Who is eligible to supervise a learner driver in New South Wales (NSW)?

Learning to drive is one of the most important things you’ll ever do, and it can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for both the driver and the supervisor. If you’re teaching your teenager or another young driver to drive in NSW, the first step is to familiarise yourself with the laws regarding supervising learners. It’s not as simple as hopping in the car and teaching them how to handle the wheel. There are specific requirements for supervisors in NSW. In this blog post, we’ll cover who can supervise a learner driver in NSW and what the specific requirements are.

Firstly, it’s important to know that learner drivers in NSW must always have someone with an unrestricted driver’s license that is not a learner, probationary, or provisional license holder, who has been driving for at least two years and is over the age of 21, supervising them while driving. This can be a parent, relative, friend, or driving instructor, but there are a few specific requirements for supervisors:

They must have their license with them at all times while supervising the learner.

They must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

They must ensure that the learner driver is following the road rules and driving safely.

They must have access to a vehicle that is properly registered and insured, and display L plates on the front and back of the vehicle.

It’s important to note that if a learner driver is caught driving unsupervised, it can result in fines, demerit points, suspension or cancellation of their license, and in some cases, their Melbourne used car may be impounded. On top of the legal repercussions, it’s also simply dangerous for an inexperienced driver to go out on their own.

It’s also worth mentioning that if the supervisor is a driving instructor, they must hold a valid instructor’s license. If the supervisor is a family member or friend, they do not need to hold any additional qualifications, but it’s a good idea for them to brush up on the road rules so they can ensure the learner driver is following them correctly.

Another important thing to remember is that the supervisor’s vehicle must be fitted with dual controls if they are a driving instructor. Dual controls enable the driving instructor to take control of the car if necessary, ensuring the safety of the learner driver and other road users.

Conclusion:

Learning to drive is a crucial time in a young driver’s life, and having a responsible, qualified supervisor is essential to ensure they are safe on the roads. The requirements for supervising a learner driver are specific, but they are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all road users. As a supervisor, it’s important to remember that you are responsible for ensuring the learner driver is following the rules and driving safely. And, if you’re teaching someone to drive, it’s important to take the process seriously and prioritise their safety over anything else.