Understanding Queensland's Graduated Driver Licensing System

Driving Education

Queensland Learner Licence Guide (2026)

Everything you need to know about getting your Queensland driver's licence—from your learner licence to P plates and finally your open licence.

Ready to start learning to drive?

Whether you're a new learner or a parent helping someone earn their licence, understanding Queensland's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system is the first step towards becoming a safe and confident driver.

This guide explains everything you need to know about getting your Queensland driver's licence, including learner licence requirements, logbook hours, P plates, driving tests and progressing to your open licence.

How the Queensland Licensing System Works

16 Years Old
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Learner Licence (L)
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100 Hours Supervised Driving*
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Practical Driving Test
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P1 Licence (Red P Plates)
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12 Months
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P2 Licence (Green P Plates)
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Open Licence

*Drivers aged 25 and over do not need to complete the 100-hour logbook but must still hold their learner licence for at least 12 months.

Step 1 – Getting Your Learner Licence

To apply for your Queensland learner licence you must:

✔ Be at least 16 years old

✔ Pass the PrepL online course or written road rules test

✔ Display L plates whenever driving

✔ Be supervised by an appropriately licensed driver

✔ Maintain a Zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

✔ Follow Queensland's mobile phone laws for learner drivers

Once you've received your learner licence, you can begin building experience behind the wheel under supervision.

The 100 Hour Logbook

One of the most common questions we receive is:

"Do I need to complete 100 hours?"

If you are under 25 years old

✔ Complete 100 hours of supervised driving

✔ At least 10 hours must be night driving

✔ Hold your learner licence for at least 12 months

If you are 25 years or older

✔ No 100-hour logbook required

✔ Still hold your learner licence for at least 12 months

✔ Pass the practical driving test before progressing

Driving Lessons Count Triple

Professional driving lessons are one of the fastest ways to build valuable driving experience.

In Queensland:

1 hour driving with Mum or Dad = 1 Logbook Hour

1 hour with an Accredited Driving Instructor = 3 Logbook Hours

(Up to the maximum allowed by Queensland Transport.)

Professional lessons don't just help you complete your logbook—they also teach safer driving habits, hazard perception and correct driving techniques that can make passing your driving test much easier.

P1 Licence (Red P Plates)

Once you've completed your learner requirements and passed your practical driving test, you'll receive your P1 licence.

While on your P1 licence you must:

✔ Display Red P Plates

✔ Maintain Zero Alcohol (BAC 0.00)

✔ Follow strict mobile phone restrictions

✔ Comply with passenger restrictions (where applicable)

✔ Follow Queensland's rules regarding high-powered vehicles

✔ Avoid accumulating demerit points

Safe driving during this stage helps prepare you for independent driving.

P2 Licence (Green P Plates)

After successfully completing your P1 period, you'll progress to a P2 licence.

During this stage you'll:

✔ Display Green P Plates

✔ Continue to maintain a Zero BAC

✔ Continue following Queensland road rules

✔ Build confidence and experience

✔ Work towards becoming eligible for an Open Licence

This stage is designed to further develop safe driving habits before full licensing.

Open Licence

Congratulations!

After completing all required stages of Queensland's Graduated Driver Licensing System, you'll become eligible for your Open Licence.

Requirements include:

✔ Successfully completing the required licence stages

✔ Passing the Hazard Perception Test (where applicable)

✔ Maintaining a good driving record

✔ Meeting Queensland Transport's eligibility requirements

An Open Licence provides greater driving freedom, but safe driving should always remain your highest

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive alone on my learner licence?

No. Learner drivers must always be supervised by an appropriately licensed driver.


How many logbook hours do I need?

If you are under 25, you must complete 100 supervised driving hours, including 10 hours at night.


Do driving lessons count towards my logbook?

Yes.

One hour with an accredited driving instructor counts as three logbook hours, up to the maximum permitted under Queensland's learner logbook scheme.


Do I need 100 hours if I'm over 25?

No.

Drivers aged 25 years and over do not need to complete the 100-hour learner logbook.


How long do I need to stay on my learner licence?

Regardless of your age, you must hold your learner licence for at least 12 months before progressing.

Why Choose Got My L's Driving School?

Learning to drive should be a positive experience.

At Got My L's Driving School, Leonie provides patient, friendly automatic driving lessons throughout:

  • Redcliffe
  • Rothwell
  • North Lakes
  • Mango Hill
  • Kallangur
  • Deception Bay
  • Newport
  • Scarborough
  • Woody Point
  • Moreton Bay Region

Every lesson is designed to build confidence, improve driving skills and prepare learners for safe, independent driving—not just passing the driving test.

Why learners choose us

✔ Accredited Queensland Driving Instructor

✔ Modern Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid

✔ Dual-Control Safety Vehicle

✔ Friendly, Calm and Patient Instruction

✔ Progress Updates for Parents

✔ Practical Driving Test Preparation

✔ Automatic Driving Lessons

Ready to Start Driving?

Whether you're just beginning your learner journey or preparing for your practical driving test, we're here to help every step of the way.

📞 0449 250 106

Book your driving lesson today and start building the skills for a lifetime of safe driving.

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