Mobile phones and distractions

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state what phone use is allowed on your learner or P licence.
• You can explain the difference between novice and full licence phone rules.
• You can set up your car before driving so you do not need to touch your phone.
• You can manage other distractions such as passengers and loose items.

What you need to know and understand

• In NSW, learner, P1 and P2 drivers must not use a phone at all while driving, even when stopped at lights. This includes hands-free calls, music, maps and navigation.
• In Victoria, learners and P platers must not touch or use voice controls on a hand-held or mounted phone. Navigation or audio must be set up before driving.
• Full licence holders in NSW may use a phone only for calls and audio via Bluetooth, or for calls, audio and navigation in a fixed commercial holder. Texting, video calls, email and social media are never allowed.
• No driver may hold a phone or rest it on their body while driving.
• All drivers may use a phone when parked out of the line of traffic.
• Phone detection cameras operate in some states, and double demerits apply to phone offences in NSW holiday periods.

Novice rules side by side

• NSW (L, P1, P2): no use while driving or stopped in traffic, including Bluetooth, music and maps. Exceptions are showing a digital licence to police, or using a wallet function when stationary in places like a car park or drive-through.
• Victoria (L, P1, P2): no touching or voice-controlling a hand-held or mounted device. Set up audio or navigation before you go. Simple adjustments on a built-in car system are allowed; typing and scrolling are not unless parked.
• Other states have their own versions, so check your handbook. When in doubt, put the phone away.

Getting ready before you drive

1. Choose your music or podcast and start it before you move off, if your licence allows audio.
2. Plan your route, or set navigation on a built-in system where allowed.
3. Put your phone on silent or do-not-disturb, out of reach.
4. Tell friends you will reply when you arrive.
5. If you must call or text, park legally out of traffic first.

Other distractions

Phones are not the only problem. Loud or excited passengers, eating, adjusting the radio, loose items rolling around and pets in the car can all pull your attention away. Young drivers are more likely to crash when carrying passengers their own age.

Ask passengers to help by staying calm and pointing out hazards. Secure loose items and animals, and turn music down or off in busy or unfamiliar traffic. Screens other than driver's aids such as GPS must not be visible to you while driving.

Common mistakes

• Checking a message at a red light. In NSW and many other states that counts as using a phone while driving.
• Using Bluetooth on P plates in NSW because it is hands-free. Hands-free is still banned for L and P drivers there.
• Holding the phone on your lap for maps. No driver may hold a phone or rest it on their body.
• Fiddling with a playlist while moving. Set it up before you leave.

Test yourself: Mobile phones and distractions

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• L and P Plater Phone Rules in Every Australian State