If you are on your learner licence and thinking about buying your first car, you are not alone. Plenty of new drivers want to get a feel for a vehicle before committing to it, and test driving is one of the best ways to build confidence.
The good news is that in Queensland, learner drivers can test drive a car, but there are a few rules you need to follow to make sure everything is legal and safe.
Learner drivers are allowed to test drive a car as long as they meet all standard learner conditions. You must have your learner licence with you, display your L plates clearly and follow all speed and supervision rules.
The most important requirement is having a supervising driver. This person must hold an open licence for the same class of vehicle and must have held it for at least one year. As long as they are in the passenger seat, you are legally allowed to test drive a car from a dealership or private seller.
Dealerships are used to helping learner drivers, and the process is usually smoother and safer. A team member can act as your supervising driver, guide you through the features and help you feel comfortable behind the wheel. Dealership insurance also covers supervised test drives, which gives everyone peace of mind.
If you are test driving privately, you will need to bring your own supervising driver. It is always best to let the seller know you are on your Ls so they can prepare for a shorter, slower and more controlled test drive.
A learner test drive is usually kept simple. You will likely stay on quieter streets and focus on the basics: how the car accelerates, how the brakes feel, how comfortable the seating position is and whether the visibility suits you. Even a short drive can tell you a lot about whether the car feels right.
Test driving on your learner licence is not just about choosing a car. It is also a chance to build experience in different vehicles. You might discover you prefer a compact hatchback, a higher riding SUV or even a ute with great visibility. The more you try, the more confident you become in knowing what suits your driving style.
If you are considering a brand new Toyota, here are some of the most popular choices for learner drivers and first time buyers. These models are known for their safety, ease of driving and long term reliability.
| Toyota Model | Why Learners Love It |
|---|---|
| Toyota Yaris | Compact, easy to park and extremely fuel efficient. Perfect for city learners. |
| Toyota Corolla | One of the most trusted first cars in Australia. Smooth, safe and affordable to run. |
| Toyota Corolla Cross | A small SUV with great visibility and modern safety tech. |
| Toyota Yaris Cross | A compact SUV that feels stable and confident for new drivers. |
| Toyota Camry | Spacious, comfortable and ideal for learners who want a larger sedan. |
Toyota vehicles are known for their reliability and strong resale value, which makes them a smart long term choice for new drivers.
If you are looking at pre owned options, there are plenty of great learner friendly vehicles across different brands. These models are popular for their affordability, safety and ease of use.
| Pre Owned Model | Why It Works for Learners |
|---|---|
| Mazda 3 | Smooth, stylish and one of the best handling small cars for new drivers. |
| Hyundai i30 | Reliable, affordable and packed with features even in older models. |
| Kia Cerato | Spacious, modern and great value in the used market. |
| Honda Jazz | Surprisingly roomy, easy to drive and perfect for city learners. |
| Ford Fiesta | Light steering and compact size make it ideal for confidence building. |
Many pre owned vehicles also come with accessories or upgrades already fitted, which can add value without adding cost.
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If you are on your Ls and thinking about your first vehicle, our team is always happy to help. We can guide you through learner friendly options, organise supervised test drives and help you feel confident behind the wheel.
Get in touch with us and we will make the process simple, safe and stress free.
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