If you are a learner aged 25 and older, you do not have any minimum period on your learner's and no required hours to be completed, you may attempt you driving test once you are ready and have passed the HPT.
If you are under 25 years of age, continue reading...
The driving test will not be conducted unless you produce this log book showing that you have completed all tasks and a minimum of 120 hours driving experience and you and your supervising driver, have signed the declaration of completion on page 109.
This log book will be checked by Roads and Maritime Services Driver Testing Officer prior to commencement of the driving test. The testing officer may ask you questions about the practice sessions recorded in the log book. In the event that entries in the log book are found to be false, you may be barred from attempting a driving test for up to 6 weeks and both you and your supervising driver may be liable to heavy penalties under the Road Transport Legislation or Criminal Law.
Learning goals: Pages 13-38
The learning goals in the Learner driver log book are designed as a guide for both the learner and the supervising driver as to what to do and when to do it. Pages 13-38 must be signed and dated by the supervisor or driving instructor prior to the test.
Driver experience record : Pages 40-107
These pages require you to keep track of your driving experience. The more often you practise, the better and safer a driver you will become. By recording your experience in the driver experience record, you will see exactly how many hours you have spent on the road practising to drive under a range of conditions. After each driving practice session with your supervising driver, you should record information such as date, number of
hours driven, locations where you drove, etc. Your supervising driver must then write his/her name, driver licence number and sign each recorded entry.
All entries must be written in ink (not pencil) I suggest either black or blue pen. Please don't use Dittos.
Examples on recording driving experience in the log book are shown on page 40.
If you do go for a long drive, more than two hours then break it up with a rest stop. We should all be taking breaks at the 1.5 - 2 hour mark more importantly for novice drivers. Stop for say 15 mins to revive and start a new log book entry.
You need a minimum of 120 hours of supervised driving experience on a public road, with 20 of those hours to be completed at night. Your supervising driver must hold an unrestricted Class C (car) Australian driver licence or a NSW driving instructor licence.
You must complete at least 20 hours of driving at night. Night means the period between sunset on one day and sunrise on the next. This changes depending on the time of year. In Sydney winter time, sunset is around 5pm however in summer sunset not reached until after 8pm. If you're not sure, use google or some weather apps provide sunrise/sunset times. If you think I am pointing out the obvious here, it would surprise you to know how many times this becomes an issue. My additional recommendation is to keep logging your driving well pasted 20 night hours and 100 day hours. Also take a picture of each page once it's complete as a backup just in case your logbook is damaged or lost, you will have a record of the hours and you will be able to tranfer eithe to a new logbook or app.
Declaration of completion: Page 109
This declaration must be completed and signed by you and a supervising driver. All entries must be in ink (not pencil). When you have completed your tenure, the learning goals and at least 120 hours of on-road driving, you may attempt your driving test.
You must take your log book with you to the registry on the day of the test. The log book will be checked by the testing officer and the declaration of completion will be detached and kept at the registry when you pass your driving test.
There is some interesting and useful information in the log book for supervisors and learners so take the time to review it.
If all the above seems a little too complicated or time consuming then technology to the rescue. Keep reading...
What about the app?
Don't underestimate the app!
it can be simpler to use
Log book apps
You can choose to use a digital log book app. It's an easy way to log your hours, learn and achieve your driving goals. You also won't have to worry about losing your log book.
Once you've finished recording your hours, you can submit your log book through the app.
The only apps Transport for NSW accepts are:
Don't get me wrong if you prefer to use the log book go ahead just make sure you follow it well and remember to keep it safe. 12 months can be a long time for a book and it can get battered and bruised in that time not to mention lost between cars, after moving etc. etc., the list goes on. However, you always have your phone with you at the ready and the data is saved so as long as you know your account deets then no probs. Just one more word on the log book if you decide that's the way to go for you, I would take a photo at the completion of each page as a record for yourself just in case the unthinkable happens. I have heard some horror stories and it usually comes towards the end of the 120 hours.
I don't have a preference when it comes to the apps but the majority of my students use Roundtrip and at the time of writing has an app store rating of 4.6 from 525 ratings.
Licence ready has 3.3 from 44 ratings.
L2P has 2.4 from 60 ratings.
Pick the one that suites your needs, just saying...
These apps help you:
- calculate your 120 driving hours
- ensure you have completed the 20 learning goals.
When you finish your 120 log book hours, use the app to electronically submit your driving hours to Service NSW. Make sure you do this at least 48 hours before the driving test to ensure your information is transferred.
If you plan to sit the driving test on your 17th birthday, you need to contact appsinfo@transport.nsw.gov.au and advise you will be submitting your log book on the day of your test.
How to use a log book app
Mobile phones in the car
All of the apps let you 'set and forget'. This means the app will record your drive in the background.
You must start the app while you're safely parked out of the line of traffic, then put your phone away while you're driving.
It is illegal for learner drivers to use a mobile phone while driving. This includes when stopped at traffic lights or stuck in traffic.
Find out the rules on mobile phone use
When supervisors can use the app
The apps don't need to be touched while a learner is driving. However, a supervisor can use the app while a learner is driving, as long as it doesn't distract the learner or stop the supervisor from guiding the learner.
Supervisors and passengers should limit phone use while they're in the car to avoid distracting the learner.
Switching from paper book to app
You can choose to switch from a paper log book to an app. However, you will have to manually log the completed log book entries into the app. It's either log book or the app you can not have your hours aross the two, one or the other.
This includes:
- the date and time
- how long you drove
- supervisor or instructor details.
Your supervisor or instructor will need to confirm each entry.
Mobile reception
You won't need an internet connection to log driving hours. You will only need to log into the app to verify your licence details and your supervisor's licence details.
If a GPS signal is not available, your driving activity can continue and will still be recorded. It might mean that not all fields will be automatically filled (for example, the location might be missing). You can enter these details manually once you've finished driving.
Manual entries
The app may tell you that you shouldn't have more than 50% of manual entries. This is a recommendation only.
You can manually log as many hours as you'd like.
Losing or changing phones
All your settings and driving data are held on the app servers. If you get a new phone you can restore your driving information when you download the app and log in.
Your personal information
Your personal information is not shared with others unless you give explicit consent to the app. The app will only give data to Transport for NSW to validate eligible learners and supervisors.
Please refer to each app's privacy statement for more information.
If I have missed anything let me know and feel free to get in touch for clarification on any points. Enjoy and stay safe.
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Learner Driver Log Book