kevinbloomfield

Hi
When we finally get to OZ next year I want my son to learn to drive (he will be 16 and 6 months). Does anyone know how this works, ie can I put L plates on my car and teach him myself or does he have to go to a proper teacher?

Also, in the UK if you put a youngster on your insurance it costs a fortune, is this the same in OZ?

Finally, can we apply for a provisional licence before we actually move over?

Hope someone can help

Ozzidoc

Different states have different ages at which you can obtain your learner's permit. Sorry, no you cant just put plates on your car and let him loose with you alongside. Well, not on public land. Anyone can drive at any age on private land (I learned when I was 11 on my parents' property, which was quite late for my area)

Sorry, cant remember about the insurance, but I seem to remember that my parents didnt need to do anything, as effectively (and legally) they were still in control of the car.

In some states you can do a straight swop of licenses (pretty sure that this applies to NSW, didnt used to apply for Vic but may do now).

Good luck with everything - the license stuff will work out to be quite easy to sort out.

A dogs life

I know in QLD he's got to pass the theory test before he can become a learner. And he can't take his test for 6 months after that.

I believe they can be taught by other drivers after that, but there are really strict rules i.e. the 'instructor' (in your case parent) must have zero, thats ZERO alcohol in their system whilst instructing them, they must have the car insured for teaching a learner, etc etc.

Its a pain

Bordy

Think its the same in Victoria.

NickyC

It's certainly the same in NSW. My youngest son is learning to drive right now. You can get a Learners License from the age of 16 - have to take a computer-based test first. Then you have to clock up 50 hours driving time, which must be logged, with a fully-licensed driver (doesn't have to be an official instructor). You can take your practical test for your P's at the age of 17, though sometimes (particularly in country areas) you can take it at 16 years and 9 months.