Queensland students first to test drive new app for learner drivers

Published Wednesday, 25 May, 2016 at 09:00 AM

Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Completing and submitting a learner driver logbook will now be much easier for learner drivers, parents and supervisors following the launch of the Queensland Learner Logbook app.

Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said the new app will allow learner drivers to digitally record and store their 100 hours of supervised driving from their smartphone or tablet.

“The new app is easy to use, allowing learners to electronically submit their completed hours directly to Transport and Main Roads (TMR) for processing,” Mr Bailey said.

“Queensland learners will now be saved the cost and trouble of mailing their completed logbook and the logbooks can now processed and checked faster.

“This will also create relief for parents and supervisors who will no longer have to fill out paperwork.

“The app allows learners to view their progress, enter information from past journeys, use the timer to record new trips, save multiple vehicle and supervisor details and seek approval for trips from their supervisor by email.

“We’re the first government in Australia to produce an app of this kind.”

Mr Bailey joined Member for Bulimba Di Farmer at Balmoral State High School today to officially launch the app with grade 11 and 12 students.

Ms Farmer said many students were excited to no longer have to manage paperwork. 

“The next generation of Queensland drivers live in a digital age and the new mobile app will bring the learner logbook process up-to-date,” Ms Farmer said.

“The journey to getting a licence is an exciting time and we understand many learners can’t wait to get their results. The Palaszczuk Government is committed to making that process even better.

“Queenslanders learning to drive in poor connection areas or without mobile internet connection don’t need to worry because the app can be safely used in an offline mode.

“Once the device reconnects to the internet or Wi-Fi, the data will be automatically uploaded and saved to their account.”

Mr Bailey said road safety remained at the forefront in the app’s development.

“We know that young drivers are some of our most vulnerable road users, so teaching safe driving behaviours from the very beginning is a high priority for the Palaszczuk Government,” he said.

“Road safety tips and prompts are featured at various times while the app is in use, including reminders for all drivers and supervisors to put phones away and not use them while driving.

“We’ve listened to learner drivers and considered their needs in developing a simple, intuitive tool which offers them a contemporary and convenient means of completing their logbook.”

The Queensland Learner Logbook app can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play. 

ENDS

Media Contacts:     Anna Jabour            0429 890 942