By Ashley Nickel For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 12:38 EDT, 15 July 2022 | Updated: 12:51 EDT, 15 July 2022

A teenager has learnt the hard way that P-platers can't use any hands-free mobile apps while driving in NSW, including using maps or listening to music. 

Earlier this week an 18-year-old Sydneysider had his licence suspended for using his mobile to look up directions despite it being mounted on a phone holder in his car.

Under rules for provisional licence drivers the NSW Government says: 'You must not use any mobile phone while driving, or while your vehicle is stopped but not parked. 

P-platers in NSW cannot use mobile phones, even for hands-free activities like maps and music

'This applies to mobile phones that are handheld, in a phone holder or hands-free, for example, via Bluetooth.' 

Learners and P1 licence holders will instantly lose their licence if caught using a phone while P2 drivers will cop fines and demerit points. Double demerit points can also apply. 

The only time P-platers are permitted to use their mobile phone while driving is to access a digital licence under the order of a police officer and to use wallet functions while stationary and off the road.

Teens looking for directions will either have to set up a GPS system or resort to a map. 

Using a mobile phone incorrectly in NSW can incur an instant loss of licence, demerit points or heavy fines

The little-known road rule was blasted on Reddit as outdated with many joking they'd need to hunt down their parents' old street directories.

'Literally stupid considering it integrates with your existing car system,' one person wrote. 

'That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard,' said another.

'I used to print the directions off of google maps lol,' one said.

'You have to pull over and use the Gregory’s street directory,' another joked. 

'Call an Uber and follow them.' 

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