The state government chose Maitland, along with Sydney suburb Castle Hill, to host the trial and they are looking for 100 L-platers to test the new technology.

Four apps, Licence Ready, Learner Journey, Ezy Log and L2P will go under the microscope before the government chooses which one to roll out for all learner drivers across the state later this year.

St Philips Nulkaba student Tia Armand-Burton, 16, has been on her Ls since August.

While she hasn’t yet registered to take part in the trial, she said the move from hard copy log books to smart phone technology would make it much easier for young drivers and their supervisors to track their experience on the road.

Tia also said it was positive that young drivers in regional NSW had been chosen to take part in the trial.

“I think it’s a good idea, pretty much all people on their Ls have a mobile phone with them,” she said.

“It’s an easier way to track your hours.”

NSW Roads and Freight Minister Melinda Pavey said the apps were designed so they would not distract new drivers or supervisors and would allow young motorists to comply with laws around mobile phone use in vehicles.

“It is about time we brought the logbook experience into the 21st century,” she said. 

“Parents and kids are sick of having to manually write in 120 hours of driving practice.

“New innovations to make life easier are being developed every day, and it’s important that government doesn’t stand in the way when it comes to harnessing technology to deliver better products and services for NSW customers.”

Registrations to become an app tester are on a first come, first served basis at the Maitland Service NSW Centre.