How Long Can A Learner Drive In One Day

Learning to drive is an exciting journey filled with anticipation and the desire to pass your driving test as quickly as possible. However, acquiring enough driving time is essential to build the necessary skills and confidence behind the wheel. If you’re wondering, “How long can a learner drive in one day?” Our blog will provide you with all the information you need. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Myth of Set Driving Periods

A common myth found online suggests that learners are restricted to a specific daily driving period in Australia. Often, this misinformation claims that learners can only drive for a maximum of two hours per day during practice drives. However, it’s important to note that there are no explicit laws stating limitations on how many hours a learner can drive in one day.

The Importance of Recommended Breaks

Even experienced drivers are advised to stop every two hours for a fifteen-minute break to refuel and recharge, regardless of their licence type. Research suggests that driving for extended periods without breaks can result in decreased attentiveness, comparable to the effects of driving while using a mobile phone, including hands-free solutions.

Professional driving instructors also prefer to limit daily driving time to two to four hours. They believe that spacing out the driving sessions throughout the day ensures better learning and retention.

Factors Influencing Driving Duration

While there are no specific regulations on the maximum daily driving duration for learner drivers, several factors can influence the ideal driving time. It’s essential to consider the following:

• Instructor’s Preferences: If you’re taking professional driving lessons, your instructor may recommend limiting your daily driving time to two to four hours.
• Traffic Conditions: Heavier traffic can increase stress and cognitive load on novice drivers. In busy traffic conditions, shorter driving sessions might be more beneficial to prevent overwhelm and maintain focus.
• Time of Day: Driving at night presents different challenges compared to daytime driving, such as reduced visibility and increased likelihood of encountering impaired drivers. Mixing shorter night driving sessions with longer daytime sessions can provide safe, balanced exposure to different driving conditions.
• Logging 120 Hours: Learners under 25 must log 120 hours of supervised driving, including 20 hours at night. There are instances of professionals scrutinising logbooks and disqualifying excessively long drives done in a single day. To avoid potential issues during logbook checks, it’s recommended to spread driving hours over several days.

Logbook Hours Needed by State

How many day hours do NSW learners need?

In New South Wales (NSW), Australia, learner drivers under the age of 25 are required to complete 120 hours of supervised driving, which includes a minimum of 20 hours of night driving. These hours need to be logged in the learner driver log book as part of the process to progress to a Provisional P1 licence. There isn’t a specific requirement for “day hours” outside of this total, but implicitly, at least 100 hours will be during the day if the night driving minimum is met.

Learner drivers who are 25 years old and over are not required to complete a specific number of supervised driving hours. They still must hold their Learner licence for a minimum of six months before taking the driving test to progress to a Provisional P1 licence, but they are not bound by the structured hour requirements that apply to younger learners.

How many day hours do QLD learners need?

In Queensland (QLD), Australia, learner drivers are required to complete 100 hours of supervised driving, which must include at least 10 hours of night driving. This requirement applies regardless of the learner’s age. Therefore, at least 90 of these hours would typically be during the day, although there is no specific breakdown mandated between day and night beyond the minimum night hours. Learners need to log these hours in their learner logbook as part of the process to progress to a Provisional P1 licence.

How many day hours do ACT learners need

In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), learner drivers regardless of age are required to log a minimum of 100 hours of supervised driving, which includes at least 10 hours of night driving. This requirement is part of the process for progressing to a provisional licence. Therefore, at least 90 of these hours would typically be during daylight hours, though the specific requirement focuses more on the total hours rather than a strict division between day and night beyond the minimum for night driving.

Professional Driving Lessons with LTrent Driving School

While Australia does not impose specific daily driving limits for learners, it is advised to take breaks every two hours to stay alert and safe behind the wheel.

For learner drivers in NSW, ACT and Queensland. LTrent Driving School is the best place for professional driving lessons. Our experienced instructors provide comprehensive training to help you become a confident and skilled driver. We also provide the Safer Drivers Course in NSW, a theory and practical all-in-one driving course for learners under 25 who have completed 50 logbook hours. By completing the course participants will accumulate an additional 20 hours towards their driving experience.

To book your lessons, call 02 8748 4500 or book online.

FAQs

1. Can a learner driver exceed the recommended two to four hours of daily driving?
While there are no specific legal restrictions, it is advisable to adhere to the recommended duration to ensure optimal learning, attentiveness, and safety.

2. Are there any penalties for driving beyond the recommended daily duration?
Penalties can vary on a case-by-case basis. Some professionals may choose to cross out significantly long drives completed in a single day when reviewing logbooks. To avoid any potential issues, it is advisable to distribute your driving time and adhere to the recommended limits.

3. Should I take professional driving lessons?
Professional driving lessons provide valuable guidance, knowledge, and practical experience. Enrolling in lessons with a reputable driving school like LTrent Driving School can greatly enhance your driving skills and increase your chances of passing the driving test.