Photo: Chris Olszewski, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Your keys to driving in Queensland is the official handbook from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). It is what PrepL, the written road rules test and the Q-Safe test are based on. This study guide walks through every section in plain English, flags what matters most for each test, and links to our detailed Queensland pages.
About the current edition
- The handbook is free on the Queensland Government publications portal as one complete PDF or as separate section PDFs.
- The complete PDF on the portal is marked No. 19, November 2022, on its cover and says its information is current as at July 2022. Rules made since then are not in it.
- TMR has flagged that the guide is under review and does not yet reflect the e-scooter and e-bike rules that started on 1 July 2026. Check qld.gov.au for those rules.
- Where the handbook and current law differ, the law applies. Licensing rules in this guide were checked against the Driver Licensing Regulation current at 21 September 2026.
How to use the handbook for each test
| Test | Sections to focus on |
|---|---|
| PrepL or written road rules test | Road rules (especially Giving way), Queensland licensing |
| Hazard perception test | Safe road use: Hazards, Stopping, Sharing with other road users |
| Q-Safe practical test | Queensland licensing: Ready to drive and Q-Safe practical driving test; Road rules |
Section 1: Introduction
Explains what the handbook covers and how to use it. Read it once, then move on.
Section 2: Queensland licensing
The longest and most practical section for new drivers. It covers:
- Driver licence, applying for a card, licence types and classes: what each licence allows and what to bring. See learning to drive in Queensland.
- Graduated licensing: learner at 16, P1 at 17, P2 at 18, open from 20.
- Eyesight and medical conditions: you must tell TMR about conditions likely to affect safe driving.
- PrepL and the road rules test: see PrepL and the Queensland road rules test.
- Learning to drive, L plates and mobile phones: see Queensland learner rules.
- The compulsory learner logbook: see the Queensland learner logbook.
- Hazard perception test: see the Queensland hazard perception test.
- Ready to drive and the Q-Safe test: see the Q-Safe practical driving test and Q-Safe manoeuvres and re-sit rules.
- Provisional, open, probationary and restricted licences: see Queensland P1 and P2 rules.
- Motorbikes and heavy vehicles: separate licence classes with their own tests.
- General provisions and non-Queensland licences: address changes, transfers and upgrades. See moving to Queensland.
Section 3: Road rules
This is where most PrepL questions come from. Queensland’s road rules follow the Australian Road Rules, so most topics match other states; see the Australian Road Rules explained.
| Handbook topic | Key point to learn | Read next |
|---|---|---|
| Signs and signals | Regulatory signs are law; warning signs tell you what is ahead | Road signs, traffic lights and arrows |
| Speed limits | Default 50 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h elsewhere, unless signed | Hazardous localities |
| Making turns, roundabouts, indicating | Correct lane, signal in time, give way | Roundabout rules |
| Giving way | 10 of the 30 questions in the written test and practice test format | Giving way |
| Road markings | What each line means for overtaking and changing lanes | Road markings |
| Hazardous localities | School zones, crossings, level crossings, roadworks | Hazardous localities in Queensland |
| Alcohol and drugs | Zero alcohol on L and P plates | Zero alcohol |
| Heavy vehicles | Give trucks and buses room | Trucks and buses |
| Parking | Signs, distances and parallel parking | Parking rules |
| Rules for other road users | Cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and personal mobility devices | Passing cyclists |
| Other rules and responsibilities | Lights, horn, seatbelts and other everyday rules | Headlights and horn |
Note: rules for e-scooters, e-bikes and other personal mobility devices changed from 1 July 2026 and are not yet in the handbook.
Section 4: Safe road use
- Sharing with other road users: see motorcyclists and lane filtering.
- Driving safely in tunnels: see Brisbane tunnels and Queensland motorways.
- Stopping and hazards: following distance, braking and spotting danger early. See car emergencies and driving in rain, fog and floods.
- Driver fatigue: see driver fatigue.
- Seatbelts and child restraints: see seatbelts and child car seats.
- Towing a trailer or caravan: see towing on L or P plates.
- What to do at a crash: see what to do after a crash.
Section 5: Offences and penalties
Covers enforcement, licence sanctions, and disqualified and unlicensed driving. The key number for new drivers is 4 demerit points in a year. See Queensland demerit points and licence sanctions and double demerit points.
Section 6: Your vehicle
Covers safety features to look for when buying a car and how to register it. If you are under 25 on Ps, check the car is not a high-powered vehicle before you buy; see Queensland P1 and P2 rules. For registration details and costs, check TMR before you buy.
Routine car checks before practice
A safety certificate when a car is sold does not keep it in good order afterwards. Before you practise, check the tyres for damage and pressure; TMR’s learner tips say tyres need at least 1.5 mm of tread. Check you have enough fuel, and that the oil and water are topped up. Ask your supervisor to check the indicators and brake lights while you work the controls, and make sure the wipers, demister and horn work.
Set your seat, headrest, steering wheel and mirrors before every drive, and find the handbrake, demister, wipers, indicators and horn. If you learn in more than one car, give yourself time to adjust: the brakes, steering and mirrors may feel different. New warning lights, leaks, odd braking or steering, or a damaged tyre are reasons to stop and get the car checked by a qualified repairer. The car must also be registered and roadworthy.
Section 7: Organ donation
Explains how to record your organ donation decision. It is not tested.
A 2-week study plan
- Days 1 to 3: Queensland licensing section.
- Days 4 to 8: Road rules, with Giving way twice.
- Days 9 to 11: Safe road use.
- Days 12 to 14: TMR’s free practice road rules test, then go back over any weak topic before you start PrepL. PrepL needs 27 out of 30. The written road rules test is marked in two parts instead: at least 9 out of 10 on giving way and 18 out of 20 on the other road rules and licence questions.
Common questions
Where can I get Your keys to driving in Queensland?
Free as PDFs from the Queensland Government publications portal (publications.qld.gov.au).
Is the handbook up to date?
Mostly, but TMR says it is under review for the 1 July 2026 e-scooter and e-bike rules. Licensing details in our Queensland pages were checked against current legislation.
Are PrepL questions taken from the handbook?
The tests are based on the road rules and licensing information in it. TMR tells you to read it before the practice test.
Do I need to read the motorcycle sections?
Not for a car licence.
Sources
- Department of Transport and Main Roads, “Your keys to driving in Queensland”, No. 19, November 2022, complete PDF (186 pages) and table of contents (publications.qld.gov.au)
- Department of Transport and Main Roads, “Practice road rules test” (service.transport.qld.gov.au)
- Queensland Government, “Transport Operations (Road Use Management: Driver Licensing) Regulation 2021”, current as at 21 September 2026 (legislation.qld.gov.au)
- Queensland Government, “Transport Operations (Road Use Management: Road Rules) Regulation 2009”, current as at 31 August 2026 (legislation.qld.gov.au)
- Queensland Government, “Driving tips for learner drivers” (qld.gov.au)
- Queensland Government, “Driver tests: written and online” (qld.gov.au)