Travel guidance reviewed
Before your first road trip, make a plan for the route, the car and your own readiness to drive. Leave room for breaks and delays so that an arrival time does not become pressure to keep going when you need to stop.
Give yourself time for an unfamiliar road and changing conditions.
This checklist is for ordinary trips in a roadworthy car. Remote travel needs more detailed planning and suitable equipment. If you are still on your L plates, you also need your eligible supervisor and must follow the conditions of your licence throughout the trip.
Plan more than the destination
Review the route before departure, including suitable rest stops and places to refuel or recharge. Allow time to find your way through unfamiliar towns without rushing. Check QLDTraffic for Queensland road conditions and closures, as well as weather warnings that could affect the journey.
Choose a departure time that lets you start rested. Consider who will drive each part and whether they hold the right licence for the car. If you are a learner, agree with your supervisor which stretches suit your experience and where you can safely swap drivers.
Set up any navigation equipment you are permitted to use before moving off. Phone rules depend on your licence and where you drive. Let a passenger help with directions where appropriate, and park safely before making changes yourself.
Keep plans flexible if traffic or weather changes. Heavy rain, poor visibility or a closure can be a reason to delay the trip. A booked lunch or accommodation arrival time does not make an unsafe route suitable.
Check the car before you load it
A pre-trip look over the car helps you notice something that needs attention while you still have time to deal with it. Follow the vehicle handbook, and ask a qualified mechanic about maintenance or a concern you cannot confidently assess.
- Tyres: check their condition and recommended pressures, including the spare if the car has one.
- Visibility: clean the windows and check the wipers, washers and lights.
- Fluids and maintenance: check the levels and servicing items relevant to your vehicle, following its handbook.
- Fuel or charge: plan enough for the next suitable stop, with room for an unexpected detour.
- Luggage: secure items and keep the driver's view and access to controls clear.
If braking feels different or the car shows a warning, have it assessed before a long drive. This checklist cannot diagnose brake wear or replace servicing. Queensland's long-trip vehicle guide provides further preparation checks.
Keep useful items accessible rather than buried under bags. Our guide to things to keep in your car covers everyday supplies; adapt them to the journey, passengers and likely conditions.
Plan breaks, and stop earlier if you feel tired
Queensland StreetSmarts recommends planning at least 15 minutes of rest every two hours. Think of that as a planning interval, not permission to continue driving while drowsy. Tiredness can affect you on short journeys too.
Get adequate sleep before departure, avoid driving when you would normally be asleep and read any medicine warnings that affect driving. Read the StreetSmarts fatigue guidance with anyone sharing the trip.
A final check before moving off
Everyone has the appropriate seatbelt or child restraint. Your licence, plates and supervisor meet the requirements that apply to you. The car is ready, the load is secure and you have water, a sensible route and places to stop.
Then check yourself: are you rested, able to concentrate and comfortable with the drive you have planned? If a particular skill still worries you, discuss it beforehand. Coastwide offers driving instruction for everyday journeys, with practice focused on the skills you need to develop.