Queensland Raceway becomes the centre of a practical road safety program as police work with young drivers on real-life emergency scenarios.
At Queensland Raceway in Willowbank in Ipswich, young drivers are being placed in a rare real-world situation most only face under pressure, learning how to respond safely when police lights appear behind them, as Queensland Police run live night-time driving sessions on the circuit to reduce serious crashes on local roads.
The Learner Drive Night will take place on Thursday, 5 February 2026.
Community Road Safety in Focus
The program is part of an ongoing partnership between the Queensland Police Service and Queensland Raceway, designed to give young drivers hands-on experience in a controlled environment rather than learning through trial and error on public roads.
Police work directly with participants during nighttime sessions, using real emergency vehicles to simulate common traffic encounters that can cause confusion or panic for inexperienced drivers.
Drivers take part in short safety briefings before heading onto the Queensland Raceway circuit in their own vehicles. Police guide them through what happens when emergency vehicles approach, how drivers are expected to respond, and the safest ways to slow down, pull over or allow emergency vehicles to pass without creating further risk.
Learning What to Do Before it Matters
Queensland Police describe the sessions as an opportunity for drivers to build confidence and understanding before facing these situations on busy streets. The experience includes simulated roadside stops, interactions similar to random breath testing, and practice responding calmly to flashing red and blue lights while driving at night.
While learner drivers are encouraged to attend, the program is open to all young drivers, including those on provisional licences. Learner drivers must attend with a supervising passenger who holds an open licence and is over the age of 25. Organisers note that bookings must be made in the name of the driver taking part, not the supervisor.
Reducing Serious Crashes Through Education
Queensland Police state that education programs like Learner Drive Nights support broader efforts to reduce road trauma across the state. Police data shows serious crashes are often linked to what they describe as the Fatal Five behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, failing to wear seatbelts, fatigue and distraction.
Police aim to reduce panic-driven decisions that can lead to collisions if learners have direct exposure to emergency scenarios in a safe setting. The program also allows young drivers to ask questions and interact with police in a non-enforcement setting, helping build understanding and trust.
Queensland Police also encourage road users to learn more about staying safe on state roads through their Fatal Five road safety information.
Published 8-Jan-2026
