Schild L 90 Plate (Learner Driver NSW) ca. 14x14cm

If you're at least 16 years old in the State of New South Wales, you're ready to begin. The first step is to pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT). You've passed the DKT? Congratulations – you are now an L plater!

Learner licences are valid for five years, giving the new learner driver plenty of time to practice and get moving towards the next step – the P1 licence.

To make things absolutely clear, there is a Learner Driver Log Book provided at the registry or service centre when the learner licence is obtained. The log book is the guide to learning how to drive and for keeping a record of learner driving experience.

The learner driver and her/his supervising driver (a driving instructor, parent or whoever is teaching the learner) must record the learner driver's driving experience in the Log Book. A learner driver has to log at least 120 hours of driving – over at least 12 months – before the test to get P Plates can be attempted. It's a good idea to have a close look at the log book to find out what's expected.

Learner drivers 25 years old and over are exempt from completing the Learner Driver Log Book.

There are a number of special rules for L platers. There are big penalties for breaking these rules, including loss of licence.

Hier in der Rubrik "Spass-Nummernschilder" ist der L-Plate nicht ganz richtig, denn die New South Wales-Polizei versteht keinen Spass, wenn lernende Fahrer ohne ihre L-Plates unterwegs sind oder die Regeln nicht beachten.