Why You Shouldn’t Fake Your Logbook Hours
Are you considering faking your learner logbook hours? It might seem like a tempting shortcut to get your driver licence faster, but it’s definitely not worth the risk. NSW, ACT, and QLD have strict rules in place to ensure that learner drivers are well-prepared for their practical driving test. If you’re caught, you could face serious consequences, including fines, delays in taking your RMS driving test, and even a suspension from the process altogether.
In this blog, we’ll explore why it’s crucial to complete your logbook hours honestly and highlight the benefits of gaining actual driving experience before your test.
How are Learner Log Books Checked in NSW?
In NSW, learner drivers under the age of 25 are required to log 120 hours of supervised driving, including 20 hours of night driving. The hours must be recorded in the official learner logbook provided by the RMS or digitally using the Roundtrip learner driver logbook app. When you book your driving test at a Service NSW Centre, your logbook will be thoroughly reviewed to ensure that all required hours are completed correctly.
If there are any inconsistencies or signs that hours might have been falsified, examiners will flag your logbook. This could result in your driving test being postponed or even cancelled. Remember, in NSW, logbooks are a critical part of evaluating your readiness to progress to a provisional licence, making it essential that your hours are logged accurately.
What Happens if You Fake Your Logbook Hours?
Faking your logbook hours is not only dishonest but also risky. While it might seem easy to add a few extra hours here and there, the repercussions can be severe. If an examiner suspects you of forging your hours, they may investigate further, leading to delays and penalties.
NSW, ACT, and QLD take these matters seriously. Learner drivers found to have falsified entries could be banned from taking their practical driving test for up to 6 weeks. This delay could set you back even further on your journey to getting your provisional licence.
Penalties for Forging Learner Hours in NSW, ACT, and QLD
The penalties for faking learner hours vary by state, but they are all designed to discourage dishonest logging and promote road safety. Here’s what you can expect if you’re caught:
- NSW: The fine for providing false information in your learner driver logbook can be up to $6,600. Additionally, any falsified entries will be rejected, meaning you’ll have to re-complete those hours before being eligible to take the driving test.
- ACT: Learner drivers caught falsifying entries in their learner driver log book may be fined up to $3,000, depending on the severity of the offence. You may also be required to restart the logbook process, significantly delaying your driving journey.
- QLD: The penalties for faking logbook hours in QLD include fines of up to $2,000. The learner driver will be barred from taking their practical driving test for up to 6 weeks and could have their learner licence suspended. Any fraudulent entries in the logbook will be considered invalid, and you’ll have to redo the hours.
In all three states, getting caught can lead to a prolonged and frustrating journey towards earning your driver licence, making it crucial to log your hours accurately and honestly.
The Importance of Safe Driving Habits
Honest logging of your logbook hours isn’t just about avoiding penalties — it’s about becoming a safer driver. The hours of supervised driving you complete are designed to help you build a solid foundation of safe driving habits that you’ll carry with you for life. Without real driving experience, you miss out on learning how to handle different road conditions, understand speed management, and navigate various traffic situations confidently.
At LTrent, we believe that good driving skills aren’t just about passing the driving test. It’s about developing habits that keep you and others safe on the road. Our instructors focus on ingraining these habits during each driving lesson so that checking your blind spot, maintaining safe following distances, and reacting appropriately to hazards become second nature.
Why It’s Worth Completing Your Logbook Hours Properly
Taking the time to complete your logbook honestly has long-term benefits that go beyond just getting your driver licence. NSW, ACT, and QLD require 120 hours or 100 hours respectively because research shows that learner drivers with more practical driving experience are less likely to be involved in crashes once they start driving solo. In fact, newly licensed drivers with more logged hours have a 30% lower chance of accidents in their first year.
If you’re struggling to meet your logbook requirements, consider taking advantage of the Safer Driver Course available in NSW. The course provides 20 hours of bonus logbook credit upon completion and is an excellent way to fast-track your learning while building critical safety skills.
GET YOUR LOGBOOK HOURS UP WITH AN LTRENT INSTRUCTOR
Faking your logbook hours might seem like a quick fix, but it’s not worth the consequences. With strict logbook checks in place in NSW, ACT, and QLD, you risk significant delays, fines, and missing out on gaining essential driving experience. Instead, focus on getting your hours up through consistent practice, taking advantage of structured lessons with an experienced driving instructor, and enrolling in courses like the Safer Driver Course (NSW only).
Completing your logbook hours honestly will ensure you’re fully prepared for your driving test—whether it’s the RMS test in NSW, the ACT practical driving test, or the QLD driver assessment. At LTrent, our goal is to help you become a confident and safe driver who is equipped to navigate the roads safely for life. Ready to build your driving confidence? Book a lesson or enrol in a course today to get the most out of your learning experience!