Queensland road rules to know

Most road rules are the same across Australia, but these are specific to Queensland.

• Learner licence can be applied for at 16 after PrepL or the written road rules test; learner held 1 year before the practical test. (source)
• Hazard perception test: learner must have held the licence 6 months; must be passed before the practical test (since 1 Jul 2021). (source)
• Learner under 25: 100 hours supervised driving incl. 10 hours at night (sunset to sunrise); submit logbook at least 12 business days before the test. (source)
• Supervisor: current open licence for the class, held 1 year in total; BAC below 0.05. (source)
• Learners under 25 and P1 holders under 25 may not use a phone in any way while driving; P2 and P1 over 25 may use hands-free; passengers of under-25 learner/P1 may not use loudspeaker. (source)
• Peer passenger restriction (P1 under 25): 11pm-5am, only one passenger under 21 who is not immediate family. (source)
• High-powered vehicle ban for P1/P2 under 25 (cars made from 1 Jan 2010: over 130 kW/t power-to-weight; older cars: 8+ cylinders, turbo/supercharged non-diesel, over 210 kW, etc.). (source)
• Passing bicycles, e-bikes and PMDs: at least 1 m on roads up to 60 km/h, 1.5 m over 60 km/h; may cross the centre line including double lines if safe. (source)
• Passing stopped emergency/tow/breakdown vehicles with flashing lights: change lanes if possible, otherwise move over within the lane and slow down. (source)
• U-turns: give way to all road users incl. drivers entering the road from a driveway or car park (differs from Australian Road Rules). (source)
• Bus lanes can be used by taxis and bicycles; may enter a special lane up to 50 m (bike lane) or 100 m (other) to enter/leave the road etc.; T2 = 2+ occupants, T3 = 3+. (source)
• Give way to a signalling bus leaving a bus stop in built-up areas of 70 km/h or less where a give way to buses sign is shown. (source)
• Roundabouts: give way to all vehicles already on it; going straight signal left before exit; spiral markings: left lane first exit only; never turn right from the left lane unless arrows allow. (source)
• Merging with no marked lanes: give way to any vehicle ahead; marked lanes: lane that ends gives way. (source)
• Double continuous centre line: cross only to safely pass a bicycle rider. Single continuous line may be crossed to enter/leave property, not to overtake or U-turn. (source)
• Stopping: not within 10 m of an intersecting road (20 m at traffic lights); 20 m before / 10 m after children's and pedestrian crossings; 20 m either side of a level crossing; 1 m of fire hydrant; 20 m before / 10 m after bus stop sign; 3 m of postbox. (source)
• Default speed limits: 50 km/h built-up unless signed; 100 km/h outside built-up (110 only where signed); heavy vehicles over 12 t GVM and buses over 5 t GVM capped at 100 km/h. No reduced speed limit for learners/provisional drivers. (source)
• School zones: 40 km/h on roads normally 50/60/70, 60 km/h on roads normally 80 km/h or above; times shown on each school's sign (generally 7-9am and 2-4pm). (source)
• High beam not within 200 m of another vehicle; level crossing: do not enter when lights/bells are active or a gate is closed or moving. (source)
• Following distance: 2 seconds in good conditions, double in poor conditions; towing adds 1 second per 3 m of trailer length. (source)
• Roadside drug test (saliva): methylamphetamine, MDMA, THC, cocaine; positive = 24-hour licence suspension. Learner/provisional BAC zero. (source)
• Seatbelts and restraints: children under 7 in an approved restraint; 7+ wear a seatbelt; fines for passengers 16+ and driver for each unrestrained passenger; double demerits for a repeat within 1 year. (source)
• Phone: never hold or rest a phone on the body while driving, even stopped in traffic; second offence within 12 months attracts double demerits. (source)
• Fatigue: take a break every 2 hours for at least 15 minutes. (source)
• Queensland test-day rule: arrive at least 20 minutes early with a registered, compliant vehicle and L plates; book Q-SAFE test online or on 13 23 80. (source)