with the conditions stated on the court order when driving

• have a zero BAC when driving – see Alcohol and drugs.

You may drive any class of vehicle shown on your driver licence.

For further information about restricted licences, visit www.qld.gov.au.

Motorbikes

Getting a class RE motorbike learner licence

To be eligible for a class RE motorbike learner licence, you must:

• Hold a provisional or open licence of another class and have held the licence

for at least one year during the past five years.

• Successfully complete the Q-Ride pre-learner course.You may apply for an

exemption from the Q-Ride pre-learner course if you live outside a 100km

radius of a Q-Ride training area, however you will then need to hold your

learner licence for longer.

• Pass the motorbike road rules test, and pay the test fee.

Class RE licence holders (learner, provisional, probationary and open licence

holders) are only able to ride a motorbike that is a learner approved motorbike

See Getting a class R motorbike licence, for information on when you can learn

to ride a class R motorbike.

A learner approved motorbike is a production motorbike that is fitted with an

electric motor, or has an internal combustion engine with an engine capacityof

not more than 660 mL, and:

• has a power to weight ratio of not more than 150kW per tonne

• has not been modified other than for an allowable modification

• is stated to be a learner approved motorbike in a list kept by the chief

executive and published on the Queensland Government website at

www.qld.gov.au.

To help identify motorbikes that can be legally ridden under a class RE licence,

a learner approved motorbike indicator is included on the vehicle registration

notice and registration certificate of learner approved motorbikes.

For a full list of learner approved motorbikes and more information about the

learner approved motorbike scheme visit www.qld.gov.au.

Q-Ride

Pre-learner course

You can get your class RE learner licence when you have successfully completed

the Q-Ride pre-learner course and passed a motorbike knowledge test. Thepre-

learner course is a competency based training and assessment course provided

by Q-Ride training providers. You can enrol in the course after you have held a

provisional, probationary or open licence of another class for at least oneyear.

If you live within a 100km radius of a Q-Ride training area, you must complete

the pre-learner course. During the course you will be required to demonstrate

basic riding knowledge and motorbike handling skills. If you live outside a 100km

radius you can apply for an exemption from the pre-learner course, however

you will then need to hold your learner licence for longer (one year rather than

threemonths).

To check your eligibility to undertake the pre-learner course, or to see a full list of

Q-Ride training providers, please visit www.qld.gov.au/motorbikelicence.

Getting a class RE provisional or open licence

To be eligible for a class RE provisional or open licence you must:

• pass the motorbike hazard perception test – see Hazard perception test

• hold a class RE learner licence and have held it for at least 90 days (one

year if you got an exemption from the Q-Ride pre-learner course)

• successfully complete the Q-Ride restricted (RE) course or pass a Q-Safe

practical riding test.

You must complete the motorbike hazard perception test before you can

book in for the Q-Ride RE course or Q-Safe practical riding test. The motorbike

hazard perception test is only available online at www.qld.gov.au. It is not

available at driver licence issuing centres.

You can get your class RE provisional or open licence when you have

successfully completed the Q-Ride restricted course. The course is a

competency based training and assessment course provided by Q-Ride

training providers.

If you live within a 100km radius of a Q-Ride training provider, you must

complete the restricted course. During the course you will be required to

demonstrate your competency in riding a learner approved motorbike.

If you live outside a 100km radius of a Q-Ride training provider, you have

the option of completing a Department of Transport and Main Roads Q-Safe

practical riding test once you have held your class RE learner licence for at

least one year.

For more information on booking a Q-Safe test through the Department of

Transport and Main Roads call 13 23 80.

Once you have undertaken and passed the Q-Ride restricted course or a

Q-Safe test, you may apply for a class RE provisional, probationary or open

licence. Tocheck your eligibility to undertake the restricted course, or to

see a full list of Q-Ride training providers, please visit www.qld.gov.au/

motorbikelicence.

Getting a class R motorbike licence

You must have held your class RE provisional, probationary or open licence for

at least two years before learning to ride or upgrading to a class R motorbike

licence.

If you live within a 100km radius of a Q-Ride training provider, you must

successfully complete the Q-Ride unrestricted (R) course.

If you live outside a 100km radius of a Q-Ride training provider, you have

the option of completing a Department of Transport and Main Roads Q-Safe

practical riding test.

For more information on booking a Q-Safe test through the Department of

Transport and Main Roads call 13 23 80.

Once you have undertaken and passed the Q-Ride unrestricted course

or a Q-Safe practical riding test, you may apply for a class R provisional,

probationary or open licence.

A class R provisional, probationary or open licence allows you to ride a

motorbike of any engine capacity including a learner approved motorbike and a

moped.

To check your eligibility to undertake the unrestricted course, or to see a full list of

Q-Ride training providers, please visit www.qld.gov.au/motorbikelicence.

Note: If you got your class RE provisional, probationary or open licence before

1October 2016, you may learn to ride a class R motorbike and apply to

progress to an R licence after holding your RE provisional or open licence

for at least oneyear.

Pillion passenger restriction for learner riders

Class RE and R learner riders are prohibited from carrying pillion passengers

(including their supervisor) when learning to ride a motorbike on a road.

A learner is still required to be supervised by an appropriately licensed person

when riding a motorbike. If the motorbike has a sidecar, the supervisor may

accompany the learner by being safely seated in the sidecar. If the motorbike

does not have a sidecar, the supervisor may follow at a safe distance on

another motorbike or in another vehicle.

P plates on motorbikes

If you hold a P1 or P2 licence, you will need to clearly display a red or greenP

plate on the back of your motorbike (including a moped) when riding.

If you hold an open licence when you get your class RE or R licence, you

willnot need to display a P plate when riding.

Conditions for learning to ride a class RE motorbike

You must:

• obey the conditions that apply to your licence

• carry your licence when you are learning to ride. If you are waitingto receive

your licence in the mail, you must carry your Driver Licence Receipt

• be supervised by a person who holds an open class RE or class R

licenceand has held this licence for at least one year. Your supervisor must

holdthe class of licence for the motorbike you are learning to ride

• only learn to ride a learner approved motorbike(for class RE learner licence

holders)

• display an L plate on the back of the motorbike you are ridingor on the

back of a vest worn while riding – see L plates

• have a zero BAC when you are on your class RE learner licence

• not carry a pillion passenger while you are learning to ride.

Your first motorbike licence will be for a class RE, which will allow you to ridea

learner approved motorbike.

If you hold a P1 or P2 licence you need to display the appropriate P plate on

the back of the motorbike at all times. During the first year of holding your

class RE provisional, probationary or open licence, you must:

• have a zero (0.00) BAC (even if you hold an open licence)

• not carry a pillion passenger until you have held your RE class for at

least one year.

Conditions for learning to ride a class R motorbike

You are able to learn to ride a class R motorbike after you have held your class

RE provisional, probationary or open licence for at least two years.

• You must:

– carry your licence when you are learning to ride. If you are waiting to

receive your licence in the mail, you must carry your Driver Licence

Receipt

– be supervised by a person who holds an open class R licence and has

held the licence for at least one year

– display an L plate at all times on the back of the motorbike, or

alternatively on the back of a vest worn while you are learning to ride

– have a zero (0.00) BAC

– not carry a pillion passenger.

The learner approved motorbike scheme restrictions do not apply to holdersof

a class R motorbike licence. For more information about upgrading yourclass

RE licence, visit www.qld.gov.au.

Note: You are required to be supervised by an appropriately licensed person

when learning to ride a motorbike. If the motorbike has a sidecar, your

supervisor may accompany you by being safely seated in the sidecar.If

the motorbike does not have a sidecar, your supervisor may followat a

safe distance on another motorbike or in another vehicle.

Special rules about mopeds

A moped is a motorbike that has a maximum engine capacity of 50mL and a

maximum top rated speed of 50km/h. If you have a class C learner licence and you

want to learn to ride a moped, you must:

• carry your learner licence when you are learning to ride. If you are waiting to

receive your licence in the mail, you must carry your Driver Licence Receipt

• be accompanied by, or ride under the direction of, a person who holdsan

open class C, RE or R licence and has held this licence for at least one year

• wear a motorbike helmet that meets the Australian Standard AS1698 or AS/

NZS1698 or United Nations Economic Commission for Europe standard (UN

ECE 22.05 OR 22.06) when riding.

Your riding experience on the moped will not count towards your required

100 hours of supervised on-road driving experience. Only supervised hours

accumulated when driving a car may be recorded as supervised on-road driving

experience.

You cannot take a driving test, or a Q-Ride course, on a moped because it is

not representative of the class of vehicle that may be driven under a class C

or class RE licence.

You cannot carry a pillion passenger on a moped unless the moped has

seating capacity for two people and you hold a class RE or R provisional,

probationary or open licence, and, if you hold a class RE licence, you have

held it for at least one year. That is, if you only have a car (class C) or truck

(class LR, MR, HR, HC or MC) licence, then you are not permitted to carry a

pillion passenger.

A moped rider with an open class C, RE or R licence may lane filter and ride on

road shoulders or in emergency stopping lanes under certain conditions when

it is safe to do so. For further information, see Additional road rules for

motorbike riders.

Note: If you hold a class C, RE or R provisional, probationary or open licence,

you are already authorised to ride a moped without supervision.

The Q-Ride method

Q-Ride is a competency-based training and assessment program aimed at

improving the quality of learner rider instruction. Q-Ride ensures that participants

continue their training until they can demonstrate they are competent against set

standards.

Q-Ride training providers are approved by the Department of Transport and

Main Roads.

Eligibility

• You can sign up for Q-Ride to get your class RE learner licence after you

have held a provisional, probationary or open licence of another class for

at least one year.

• You can sign up for Q-Ride to get your class RE provisional or open licence

after you have passed the motorbike hazard perception test, and held

your class RE learner licence for at least 90 days (one year if you got an

exemption from the pre-learner course).

• You can sign up for Q-Ride to get your class R licence after you have held

your class RE provisional or open licence for at least two years.

To check your eligibility to undertake a Q-Ride course please visit

www.qld.gov.au/motorbikelicence.

Applying for Q-Ride training and assessment

To get your motorbike licence (class RE learner licence, class RE or class R

provisional, probationary or open licence) with Q-Ride, follow these steps.

1. Get started – to undertake the pre-learner course you need to hold a class C

provisional, probationary or open licence, which you have held for at least

one year. To undertake the restricted (RE) course you need to have passed

the motorbike hazard perception test, and held your RE learner licence for

at least 90 days. To undertake the unrestricted (R) course you need to hold

a class RE provisional, probationary or open licence, which you have held

for at least two years.

2. Choose – a Q-Ride training provider. Your choice may dependon

location, fees and charges.

3. Enrol – in Q-Ride training with a Q-Ride training provider. The training

provider may ask you to provide evidence that you are eligible to

undertake the Q-Ride course.

4. Learn – develop your motorbike riding skills through progressive

training.You must always carry your class RE learner, provisional,

probationary or open licence. You must only receive instruction from

another rider who holds an open licence for the class of motorbike you

are riding and who has held that licence for at least one year.

5. Certificate – when you have been assessed as attaining the required

competencies by an accredited rider trainer, the Q-Ride training provider will

issue you with a competency declaration (Q-Ride certificate) for the course.

The Q-Ride training provider may notify the Department of Transport and

Main Roads that you have successfully completed the course, or may tell you

to present the certificate at a driver licence issuing centre.

6. Licence – if your Q-Ride training provider notifies the Department of

Transport and Main Roads that you have successfully completed a

course you may be eligible to apply for your motorbike licence online.

If you complete a pre-learner course you may be eligible to take the

motorbike knowledge test online and have the RE learner licence

automatically added to your licence. If you complete a restricted or

unrestricted course, you may be eligible to upgrade your licence online

at www.qld.gov.au/motorbikelicence. If your Q-Ride training provider

gives you a paper Q-Ride certificate you will need to take the certificate

in to a driver licence issuing centre to apply for your motorbike licence.

For further information about your local Q-Ride registered training

providers,visit www.qld.gov.au/motorbikelicence.

Q-Safe practical driving test

You must pass the motorbike hazard perception test before you can undertake a

Q-Ride RE Course or Q-Safe RE practical riding test – see Hazard perception test.

Q-Safe is a practical riding test conducted by the Department of Transportand

Main Roads. You are only eligible to undertake a Q-Safe test for a class RE or class

R licence if you live 100km or more from a registered Q-Ride training provider.

You can check whether you are eligible to undertake a Q-Safe test by

visitingwww.qld.gov.au/motorbikelicence and looking at the list of registered

Q-Ride training providers.

See Booking your Q-Safe practical driving test, for information on how

to book a Q-Safe test.

Test vehicles

If you are eligible to undertake a Q-Safe test, for your test, you must ride a

motorbike that is a standard test vehicle for the class of licence you want.

Licence class Vehicle requirement

RE (restricted

motorbike)

A learner approved motorbike

Note: You cannot take a test on a moped, conditionally registered

motorbike, motorbike with a sidecar attached or motortrike.

R (motorbike) A motorbike not stated on the learner approved motorbikelist,

which is published on the Queensland Government website

www.qld.gov.au.

Note: You cannot take a test on a moped, conditionally registered

motorbike, motorbike with a sidecar attached or motortrike.

The vehicle must be registered and pass a basic safety check conducted by the

riding examiner. Before turning up for your test, make sure the vehicle would

pass the safety check by checking the:

• signalling devices, horn and lights are all working

• brakes and tyres are in good condition

• mirrors are adjustable.

If you hold a P1 or P2 licence, bring your P plate to attach to your motorbike

after you pass the test. You will need a red P plate if you hold a P1 licence or a

green P plate if you hold a P2 licence – see P plates on motorbikes.

Clothing requirements

The Department of Transport and Main Roads recommends that you wear the

following clothing when you take your motorbike test:

• pants made from heavy material that cover the leg length

• long-sleeved shirt or jacket made from heavy material

• gloves providing appropriate protection

• fully enclosed shoes or boots

• eye protection.

You must wear a motorbike helmet that meets the Australian Standard AS1698

or NZ/NZS1698, or the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

standard (UN ECE 22.05 or 22.06) when riding a motorbike, including when

taking the test.

A message from your riding examiner

The riding examiner will make the following statements to you before starting

your practical test.

Q-Safe is designed to evaluate your ability to ride safely and correctlyin

different situations, which may include a variety of speed zones.

I will be asking you to undertake a series of riding tasks throughoutthe

assessment. You will be given clear directions in ample time.

I will follow you during the riding assessment. Please keep me in your

vision and, should we get separated during the assessment, please

stop somewhere safe and legal and wait for me.

You will be given clear instructions in ample time. Directions will be

given by radio.

If radio reception of directions given becomes unclear, pull over

somewhere safe and legal and I will give you further instruction.

You will be expected to perform the riding tasks when conditions are

safe and in accordance with the road rules.

Please make any lane changes that are necessary to follow my direction.

At no time during the assessment will I ask you to perform any riding

tasks that are illegal.

Once the assessment has commenced, I am unable to answer any

questions that may influence your riding performance.

Do you have any questions?

Pre-ride check

The test will start with the pre-ride check followed by the practical riding

test.The pre-ride check will involve the riding examiner asking you to locate

and explain a range of vehicle controls including the operation of the fuel

reserve, choke, kill switch, side stand, horn and headlight/dip switch.

Riding tasks

The duration of your practical riding test will be up to 35 minutes for both a

class RE and class R licence. The practical riding test will include general riding

exercises and low speed manoeuvres.

During your practical riding test, the riding examiner will check that you

perform the following procedures correctly:

• changing road position – give other road users sufficient warning of what

you intend to do and always check your mirrors and your vehicle’s blind

spot before changing your position on the road – see Indicating and

signalling

• posture when riding:

– keep your knees into the tank

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

– keep your foot instep on the footrest

– keep your feet on the footrests except when stopping or moving off

– keep your feet out and slightly down

• gear changing – avoid wheel lock-up by smooth gear changes. A touchto

the accelerator on down changes is recommended

• balance and control – maintain full balance and control of the motorbikein

all speed and riding conditions

• road position – keep clear of painted surfaces and metal inspection covers

on the road surface. Beware of oily 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, keep within the

lane. On a two-way road where there are no line markings, maintain a road

position that enhances your safety

• required manoeuvres:

– slow ride – ride 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, above

– U-turns – give way to all other vehicles and pedestrians and have a clear

view of all approaching traffic in all directions of travel – see U-turns

– emergency stop – stop the motorbike safely with full control from a

speed of no more than 40km/h. Use all your fingers on the front brake

at all times. Don’t lock the wheels. You are not required to change back

through the gears in this exercise

– hill start – move off smoothly from a stationary position and travel up a

moderate incline without the motorbike rolling backwards.

Additional road rules for motorbike riders

As a motorbike rider, you 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 wear an approved motorbike helmet securely fastened at all times

other than when the motorbike is parked or being pushed with

the engine turned off.

• You must always display an L plate on the back of the motorbike you are

learning to ride or on the back of a vest worn by you while learning to ride

– see L plates.

• If you hold a provisional licence (P1 or P2) you need to display the

appropriate P plate on the back of the motorbike at all times.

• You must be astride the rider’s seat.

• Before carrying a passenger on a class RE motorbike, you must have held

your class RE provisional, probationary or open licence for at least one year.

For a class RE motorbike, you can carry a passenger as soon as you get your

class R licence.

• You may ride side-by-side with another motorbike rider in one marked lane,

provided you are not more than 1.5m apart.

• You may enter a bicycle storage area as long as you give way to bicycle

and personal mobility device riders or other motorbike riders already in

or entering the area.

• If you hold an open class RE or R motorbike licence you may lane filter

between stationary or slow moving vehicles travelling in the same direction

as you provided your speed is 30km/h or less and it is safe to do so. If the

lanes or lines of traffic are in a dedicated turning lane you cannot lane filter.

You must not lane filter in school zones during school zone hours, in bicycle

lanes or if there is a ‘no filtering’ sign.

• You can also ride on sealed road shoulders and in emergency stopping

lanes on major roads if the speed limit is 90km/h or more (even if it has

been reduced by a variable speed control sign) and it is safe to do so. You

must ride at 30km/h or less and give way to other vehicles already using

the shoulder. You must not ride on road shoulders if there are roadworks

or if you are in a tunnel.

Rules for carrying passengers on any motorbike

• You must not carry a pillion passenger when you are learning to ride

a class RE or R motorbike and during the first year of holding yourclass

RE provisional, probationary or open licence.

• Each of your passengers must wear an approved motorbike helmet securely

fastened at all times other than when the motorbike is parked.

• Your pillion passenger on a moving motorbike must be astride the pillion

seat and face forwards. They must be at least eight years of age and their

feet must be able to reach the passenger footrests while seated.

• You must not carry more passengers in the motorbike’s sidecar than the

sidecar was designed to carry.

• Your passenger must be seated safely on the pillion seat or in a sidecar

attached to the motorbike.

• Your pillion passenger must not ride on the motorbike unless it has a

suitable pillion seat and suitable passenger footrests.

• Your passenger must not interfere with your 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 a sidecar parallel to the kerb.You

must obey the parking rules. For more information, see Parking.

Preparing to get on the road

You and your passengers (both pillion and sidecar) must wear a motorbike

helmet that meets the Australian Standard AS1698 or NZ/NZS1698, or the

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe standard (UN ECE 22.05 or

22.06) when riding, unless the motorbike or moped is parked. It should fit

properly (for example an adult’s helmet on a child will offer no protection) and

be kept in good condition.

For safety, the Department of Transport and Main Roads recommends that

both you and your passengers should wear eye protection, gloves, boots,

and hardwearing, high-visibility clothing, covering legs and arms.

To increase your visibility and safety, the Department of Transport and Main

Roads also recommends you ride your motorbike with the headlight on

at all times.

Before riding on the road, check the following safety equipment on your

motorbike is working:

• headlight

• rear and brake light that shows a red light

• rear number plate light (clear)

• rear red reflector

• front and rear brakes

• footrests for you and for your pillion passenger, if the motorbikeis registered

to carry a pillion

• muffler

• horn

• chain guard – if the motorbike is chain driven, an appropriate chainguard

must be fitted

• chain – if the motorbike is chain driven, ensure that the chain is correctly

adjusted and lightly lubricated

• right and left rear-vision mirrors – a left rear-vision mirror is optionalif the

motorbike was manufactured before June 1975

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

• indicators (if manufactured after 1962).

For more information on riding safely, visit www.motorbikesafety.qld.gov.au.

Note: If you are an employee of, or a contractor or sub-contractor ith, Australia

Post, you may ride a 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 motorbike is not more than 10km/h

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

Sample questions – motorbikes

1. As a learner motorbike rider, you:

A. Must display one L plate so that it can be seen clearly from the back of the motorbike.

B. Are not required to display L plates.

C. Must only display L plates when riding on highways.

D. Are only required to display L plates at night.

2. What type of motorbike can be ridden under a class RE licence?

A. A motorbike with an engine capacity of more than 660mL.

B. A motorbike with a power to weight ratio of more than 150kW per tonne.

C. A learner approved motorbike.

3. Motorbike riders must ride:

A. Single le in one marked lane.

B. No more than two riders side-by-side in one marked lane(or three riders if one is

overtaking).

C. No more than four riders side-by-side in one marked lane.

4. Is a pillion passenger required to wear a motorbike helmet?

A. Yes.

B. Only if the motorbike has an engine capacity of more than 250mL.

C. No, only the person controlling the motorbike is required to wear a helmet.

Heavy vehicles

To obtain a heavy vehicle licence, you must pass a practical driving test.

See Booking your Q-Safe practical driving test, for information on how

to book a Q-Safe test.

Test vehicles

For 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.

There are standard test vehicles for each class of licence.

Licence class Vehicle requirement

LR (light rigid) A bus or truck more than 4.5 tonnes GVM but not morethan 8

tonnes GVM.

MR (medium rigid) A bus or truck more than 8 tonnes GVM with not morethan two

axles.

HR (heavy rigid) A bus or a truck more than 15 tonnes GVM with at least three

axles.

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

HC (heavy combination) A prime mover more than 15 tonnes GVM with at least three axles

and semi-trailer with at least two axles.

A truck more than 15 tonnes GVM with at least three axles and

trailer more than 9 tonnes GVM with at least two axles.

A vehicle of more than 12 tonnes gross vehicle mass (GVM) must be equipped

with at least three portable warning triangles for the test.

Practical driving test times

The duration of practical driving tests for the different heavy vehicle licence

classes are:

• LR – 25 to 35 minutes

• MR and HR – 60 to 70 minutes

• HC – 70 to 80 minutes.

Uncontrolled and unpredictable events such as road works and traffic crashes

may affect the duration of the test.

Often at crashes or breakdown sites, you will see an Emergency Response

Vehicle providing aid to those involved. See Move Over Slow Down, for

information about the rules you need to follow.

Q-Safe practical driving test

When you take a practical driving test for a heavy vehicle, you will also be

assessed 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.

Practical driving test

In your practical 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-hand or right-hand direction. Start and finish reversing

parallel to and within 2m 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 furthest edge or kerb from which you are turning. You should

check what you are doing by looking in your mirrors, although 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 manual vehicle, 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 practical driving test,

uncouple the trailer, drive forward approximately 10m and reverse back

onto the trailer to recouple. Uncouple and recouple the trailer, following

all safe practices and in the correct sequence, within 12 minutes. Extra

time may be given for some configurations, for example 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.

6. Release the turntable jaws/pin coupling.

7. Where the vehicle has airbag suspension, operate the air dump valve

(where applicable) to prevent any damage to the vehicle.

8. Drive prime mover or truck forward for a distance of approximately 10m.

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 airbag 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 (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 the engine off and walk around the 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 recoupling when asked to do so by the driving examiner.

You are not required to do a practical driving test for a class MC licence.

If you currently hold a class HR licence, you must complete Drive Multi-

Combination Vehicle approved training course (TLIC4006A) through an

approved multi-combination training provider.

If you hold a class HC licence you must either complete a Drive Multi-

Combination Vehicle approved training course (TLIC4006A) or complete a

Multi-Combination Driving Experience Declaration (form F3272) and provide

evidence you have accumulated 50 hours of class MC driving experience

within a six month period. Please visit www.qld.gov.au/mcvehiclelicence for

more information about upgrading to a class MC licence.

Long vehicle

While driving a long vehicle, you should know the length and height of the

vehicle and your obligations regarding 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 have not been displayed in a previous driving

test, a licence condition code B (synchromesh restricted) will be stated on

the licence.

For additional road rules for heavy vehicles, see Heavy vehicles.

General provisions

Renewing your licence

To apply for, or renew, your licence visit a licence issuing centre. If you holda

learner, provisional, probationary or open licence, you may renew your licence

online through Services online at www.tmr.qld.gov.au. The licence may be granted

to you for a period up to five years, or a three year fixed term for learner licences.

You may renew your licence up to six weeks before it expires, and renewing

early will not reduce your licence period. If your licence 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 provisional, probationary 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 may be charged with unlicensed driving – see Disqualified and

unlicensed driving.

Travelling interstate or overseas

If you are driving interstate you still need to comply with the conditions of

your licence. You will also have to comply with the road rules and restrictions

applicable to the state or territory that you will be driving in. Prior to travelling

interstate, you are advised to check with the relevant transport authority for

details of any specific road rules or restrictions.

If your licence will expire while you are travelling interstate or overseas, and

you still need to drive after it expires and before returning to Queensland,

contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 13 23 80.

Changing your name or address

If you change your name or address, you must tell the Department of Transport

and Main Roads or its agent within 14 days. Call the Department of Transport

and Main Roads on 13 23 80 for information about what you will need to show

to change your name or address on your licence.

Alternatively, you can change your address online by visiting Services onlineat

www.tmr.qld.gov.au.

Non-Queensland driver licences

Interstate licence

An interstate licence is a driver licence granted to you in another Australian

state or territory. This also includes any external territory of Australia.

Foreign licence

A foreign licence is a licence to drive a vehicle issued to you under a lawof

another country. This includes a New Zealand licence.

Driving in Queensland

When you may drive in Queensland

If you are visiting Queensland and driving on your foreign car licence, you can

drive vehicles allowed under a Queensland class C licence regardless of the

GVM or seating capacity restrictions on your foreign licence. You may drive

vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Mass that may carry up to 12 people

including the driver. If you hold a valid interstate or foreign licence, you are

allowed to drive any class of vehicle in Queensland that you are authorised to

drive on that licence, as long as you comply with the conditions (if any) on it.

When you are driving, you must have the licence with you at all times.

If your licence is in a language other than English, you should carry a

recognised English translation of it at all times when driving. For a list of

approved recognised translators, visit the National Accreditation Authority

of Translators and Interpreting Ltd (NAATI) website www.naati.com.au.

When you must not drive in Queensland

You must not drive in Queensland on your interstate or foreign licence if:

• your licence is no longer valid because:

– it has expired

– it has been suspended or cancelled by the issuing authority

• you have been disqualified by an Australian court from holdingor obtaining

a licence

• your authority to drive in Queensland on your interstate or foreign

licencehas been suspended because:

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

– you have not paid fines

– you have accumulated too many demerit points – see Accumulation of

demerit points – interstate and foreign licence holders

• your authority to drive in Queensland has been withdrawn because:

– you have a medical condition that adversely affects your ability to drive

safely – see Medical conditions and driving

– you fail a practical driving test in Queensland

– the three months residency rule applies to you – see below.

When the three months residency rule applies

Under the three months residency rule, you can no longer drive on your

interstate or foreign licence and must obtain a Queensland driver licence to

continue driving in Queensland. This applies if:

• you are an Australian citizen and you have been residing in Queensland for

three months

• you are not an Australian citizen, and:

– before you took up residence in Queensland you were given a permanent

visa or special category visa under the Migration Act 1958 (Commonwealth)

– you have now been residing in Queensland for three months

• you are not an Australian citizen, and:

– after you took up residence in Queensland you were given a

permanent visa or special category visa under the Migration Act 1958

(Commonwealth)

– you have now been residing in Queensland for three months

sincegetting the visa.

Permanent visa and special category visa

A permanent visa and a special category visa 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 Queensland

If your licence has expired or your authority to drive in Queensland has been

withdrawn and you still need to drive, you may be eligible to be granted a

Queensland driver licence – see Applying for a licence.

Obtaining a Queensland driver licence

If you hold an interstate licence and need to get a Queensland licencefor the

same class as your interstate licence, you will need to:

• show your interstate licence and supporting evidence of identity documents

• show evidence of your Queensland residence

• surrender your interstate licence

• pay a fee.

You may also be required to show evidence that you are medically fit to

drivesafely.

If you hold a foreign licence and need to get a Queensland licence for the

same class as your foreign licence, you will need to:

• show your foreign licence and a recognised translation of the licenceif it is

not in English

• show supporting evidence of identity documents

• show evidence of your Queensland residence

• pay a fee.

You may also be required to:

• show evidence that you are medically fit to drive safely

• pay the PrepL or road rules test fee and pass PrepL or the road rules test

• pay the practical driving test fee and pass the test

• have your photo and signature taken digitally.

If you have genuine difficulty in understanding or speaking English,an approved

interpreter may assist you while you take your road rules test.The Department of

Transport and Main Roads may organise an interpreter for you.

You must not continue to drive in Queensland on your interstate or foreign

licence once you have been granted a Queensland driver licence.

If any of the following happens, you will not be eligible to be granteda

Queensland driver licence until the period of suspension or disqualification

has ended:

• your licence has been suspended by the issuing authority

• you have been disqualified from holding or obtaining a licenceby an

Australian court

• your authority to drive in Queensland has been suspended becauseyou

have:

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

– not paid fines

– accumulated too many demerit points.

For more information about unpaid fines, contact the State Penalties

Enforcement Registry on 1300 365 635 or visit www.sper.qld.gov.au.

If your authority to drive in Queensland has been withdrawn because you have

a medical condition that adversely affects your ability to drive safely, you will

not be eligible for a Queensland driver licence until your doctor gives you a

medical certificate stating that you are medically fit to drive – see Medical

conditions and driving.