New mobile apps that replace learner driver logbooks won’t force people break laws about using a phone while driving.
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Following a successful trial, the government earlier this month released three phone apps that will automatically track and log learners’ driving hours.
Some people claimed learners would have to use their phone while driving, which is against the law.
Centre for Road Safety executive director Bernard Carlon said the apps can be operated without breaking the law.
“It is illegal for learner drivers to use any function of a mobile phone while driving but all of the apps let learners 'set and forget' – by starting the app when they are safely parked out of the line of traffic, the app works in the background to log the drive,” Mr Carlon said.
He said they were an alternative to paper logbooks – which were not being phased out.
“This new digital system of logging hours not only makes it easier for learner drivers to log their hours but also promotes a more accurate documentation of the required 120 hours of driving practice,” Mr Carlon said.
“On all three apps there is a manual entry option where learner drivers can enter drives previously taken into the app. This still requires sign-off by their supervisor.”