If this is you, then it’s likely you need brush up on a few of your road rules before your supervise a learner driver.

The Driver’s Handbook is available online, and supervising drivers should spend some time reading it before coaching a learner driver. This includes if you’re allowed to use the phone while supervising a learner driver.

The law

Picture this: you’re in the passenger seat as your learner drives along the Southern Expressway.

Suddenly, your mobile phone rings. Can you answer, or should you let it ring out and put it away?

There isn’t a specific rule stating that it’s illegal for supervisor to use a mobile phone while instructing a learner, but it’s also not that straightforward. As a person supervising a driver on their L-plates, you must follow a few road rules. If a phone distracts you, then you could breach these and put yourselves and other road users at risk.

Firstly, the supervising driver must take all reasonable precautions to ensure the learner doesn’t break Australian road rules.

They must instruct the learner to use the car safely and follow the road rules.

The supervisor must also be seated immediately alongside the learner driver at all times while they’re driving including when they’re parking.

Focus on instructing

RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says using a mobile phone could potentially get in the way of the supervisor taking all reasonable precautions to prevent the driver from breaking the road rules and operating the vehicle safely.

“Supervisors are also role models and mentors to learner drivers so it’s important they set a good example and put the phone away when supervising,” Mr Mountain says.

Their first priority should be helping and supporting the learner, so they become a safe and skilled driver.”

Learner drivers can become overwhelmed if traffic conditions change quickly or they come across a situation they haven’t experienced before.

It’s important to focus on the task at hand and don’t get distracted by outside influences like your phone.

Conditions for supervising drivers

Supervising drivers must comply with the following conditions before they get in the passenger seat next to a learner.

• They must not have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 or more.
• They must have held an unconditional full licence for two years prior to supervising the learner driver.
• They must not have had their licence disqualified in the past two years.

Tips for supervising drivers

Getting behind the wheel for the first time when you’re learning to drive can be a daunting experience. But, with a family member or friend guiding them through the process, it doesn’t need to be. Here are a few tips to help supervising drivers make the learner feel more comfortable when they start driving.

• Start driving in an empty car park or a quiet back street. The busier roads and peak-hour traffic can wait until the learner is more confident.
• Let the learner learn at their pace. They don’t need to learn every skill on their first drive.
• Don’t criticise mistakes. Instead, discuss the task and try again.
• If things get a little bit tense, take a break before you get into an argument.
• Commend the driver when they complete a task or learn a new skill.
• Have patience with the learner as they learn how to drive.