How Do They Check Learner Log Books NSW

If you’re getting close to your driving test in NSW, you’ve probably wondered exactly how they check learner log books and what examiners look for. It’s a common concern for learner drivers, and knowing the verification process can help you prepare properly and avoid last-minute surprises on test day.

Your logbook is more than just a record of hours. It’s your proof that you’ve gained the necessary experience to drive safely on NSW roads.

This guide will walk you through the complete checking process, what testing officers examine, and how to make sure your logbook passes inspection without issues.

What Happens When Your Logbook Gets Checked?

When you arrive for your driving test at a Service NSW Centre or approved testing
Location, the first thing you’ll do is present your learner driver logbook to the staff at the counter.

The testing officer will then review your logbook carefully before allowing you to proceed with the practical assessment.

According to Transport for NSW guidelines, the testing officer examines several key aspects of your logbook to verify it meets all requirements. This isn’t just a quick glance. They’re checking that you’ve genuinely completed the required supervised driving hours and that your records are accurate and legitimate.

If your logbook doesn’t meet the necessary standards, you won’t be allowed to start the test. You’ll forfeit the test fee you’ve already paid and will need to rebook for another date after correcting the issues.

What Do Testing Officers Look For?

Testing officers have specific criteria they check when verifying learner log books. Here’s what they examine:

1. Total Hours Completed

For learners under 25 years old, you must complete 120 hours of supervised driving, including at least 20 hours of night driving. The officer will verify that your logbook shows these minimum requirements have been met.

2. Correct Signatures

Every entry in your logbook must be signed by your supervising driver. Missing signatures or unsigned entries will raise red flags and may result in those hours being rejected.

3. Realistic Driving Routes

Your logbook entries should include reasonable routes and locations. If the routes don’t make logical sense or show impossible distances, examiners may question the authenticity of your records.

4. Accurate Date Progression

The dates in your logbook should follow a realistic timeline. Completing large numbers of hours in very short timeframes or having entries that don’t align with the dates you’ve held your licence will be flagged as suspicious.

5. Proper Details in Each Entry

Each logbook entry should include the date, start and end times, weather and traffic conditions, areas or roads travelled, and the supervising driver’s licence details. Incomplete entries may not be accepted.

6. Night Driving Hours Highlighted

Your 20 hours of night driving (defined as driving between sunset and sunrise) should be clearly marked in your logbook. Officers will specifically check that this requirement is met separately from your total hours.

Digital Logbook Verification

If you’re using the official digital logbook app approved by Transport for NSW, the verification process is slightly different. You’ll need to present your device with the app open, showing your logged hours.

The testing officer will review the digital records on your screen to confirm that the requirements are met.

Digital logbooks are generally harder to falsify, as they often include GPS tracking and automatic time stamps. The same requirements apply, though, and officers will still check for completeness and accuracy.

Common Logbook Mistakes That Cause Rejection

Many learner drivers have their logbooks rejected, not because they didn’t complete the hours, but because of simple errors. Here are the most common mistakes:

🗹 Missing supervisor signatures on multiple entries

🗹 Incomplete information in the logbook sections

🗹 Unrealistic odometer readings that don’t match the distance travelled

🗹 Inconsistent handwriting across different entries raises authenticity concerns

🗹 Pages are missing or torn out from the logbook

🗹 Calculation errors in total hours that don’t add up correctly

🗹 Crossing out entries excessively without proper corrections

Tips to Make Sure Your Logbook Passes Inspection

To avoid any issues when your logbook gets checked, follow these practical tips:

Fill in entries immediately after each drive. Don’t wait weeks to catch up on your logbook, as details become fuzzy and entries may appear inconsistent.

Be honest and accurate. Faking logbook hours can result in fines up to $6,600 in NSW, plus potential licence suspensions and driving test bans.

Make sure every entry is complete. Include all required information, such as date, time, weather, traffic conditions, and routes travelled.

Have your supervisor sign immediately. Get their signature right after each session while they’re available.

Keep your logbook clean and organised. Avoid excessive crossing out, torn pages, or messy handwriting that could raise concerns.

Double-check your total hours. Verify that your calculations are correct and that you’ve met the 120-hour and 20-hour night driving requirements.

Use realistic routes and times. If you recorded a drive from Liverpool to Campbelltown, the time and distance should make sense for that journey.

What Happens If Your Logbook Is Rejected?

If the testing officer determines that your logbook doesn’t meet requirements, you won’t be allowed to take the test that day. You’ll lose the fee you’ve already paid and will need to correct the issues before rebooking.

Depending on the severity of the problem, you may need to complete additional supervised hours, obtain a new logbook, or wait a specified period before you’re eligible to test again. In cases of suspected forgery, penalties can include fines and extended waiting periods.

Working With a Professional Driving School

One of the best ways to make sure your logbook is completed properly is to work with an experienced driving school. Professional instructors not only help you build genuine driving skills but also guide you on correct logbook completion.

At EZY 2 Learn Driving School, our award-winning instructor Kevin helps learners across Sydney complete their logbook hours properly while building real confidence behind the wheel.

With structured lessons and personalised guidance, you’ll gain the experience needed to pass your driving test on the first attempt.

Book your driving lesson today and experience Sydney’s most trusted driving school.