Can Learner Drivers Drive After 10 PM

If you’re a learner driver in NSW, you may be curious if you’re allowed to drive at any time of day or night. Are you restricted from driving at night during certain hours? Are these limits still in place when you get your provisional licence?

Let’s take a look at the details about the time of day during which you can drive – both with a learner permit and as a provisional licence holder.

Learner Drivers Must Log At Least 20 Hours Of Night Driving Between Dusk & Dawn

Yes, you can drive after 10 PM as a learner driver. In fact, it is essential for you to do so. You must log at least 20 hours of night driving as part of your 120 hours of supervised driving.

When driving at night as a learner, you must always be supervised by someone with a full driver licence (not provisional) as you would any other time driving. You must also meet standards learner driver requirements while learning to drive, such as:

• Displaying your learner plates (black on yellow background) clearly on the front and rear of your vehicle 
• Not using your mobile phone, including hands free features, at any time while driving or stopped but not parked
• Obeying posted speed limits and staying under speeds of 90 km/h

Failing to abide by these restrictions can result in demerit points. You can see the full list of restrictions here. 

Note that you should be extra cautious when driving at night, even with a supervising driver. The majority of fatal crashes for young drivers take place between 9 pm and midnight. Stay alert, and do not drive if you feel tired or as if you cannot pay full attention to driving conditions. 

Provisional Drivers Are Allowed To Drive After 10 PM, But Some Passenger Restrictions Apply For P1s

Once you pass your hazard perception test and driving test and get your P1 licence, you can begin driving alone at any time of the day. However, P1 licence holders are bound by some passenger restrictions for night driving.

Between 11 pm and 5 am, P1 licence holders may only carry one passenger under the age of 21. There are some exceptions to this, though. 

Once you have earned your P2 licence, you will no longer be restricted between 11 pm and 5 am, unless you have been disqualified for a prior driving offence. In that case, the one passenger restriction will continue to apply for 12 months. 

Tips For Driving Safely At Night

Whether you’re driving with a learner permit or a P1 or P2 licence, there are a few basic steps you can take to stay safe when driving at night.

• Make sure your headlights are bright and provide proper illumination
• Check your brake lights and indicators to ensure they work properly
• Be defensive when driving
• Avoid driving while fatigued
• Clean your windshield to reduce glare from oncoming cars
• Reduce your speed
• Avoid staring directly into oncoming headlights to preserve your night vision

Read more in our blog: First Time Night Driving Tips for Learners

Know What Driving Restrictions Apply To You – And Get Experience Driving At Night!

As a fully licensed driver, you’ll frequently find yourself driving late at night after 10 p.m. That’s why starting to practise night driving early is crucial, ensuring that you can handle the road safely no matter the hour. To get more tips or learn about nighttime driving safety, book a lesson with LTrent Driving School today!

We also offer the NSW Safer Drivers Course for learners with a minimum of 50 logbook hours, and under the age of 25. 

Book Your Driving Lessons