Do you need to carry your licence while driving? The answer to one of the most heavily-debated road rules is finally revealed

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Most people carry their driver's licence in their wallet.

But have you ever left home without it or misplaced your licence and wondered, do I need my licence on me to drive?

Well that depends on what state of Australia you're in.

Have you ever wondered if you need your licence on you to drive?

According to the law in NSW 'a driver of a motor vehicle must not drive the vehicle unless the driver is carrying his or her driver licence'

VICTORIA 

In Victoria if you're a fully qualified driver over the age of 26, the answer is no.

But if stopped by police drivers do need to provide some form of ID, so carrying a licence is recommended.

'If you've committed any offence, you need to be able to prove who you are,' Leading Senior Constable Pat Allan from Bendigo's highway patrol unit told the Bendigo Advertiser. 

In Victoria learner drivers must always carry their licence.

The fine for failing to produce ID is $155. 

In Victoria if you're a fully qualified driver over the age of 26, the answer is no

NEW SOUTH WALES 

All drivers in New South Wales, all drivers must carry their licence while behind the wheel.

According to the law 'a driver of a motor vehicle must not drive the vehicle unless the driver is carrying his or her driver's licence.'

Failing to do so could see you slapped with a $110 fine.

QUEENSLAND 

Queensland law is similar to Victorian Law.

According to the Queensland Department of Transport, 'if you are a provisional or learner licence holder, you must carry your licence with you when you are driving and show it to a police officer if asked.

'However, if you hold an open licence and are driving a car or riding a motorcycle, you may be given 48 hours to present your licence at a police station.'

Fines for failing to present a licence can set drivers back up to $150. 

Have you ever left home without it or misplaced your licence and wondered, do I need my licence on me to drive?

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Things are a little laxer out west, where drivers do not need to carry their licence on them when behind the wheel.

But if pulled over by WA Police and asked to identify themselves, a driver must show their licence at a police station within a 'reasonable amount of time.'  

SOUTH AUSTRALIA 

In South Australia the law is similar to Queensland.   

Drivers must produce their licences when requested by a police officer, either immediately or to a specified police station within 48 hours.

However, a person who holds a probationary licence, provisional licence or learner’s permit must carry that licence at all times. 

Beware, failing to produce a licence for a police officer carries a fine of $750. If you're on a probationary licence, provisional licence or learner’s permit that escalates to a whopping $1,250.

TASMANIA 

Drivers in the capital must have their licence with them at all times.

Failing to do so will see you hit with a $50 fine.

However, officers are allowed to give discretion to people who have a good reason for not carrying their licence, such as farmers travelling short distances between fields.

NORTHERN TERRITORY 

You must carry your licence at all times while driving in the Northern Territory.

Also, anyone accompanying a learner driver in the front seat must also carry their licence.