Demerit points for learner drivers

As a driver it’s important to obey the road rules at all times – if you’re a learner driver you’re not exempt from the rules just because you are learning to drive. The statistics show that young drivers continue to be over-represented in serious road crashes and to encourage safe driving among drivers who are under the age of twenty, certain restrictions are in place for learner drivers.

One of the restrictions for learner drivers is to adhere to a maximum speed limit of 90km/h.

In addition, it’s important you understand how the demerit points scheme works and the restrictions that apply. After all, you’ll want to make sure you keep hold of your licence and become a safe and responsible driver.

How does the learner driver’s demerit point system work?

• If a learner licence holder incurs four or more demerit points within a three-year period, their licence will be suspended, or a licence application or renewal refused, for a period of three months.

• A minimum of four demerit points will be imposed on a learner driver for committing a speeding offence. This means their licence will be suspended or refused for three months for any speeding offence.

What are some of the offences that learner drivers can be penalised and fined for?

• Failing to wear a seatbelt

• Driving unsupervised 

• Using a mobile phone while driving 

• Failing to obey traffic lights 

• Failing to give proper left or right change of direction signal.

Learner drivers can also lose their licence for higher levels of speeding

• An additional three-month suspension applies for exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 km/h.

• A six-month suspension applies for speeding more than 45km/h.

• Police can also suspend and confiscate learner licenses at the roadside for speeding more than 30 km/h over the limit or if caught driving without a supervisor.

For a full list of offences which attract demerit points, visit the Roads and Maritime website.