Learners

Penalties & Fines

You are issued with 4 licence points when you get your Learner Licence. If you commit a traffic offence, you will lose the number of points relevant to the offence and may also face a fine.

Queensland Transport has implemented some new road rules which went into effect on the 12th of October 2009. These rules apply to many of the areas that affect how you drive, view these new rules.

Demerit Point Offences

The best way to avoid losing any points or copping a fine is to obey the road rules. Some of the types of offences for which you could lose points are:

Speeding
Failure to obey traffic lights (3 points and a $300 fine)
Failure to give a proper left or right change of direction signal (2 points and a $60 fine)
Disobeying traffic lane arrows on a roundabout (3 points and an $80 fine)
Driving a vehicle with more than the maximum number of persons (3 points and a $186 fine)
Failing to wear a seat belt (3 points and a $300 fine)
Using a mobile phone when driving with a Learner Licence (3 points and a $300 fine)

View the full list of demerit points and fines.

Did You Know?

Your Supervisor could be fined if they drive a car with L plates on it. You must take the L plates off the car when you are not driving
If you are driving on your own with your Ls you could lose 1 point and be fined $160!

What to do if you lose your points

If you get 4 or more licence demerit points, Queensland Transport will send you a notice giving you two options:

Accept a 3-month licence suspension period
OR
Agree to a one-year Good Behaviour period

Here’s some info from the RACQ Legal Advisory Service if you should end up in this position.

What do I do next?	Choose one of the options and inform Queensland Transport in writing. You can use the form that comes with the notice.
When can I take the Good Behaviour Period?	You can only take the Good Behaviour Period if you elect this option by the date specified on the notice. If you don’t do this in time, your licence will be automatically suspended for three months. If you are not sure about the start date for the Good Behaviour Period, ring Queensland Transport on 13 2380.
What if I get 2 or more demerit points while on a Good Behaviour Period?	Your licence will be suspended for six months instead of three months.