However, using other navigation devices to access GPS directions will remain legal. 

Currently, those on their “red Ps” are banned from using their phones at all while driving, but as of December 1 no provisional driver can use their phone in any way while driving, including using hands-free applications or speaker mode.

The law was instigated by the NSW government in an attempt to reduce fatalities of new drivers, but will inconvenience drivers who want to use map applications on their phones. Mal Barnes, owner of Mal’s Pizza Bite in Bega, said the changes would affect four of his delivery drivers on their “green Ps”.

“Even though we have had a couple of GPS devices in our cars, they are not as effective as phones these days,” he said. 

“It’s going to take us a step back in time in the way [the drivers] can negotiate where to go to.” 

The changes would affect delivery drivers new to the job in particular. Mal’s Pizza Bite has many regular customers, so those who have been a driver for some time know where to deliver the pizzas. But those who have just started might need some assistance from a map.   

Mr Barnes said his employees will have to go back to their old system by keeping a map in the car, getting a GPS device, or looking up the delivery’s address online before they leave the shop. 

He understood why the government was bringing in the new laws.

“I see P-platers texting while driving so often,” he said. 

“It’s so obvious that they’re doing it too, you can see the phones on their laps.

“The technology within phones has been handy, but I certainly don’t encourage [my delivery drivers] to use them while driving. 

“If we’ve got to go back to the old system, that’s fine.”  

NSW Police said 994 infringements of using a mobile phone while driving were recorded against learner and provisional drivers in the last financial year. In 2015, 222 drivers aged 17-25 died on Australian roads.