Should you use an app instead of a paper log book? Many learner drivers are choosing to use an app to record their driving experiences. If you find it easier to use your phone to record your driving hours maybe an app is a better choice for you. After all, your phone is always with you so you are less likely to misplace or damage it like you might a paper log book.

But which learner driver log book app should you use? They’re all quite similar so it depends on which one appeals to you based on convenience and design.

Only 3 apps are endorsed by NSW Roads and Maritime Services and no other apps will be accepted as providing proof of your driving hours and experience. Other Australian states accept different apps, and there are lots of log books in app shops, so it can be a bit confusing.

As a NSW learner driver you need to get one of the following:

An L2P log book app
A Licence Ready log book app
A Roundtrip log book app

What you should know about apps

There are some things you should know about using one of the 3 apps:

It is illegal for learner drivers to use phones while driving (even if the car isn’t moving because it’s stopped at traffic lights)
You start the app while you’re parked, before your lesson, then check it after you’ve finished and stopped your car
You can only use one app (you can’t transfer hours from one to another)
Use the app to submit your details to the RMS before your test
It takes a few days for the app to deliver the information to the RMS so don’t do this on the day of your driving test

L2P

L2P automatically records the driving hours you do with your instructor – just set it and forget it while you drive. You can add more than one car to its memory and more than one supervisor or instructor’s details. It tracks learning goals and records day and night hours. The ‘3 for 1′ bonus hours that professional driving instructors offer, and the 20 hours gained through a Safer Drivers’ Course, can be recorded. Also, driving skills that need to be mastered can be recorded as well.

Licence Ready

For Licence Ready you enter “start odometer” and then put the phone away until you finish your driving lesson and stop the recording. It allows you to select road and traffic conditions and sign-off your drive with a signature. Supervisors and instructors have the option to provide feedback so progress can be monitored and the app automatically selects progress although this option can be changed if needed. It can also use GPS to populate your logbook with place and road names.

Roundtrip

With Roundtrip you tap the record button, then enter your current odometer, and put your phone away. It allows you to set learning goals which are marked off as you complete them and tracks the requirements you need to fulfil your driving hours by giving you running totals after each drive. This app is for iPhones and the company is currently working on an Android version. L2P and Licence Ready apps both have iPhone and Android versions up and running.