The learner driver, who bought a car about three days ago, drove it off the road and down a bank into thick bush, about 2pm.
He then got out of the car and left the scene, leaving police and fire officers temporarily confused as to his whereabouts.
Senior Sergeant Tania Baron said the driver was not seriously injured and walked home from his crashed car, to seek help from a friend.
He returned to the scene while police were investigating what happened, she said.
"He was driving along Queens Dr towards Littlebourne Rd, did a U-turn back on to Queens Dr and, for whatever reason, he went down the bank and into the trees," Snr Sgt Baron said.
The student was not accompanied by a fully licensed passenger, as required by law, and the vehicle was not insured.
Charges were possible and police were continuing to investigate the incident, she said.
The car was towed up the bank, but it was "most likely a write-off".
