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Independent product & compliance insights
Why a Standalone GPS Still Makes Sense (NSW Focus)
For most experienced drivers, smartphone navigation has become second nature.
But for Learner and P-Plate drivers, especially in New South Wales, using a mobile phone while driving can lead to serious penalties — including licence suspension.
This creates a common and often stressful question for both new drivers and parents:
How can a P-Plate driver use navigation legally without risking their licence?
The answer is surprisingly simple — and often overlooked.
Understanding Mobile Phone Restrictions for P-Plate Drivers
Australia’s road rules around mobile phone use vary by state, but one thing is clear:
NSW (New South Wales) – The Strictest Example
For Learner, P1 and P2 drivers in NSW:
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Mobile phones cannot be used for any purpose while driving
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This includes:
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Navigation apps
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Phones in cradles
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Bluetooth and hands-free use
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Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
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Even momentary interaction with a phone can result in heavy fines and licence suspension.
Other Australian States
Other states such as QLD, SA, ACT and WA have different rules depending on licence type and age. Some allow limited hands-free navigation, others do not.
👉 The safest approach nationwide is to avoid mobile phone-based navigation altogether, especially for Learner and early P-Plate drivers.
(Always check your local road authority for current rules.)
The Real Problem: Many Cars Don’t Have Built-In GPS
A large number of Learner and P-Plate drivers use:
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Older vehicles
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Entry-level models
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Second-hand cars without factory navigation
Without built-in GPS, drivers often feel forced to rely on their phone — even when it puts them at legal risk.
A Simple, Legal Solution: Standalone GPS Devices
A standalone GPS navigation device operates completely independently from a mobile phone.
That means:
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No SIM card required
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No mobile data
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No Bluetooth or CarPlay
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No interaction with a smartphone while driving
From a legal and practical perspective, this makes standalone GPS units one of the safest navigation options for P-Plate drivers across Australia — and particularly in NSW.
Why TomTom Standalone GPS Devices Are Still Relevant
Although TomTom no longer focuses on retail distribution in Australia, its GPS devices continue to be widely used and supported worldwide.
Key advantages include:
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Reliable offline navigation
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Clear lane guidance and turn-by-turn directions
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Large, easy-to-read screens
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No dependency on mobile phones or apps
For parents, this also means peace of mind — knowing their child can navigate without risking penalties.
Recommended Option: TomTom GO 6-Inch Advanced Car Navigation GPS
For Learner and P-Plate drivers, screen size and clarity matter.
A 6-inch GPS device offers:
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Larger, clearer display for safer glances
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Better visibility at intersections
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Reduced distraction compared to smaller screens
The TomTom GO 6-inch Advanced Car Navigation GPS is a popular choice for this reason:
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Standalone operation (no phone required)
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World maps with offline navigation
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Designed specifically for in-car use
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Simple setup and intuitive interface
It’s a practical, long-term solution — not just for P-Plate drivers, but also for family road trips and everyday driving. This is the current new model replace most popular model: TomTom GO 620 and TomTom GO 520 GPS, which both models are discontinued.
In addition to above 6-inch model, we also have a collection of 7-inch large screen GPS available in store as well:
TomTom 7" GO Camper Max Navigation GPS+World Map+Caravans+Motorhomes
TomTom Car Sat Nav GO Superior 7" WiFi GPS+World Maps+Live Traffic Update
TomTom GO Navigator 7" Car Sat Nav GPS+Traffic Update+Parking Space+Fuel
A Practical Choice for Parents and New Drivers
For parents:
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Reduces the risk of licence loss
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Encourages safer driving habits
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Eliminates legal grey areas around mobile phone use
For Learner and P-Plate drivers:
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Stress-free navigation
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Confidence on unfamiliar roads
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No temptation to touch a phone while driving
In states like NSW, where rules are strict and penalties severe, a standalone GPS isn’t outdated — it’s a smart and responsible choice.
Final Thoughts
Smartphones may dominate everyday navigation, but for Learner and P-Plate drivers in Australia, they often create unnecessary legal risk.
A standalone GPS device offers:
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Simplicity
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Clarity
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Compliance with road rules
Sometimes, the safest technology is the one designed for a single purpose — helping drivers get where they’re going, without distractions.
About the Author
Ray Ni is an Australia-based product specialist with over 20 years of experience in consumer electronics, automotive navigation, and practical compliance solutions.
He focuses on helping everyday drivers and families make informed, lawful choices through clear, experience-driven insights.
Ray’s writing bridges the gap between real-world use cases, regulatory awareness, and product practicality — with a strong emphasis on safety, simplicity, and long-term value.
