Licences, Fines and Demerit Points Flashcards

While driving on a learner licence in NSW, you must:

Answer: Always display L plates and be supervised by a fully licensed driver

A learner must clearly display L plates and always be supervised by the holder of a full (unrestricted) Australian driver licence seated next to them. Learners must also keep a logbook of supervised driving hours.

Demerit points are:

Answer: Points recorded against your licence when you commit certain driving offences

Demerit points are recorded against your licence when you commit certain offences such as speeding or running a red light. Accumulating too many within the limit leads to suspension.

Learner and P1 licence holders in NSW have a demerit point limit of:

Answer: 4 points

Learner and P1 drivers have a lower threshold of 4 demerit points, and P2 drivers 7 points, before suspension. Fully licensed drivers can reach 13 points before suspension.

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is:

Answer: Illegal and attracts demerit points and a fine

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving (including when stopped in traffic or at lights) is illegal. It carries demerit points and a fine. Learner and P-plate drivers must not use a phone at all, even hands-free.

Your vehicle must be registered and you must carry your licence because:

Answer: It is a legal requirement to drive a registered vehicle and hold a valid licence

You must hold a current, valid licence for the class of vehicle and the vehicle must be registered. Driving unlicensed or in an unregistered vehicle is an offence with serious penalties.

If you are caught exceeding the speed limit, you can expect:

Answer: A fine and demerit points, with heavier penalties for higher speeds

Speeding offences carry a fine and demerit points. The faster you go over the limit, the higher the fine and the more points, and you may face licence suspension.

All occupants of the vehicle, including passengers, must:

Answer: Wear a properly fitted and fastened seatbelt or approved restraint

The driver and every passenger must wear a correctly fitted and fastened seatbelt, and children must use an approved child restraint. The driver can be penalised for unrestrained passengers under 16.

If your licence is suspended due to demerit points, you:

Answer: Must not drive during the suspension period

A licence suspension means you must not drive at all during the suspension period. Driving while suspended is a serious offence that can lead to fines, longer disqualification and even imprisonment.