Can a learner driver tow a trailer in QLD? (7 tips)

In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Can a learner driver tow a trailer in QLD? We will explain the licence system in Australia and give a few essential tips to all the new drivers out there.

Can a learner driver tow a trailer in QLD?

Yes, a learner driver can tow a trailer in QLD (Queensland). The two main rules to keep in mind is to have the L plate visible on both the trailer and the vehicle towing and to never tow a trailer heavier than 750 kg.

Please see below the rules for towing a trailer in different regions of Australia.

A learner’s license allows you to drive with an instructor or anyone else who agrees to teach you to drive and has an open driver’s license. Therefore, you can drive a car only under the control of a person with an open license. Besides, it must also have “L” stickers on the front and rear of the vehicle.

You can get a learning license only after passing a theory test. It contains 45 multiple-choice questions with a single answer. If you answered at least 27 of the questions correctly, you have passed the test. 

From L to P plates: rules in Australia

This is where the real fun begins, not only because now is the time to find a reliable instructor around you (otherwise, driving schools exist in Australia too – count around $ 60 an hour) and learn to drive for real, but also because it is at this stage that it is crucial to have chosen your condition.

Different states operate under different rules. One of the important rules to take into consideration when choosing where to settle down to get your permit is this: a certain legal period must pass with your L permit before you have the right to claim. with the P license. And this period of time blocked with an L license can vary from 3 months to 6 months to… 1 year!

Other questions you may be interested in

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Can a learner driver tow a trailer in WA?

Some states also require a certain number of driving hours to be recorded in a logbook before allowing you to take the exam for the P license. In short, the time and effort required will not be sufficient. same depending on where you are! It is, therefore, useful to carry out a small review of the different states:

• In New South Wales, after 10 months of an L license in New South Wales, you can take the Hazard Perception Test (HPT). You will need to keep the L license for 1 year and complete 120 hours of driving (including 20 hours at night) to apply for the P license. However, if you are 25 or over, you will be exempt from these obligations.

• In Victoria, it all depends on your age. If you are under 21, you will need to keep the L license for 1 year and complete 120 hours of driving (including 20 hours at night). If you are between 21 and 25 years old, you simply have to keep your L license for 6 months (no obligation on driving hours). 

And if you’re 25 or over, you only need to keep it for 3 months before you can qualify for the P!

• In Queensland, you will need to keep the L license for 1 year and complete 100 hours of driving (including 10 hours at night). If you are 25 or over, you are exempted in terms of driving hours, but you will still have to wait 1 year!

• In Western Australia, you will need to keep the L license for 6 months and complete a minimum of 25 hours of driving.

• In South Australia, if you are under 25, you will need to keep the L license for 1 year, if you are 25 or over, the duration is reduced to 6 months. Then, regardless of your age, you will have to do a minimum of 75 hours of driving (including 15 hours at night).

• In Tasmania, you will need to keep the L license for 9 months and complete a minimum of 50 hours of driving.

• In the Northern Territory, you will need to keep the L license for 6 months.

7 tips for learners drivers

The road, the freedom, your own vehicle … It’s amazing when you pass the exam and you can drive! However, the first six months of driving can be dangerous as novice drivers are much more likely to be in an accident than any other driver. But it does not have to be like that. As long as these basic safety tips are followed, beginners can keep their vehicles and driving history intact. Happy driving!

1. Check the blind spot – You didn’t see that car coming, did you? The blind spot has that name for something: it is the space around the car that we cannot easily see through the mirrors. Each vehicle has different blind spots, so turn your head when you can’t see properly and want to change lanes or do a manoeuvre.

2. Get in the right lane – When you enter a highway, adapt your speed to the rest of the vehicles travelling, except those that exceed the speed limits! Choose the correct lane for the speed with which you feel most comfortable and always give directions if you change lanes.

3. Understand the safety requirements of your vehicle – It is very likely that you will have to perform safety checks on your vehicle at least once a year to ensure that it can circulate. Mark yourself a reminder on your calendar and don’t hesitate to take your vehicle to the workshop if you notice something strange.

4. Avoid driving too late – Low visibility, tiredness … there are a lot of reasons why driving too late is a bad idea. If you can, take a bus or a taxi at night.

5. Don’t drive with many passengers – One of the best things about driving is being able to take a ride with your friends, but you are more likely to have an accident if you are distracted by the passengers behind!

6. Drive through familiar areas and take short trips – Drive around your area, take short trips, and don’t drive long distances in the car for now until you have more practice.

7. Put the phone on silent – Even hands-free calls can be distracting, so keep your phone away when driving. Most smartphones now have “Do Not Disturb” mode, so it won’t ring or vibrate while you’re driving.

Conclusions

While a learner driver can tow a trailer in QLD, we strongly advise you to do it only if you feel confident on the road and if you have an experienced driver at your side. 

Keep your eyes on the road and don’t get distracted. You should also have your other senses active, such as hearing, so leave the headphones at home. Loud music, radio shows, or podcasts can keep you from hearing another car’s horn or a pedestrian asking you to stop. 

Be careful on the road, and please let us know if you have any questions or comments on the content. 

FAQ on Can a learner driver tow a trailer in QLD?

Can a P1 driver tow a trailer QLD?

Yes, a P1 driver can tow a trailer in QLD. Both L platter and P platers must display the L/P sign clearly on both the trailer and the towing vehicle. 

Can Red P platers tow trailers?

Yes, Red P platers can tow trailers, as long as it doesn’t exceed 750 kg weight and it doesn’t have less than 250 kg unloaded. 

Can P platers listen to music Qld?

No, P platters are not allowed to listen to music or use hands-free in QLD. The law regards even if you can change the music from the steering wheel. 

References

• Can a learner driver tow a trailer? – Car Advice | CarsGuide
• Learner ‘L’ Driver towing a trailer or caravan – Maryborough
• Do you know the towing laws in Australia? | Shine Lawyers