It may seem like a counter-intuitive measure, but when learner drivers are learning how to drive, they are not allowed to learn to drive the speed limit on major highways and freeways.
- Learner drivers are not allowed to travel with the maximum speed limit in some jurisdictions
- Rules vary by place of license plate L
- Fines and penalties for speeding when using a LOI number plate
It’s one of the quirks of Australia’s driver training system, and is thought to be something that leads to frustration for other road users and anxiety for those learning to drive in the sentence. ask.
We’ve all driven on a single lane highway with a 100 km/h speed limit sign, only to find ourselves ‘stuck’ behind the L sign at a much lower speed – please note you, they’re just doing the right thing, based on the law.
Your humble reporter is learning to drive in reverse when the NSW limit is 80km/h – luckily, speeds are higher now, but extra time for those driving longer (and due to that, as a driver, I’m more tired) was an unrelenting disappointment, even though I was eager to get behind the wheel with my parents in the passenger seat.
Penalties for exceeding an imposed speed limit or sign will depend on the jurisdiction and the severity of the offence.
Here is a summary of the speed limits that apply to L drivers or learner drivers across Australia:
New South Wales – 90km/h: According to the NSW Government learner driver’s license guidelines: “A learner driver must never drive above 90 km/h. Do not use any cell phone while driving or when your vehicle is stopped but not parked. This includes hands-free devices or loud speakers. Learners are not allowed to tow any other vehicle.”
Victoria – unlimited: According to the Vicroads Learner FAQ, there is no requirement that L license plate holders sit at a ‘lower’ speed than other road users. “There is no fixed speed limit when driving on your Ls, but you should always drive within the speed limit and at a safe speed for the area you are in.”
South Australia – 100km/h: The SA Government’s list of learner driver requirements states that L plate holders in that state must “must not exceed the speed limit by more than 10km/h”, and furthermore, they must “must not exceed the speed limit of 100 km/h at any time.”
Queensland – no restrictions: The Queensland Government does not require learner drivers to follow a lower limit, just because they are learning to drive.
Western Australia – 100km/h: According to the Road Safety Commission, Western Australia imposes a limit on L plate occupants: “The maximum speed allowed for a learner driver is 100 km/h.”
Tasmania – 90km/h: Tassie has a clear law on speed limits for learners. According to Plates Plus, L models must “drive no faster than 90 km/h even if the higher speed limit applies”.
ACT – unlimited: Located inland from NSW, the ACT has some pretty interesting wording around what L drivers are allowed to do, in terms of speed. The ACT Policing website states: “Driving learners can drive up to the speed limit specified in the ACT. However, when driving in NSW, learner drivers must check with the jurisdiction where you intend to drive for local speed regulations that apply.”
In other words, you can run at 100 km/h until you cross the NSW border, and then you must comply with the 90 km/h law.
Northern Territory – 80km/h, but with an asterisk!: According to the NT speed limit information website: “Learning license holders are limited to a maximum speed of 80km/h – unless accompanied by a licensed driving instructor.”
Oddly, however, the NT Road User’s Handbook contradicts that statement for Class C learners (automobiles): “Speed limit: You must not drive faster than 80 km. /h at any time, regardless of the speed limit sign, and you must obey the speed limit below 80 km/h.”
Not intended as legal advice. Check with the relevant road authority in your state or territory.
