The danger of distraction – Mobile Phone Usage Rules for P Plate Drivers

October 15, 2022

Driving is an exciting experience. It’s also a privilege that comes with a lot of responsibility.

“Mobile phones are one of the biggest distractions for young drivers. In fact, 14% of drivers involved in vehicular accidents are all young drivers with increased fatalities over the past two years,” says motoring expert Burke Wilson from Great Rides.

The Centre of Road Safety curated ways to minimise this risk by implementing rules and regulations for P platers. If you’re among the demographic, read on to learn more about these rules that you should keep in mind.

Basic Rules for Mobile Phone Usage for P Platers

When you’re on the road, it’s your job to ensure you are safe and that you don’t put anyone else in danger. It means following the rules of the road and avoiding distractions while driving.
Here are the basic rules you should keep in mind if you’re a P plater:

1. Receiving Phone Calls
The first thing to note is that provisional drivers cannot use their phones while driving, whether you need to answer a phone call or use the Bluetooth functions of your device.
If it’s indispensable to make a call or send a text, you can pull over first and park somewhere safe.

2. Using Navigation Applications
If you’re a provisional driver, you may wonder if using navigation applications like Google Maps or Waze while driving is okay. The answer is no.
It’s illegal for you to use any device that can cause distractions while driving, so make sure to bring a professional companion who is familiar with the place you’re headed to so you don’t need to access your phone.

3. Access Your Digital License
If a police officer pulled you over and asked for your license, you can show your digital permit as long as requested.

4. Using Digital Wallet to Pay for Goods and Services
You can use your phone as a provisional license holder when paying for goods or services. This rule applies to situations where you’re off the road, or the vehicle is stationary.
So if you’re planning on stopping by a drive-thru to purchase something, you can use your phone to access your digital wallet.

Risks of Using Mobile Phone while Driving

1. Risk of distraction
Mobile phones can be a distraction while driving, especially when typing or reading a text message. It can affect your concentration on the road and cause an accident.

2. Reduced Reaction Time
Distracted driving means it will take longer for you to react if there is an emergency, such as another car braking suddenly in front of you.

3. Increased Risk of Accident
Driving with your phone in hand increases the risk of having an accident because it affects your concentration and slows down your ability to react quickly in dangerous situations.

Make the Right Choices when Driving to Avoid Accidents

As a young driver, you should educate yourself about road safety rules and regulations. It’s also your responsibility to learn about the risks of using mobile phones while driving to avoid accidents that might put your and other lives at risk.

At Boost Driver Training, our advocacy is to help keep the road safe for every driver and help new drivers learn all about safe driving.