Navigating Passenger Limits for Learner Drivers in Australia

Understanding the rules and regulations for learner drivers can be challenging, especially when it comes to passenger limits. In Australia, these restrictions vary between states and territories. Before getting behind the wheel, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the passenger regulations applicable in your area.

New South Wales

In NSW, learner drivers can travel with passengers as long as a fully licensed driver is present in the front passenger seat, and all passengers are secured with seatbelts. There is no specific limit on the number of passengers, other than the vehicle’s capacity. All car seats and child restraints must be properly secured. Ensure both L-plates are visible on the front and rear of the vehicle, and carry your licence permit every time you drive.

Victoria

In Victoria, there are no restrictions on how many passengers a learner driver can carry. Ensure both L-plates are visible on the front and rear of the vehicle, and carry your licence every time you drive.

Queensland

In Queensland, learner drivers must only drive with their supervisor, who must hold a valid open Australian licence for the class of vehicle the learner is driving. Ensure both L-plates are visible on the front and rear of the vehicle, and carry your licence every time you drive.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

In the ACT, learner drivers must drive with a supervisor at all times – this supervisor must have a full Australian licence. The ACT Government does not stipulate restrictions on the number of passengers a learner driver can carry. Ensure both L-plates are visible on the front and rear of the vehicle, and carry your learner's permit every time you drive.

Western Australia

In WA, a learner driver must have a supervising driver in the passenger seat every time they drive. There are no other restrictions on additional passengers. All passengers must fasten their seatbelts, and children must be restrained securely. Learners must comply with the rules and regulations of their licence classification.

South Australia

In SA, learner drivers must travel with a supervising driver in the passenger seat at all times. There are no restrictions on the number of passengers, provided the supervising driver holds a full Australian licence that has been valid for at least one year, in the same class of vehicle as the learner driver’s vehicle.

Northern Territory

In the NT, there are no passenger restrictions for learner drivers. All passengers must wear seatbelts, including children in restraints.

Tasmania

Tasmanian learner drivers must travel with a supervisor in the passenger seat every time they operate a vehicle. The supervisory driver must be fully licensed, meaning it can be an older sibling, parent, or driving instructor. There are no restrictions on the number of passengers in a learner’s vehicle, provided the above conditions are met.

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