Who Can Supervise A Learner Driver NSW?

Driver Licencing Regulation

NSW doesn't have a graduated licensing system, so a learner can start driving as soon as they get their learner's license. All they need is supervision from a fully licensed driver before they can go solo.

This guide will tell you everything about supervising learner drivers in NSW (New South Wales), from the basics of the law to some top tips for helping learners become confident and safer drivers.

Rules For Supervising A Learner Driver NSW

Before supervising drivers, supervisors must familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) set out. These are designed to help ensure the safety of both the learner driver and other road users.

Age requirements

The supervisor must be more than 21 years old and hold a full license for at least 12 months. If the supervisor is under 25 years of age, they must have held their full license for at least two years. Supervising a learner driver is against the law if you do not meet these requirements.

Blood alcohol limit

The blood alcohol limit (BAC) for supervisors is 0.05%. This means you cannot have more than 50 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. You'll lose your license and be fined if caught driving with a BAC of over 0.05%.

Driving experience

The supervisor must have had at least three years of driving experience, including one year of driving experience in the class of vehicle that the learner will be driving. For example, if the learner will be driving a manual car, the supervisor must have had at least a year of experience driving a manual car.

Hold a valid Australian driver's license

Supervisors must hold a current Australian driver's license that allows them to drive the same class of vehicle that the learner will be driving. You can only supervise a learner driver in NSW if your license is issued from NSW, ACT, Victoria, Queensland, or Tasmania. Check with the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) about possible restrictions if your license is from another state or territory.

Mobile phone use

A supervisor must not use a mobile phone while supervising a learner driver unless it is hands-free. If the supervisor uses a mobile phone while supervising a learner driver, they could be fined and lose their license.

Display L plates

Any vehicle being driven by the learner driver must display red and white L plates (learner driver plates) on the front and rear windows of the car. The L plates must be visible from at least 20 metres away. The supervisor must also remove the L plates from the vehicle when the learner is no longer driving.

Supervising hours

A learner driver must only drive while supervised. The minimum supervision required is one hour each day of the week that the learner driver drives and up to ten hours per week. No minimum hours are required if the learner holds a log book or has completed a driving test.

Passengers

Some restrictions limit the number of passengers a learner driver can have in the car while driving. The car cannot exceed the legal passenger limit for that particular vehicle. If the vehicle has a 'P' plate (indicating only a provisional driving license), there can only be one other person in the car besides the supervisor and the learner driver. If the vehicle does not have a 'P' plate, there can be up to three other people in the car besides the supervisor and the learner driver.

Driving solo

A learner driver cannot drive alone at any time. A fully licensed supervisor must always accompany them. Any learner driver caught driving alone could be fined and lose their license.

Driving on a provisional license

A learner driver can only drive on a provisional license if supervised by a fully licensed supervisor. If caught driving without supervision, they could be fined and lose their license.

Displaying 'P' plates

Once a learner driver has passed their driving test, they must display green and white 'P' plates on both the vehicle's front and rear. The 'P' plates must be visible from at least 20 metres away. The learner driver must display 'P' plates when driving for three years from the date they passed their driving test.

Log books

A log book is a record of the learner driver's driving experience. It is used to track the learner driver's progress and to help plan their supervised driving hours. Log books are not required if the learner driver has already passed their driving test.

These are the general rules for supervising a learner driver in NSW. If you supervise a learner driver, ensure you are familiar with these rules and adhere to them at all times. Failure to adhere to them can attract different fines, including the loss of the learner's license.

Qualities Of A Good Driving Supervisor

Supervision is a critical part of the learning-to-drive process. Here are some general guidelines to help provide the best possible supervision for your learner driver.

Be patient

Learning to drive can be frustrating, so it's essential to be patient with your learner. Remember, they're trying their best, and with your help, they'll soon be driving solo!

Be encouraging

A little encouragement goes a long way. When your learner is doing well, let them know! This will help them build confidence behind the wheel.

Help them relax

If your learner seems tense or nervous, help them relax. Driving should be enjoyable, not stressful. Maybe play some calm music in the car or have a chat to take their mind off the task at hand.

Plan ahead

Before each driving lesson, sit down with your learner and plan what you will do. It will help them feel prepared and in control.

Give clear instructions

When you're giving your learner instructions, be clear and concise. They should understand what you're saying and follow your directions easily.

Demonstrate first

If you can, demonstrate what you want your learner to do before they attempt it themselves. It will help them understand what they need to do and make the task seem less daunting.

Be a good role model

Remember, you're setting an example for your learner. So, make sure you're driving safely and following the road rules yourself!

Stay calm

If something goes wrong or your learner makes a mistake, stay calm. Getting angry or upset will only make the situation worse.

Give positive feedback

When your learner does something well, give them positive feedback. This will help reinforce good habits and encourage them to keep up the excellent work.

Be prepared for bad weather

Bad weather can make driving more challenging, so it's essential to be ready. If possible, avoid driving in bad weather conditions and also at night until your learner has more experience.

Take breaks

If you or your learner is feeling tired, take a break. Driving when you're fatigued can be dangerous, so it's best to rest up before getting back on the road. Following this guide can ensure your learner has a positive and safe driving experience.

Workshops For Supervisors In NSW

NSW has a range of workshops and other resources to help you become a more confident and effective supervisor. These include:

• Free online resources.

• Free face-to-face workshops for parents and guardians of learner drivers.

• Paid professional development courses for driving instructors.

Face-to-face workshops

The Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) offer free face-to-face workshops for parents and guardians of learner drivers. The workshops cover topics such as the supervisor's role, communicating with your learner driver, coaching techniques, and how to deal with challenging situations. To learn more about the face-to-face workshops or to register your interest, visit the RMS website.

Online resources

The RMS also has a range of free online resources to help you become a more effective supervisor. These include an online version of the workshop, a supervisor's toolkit, and a range of factsheets and tip sheets. To access the online resources, visit the RMS website.

Professional development courses for driving instructors

If you're a driving instructor, you can attend paid professional development courses that cover topics such as coaching learner drivers, communicating with parents and guardians, and dealing with challenging situations. Visit the RMS website to learn more about the professional development courses or register your interest.

Professional Driver Supervision In NSW

A good supervisor can offer guidance and support when it comes to the practical aspects of driving, such as manoeuvres, parallel parking, and reversing into a space. They should also be familiar with the local area and any potential hazards to alert their learner driver to possible dangers.

If you need a safer driver course, plenty of professional driving instructors would be more than happy to offer their services. Whichever route you choose, find someone you feel comfortable with and who has the necessary skills and experience to help you learn to drive.