P Plates In Australia
Blog, Driving School Tips

Everything You Should Know About P Plates In Australia

If you’re a new driver in Australia, getting your P plates is a big achievement that marks a new level of independence on the road. But, let’s face it, the rules and regulations surrounding P plates can be a bit overwhelming, especially since they differ from state to state. Australia has been issuing driver’s licences for over a century, but P plates only came into play in New South Wales in 1966. 

To help new drivers ease into their driving journey, the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system was introduced. This system is designed to help drivers gradually gain experience and skills on the road, with each stage having specific requirements and restrictions that are tailored to improve the abilities and confidence of novice drivers.

However, transitioning from being a learner driver to getting your P plates and eventually a full licence can be a bit daunting, with lots of rules to remember. To make matters more complex, each state and territory in Australia has its own set of rules for P plates, and there are different rules for P1 and P2 licences.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand P plates in Australia. We’ll explain the rules for each state and territory in clear and simple terms, so you can easily navigate the different requirements. Whether you’re studying for your next driving test or planning a road trip across different parts of Australia, this guide will help you know what you can and can’t do with your P plates.

What is a P Licence?

In Australia, a P licence, or provisional licence, is the next step after obtaining a learner licence. It allows drivers to drive without a supervisor but comes with certain restrictions and conditions. There are two main stages of the provisional licence: P1 and P2.

P1 Licence:

     

      • To obtain a P1 licence, also known as the red Ps, drivers must pass the Hazard Perception Test (HPT) and the driving test.

      • If under 25 years old, learners must hold their learner licence for at least 12 months and complete 120 hours of driving time.

      • P1 drivers must display red P plates on the front and back of the car and can only drive cars, not high-performance vehicles.

      • They must adhere to specific rules such as driving below the speed limit, having zero alcohol in their system, and not using mobile phones while driving, including hands-free devices or texting. These rules are crucial for P platers to follow to avoid breaching their probationary licence.

      • P1 drivers are prohibited from supervising learner drivers, ensuring that only experienced drivers are guiding learners.

    P2 Licence:

       

        • After holding a P1 licence for at least 12 months, drivers can progress to a P2 licence, also known as the green Ps.

        • P2 drivers must display green P plates and continue to follow rules such as adhering to speed limits, abstaining from alcohol while driving, and not supervising learner drivers. These restrictions are designed to gradually ease drivers into full licensure while maintaining safety on the roads.

        • They are allowed to drive at speeds up to the maximum speed limit but are still prohibited from driving high-performance vehicles, minimising the risks associated with less experienced drivers.

        • Similar to P1 drivers, they must not use mobile phones while driving, emphasising the importance of staying focused on the road at all times.

      P plate drivers must comply with these rules both within their home state and when driving interstate or overseas. Failure to adhere to these rules can result in penalties, including the loss of the licence, underscoring the significance of understanding and following the regulations governing provisional licences.

      Understanding P Plate Laws Across Australia

      Because every state and territory in Australia has its unique set of regulations, it may be difficult to understand the P plate laws. So, let’s break down the P plate laws in each part of Australia to make it easier to understand.

      1. QLD (Queensland)

      In Queensland, if you are learning to drive, there are certain requirements that you must meet to progress from a learner’s licence to a provisional licence. These requirements include holding a learner’s licence for at least 12 months, completing at least 100 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours of night driving, and being at least 17 years old. Once these requirements are met, learners can take a driving test to progress to a P1 licence.

      P1 licence holders must display red P plates on their vehicles and follow certain restrictions. This includes restrictions on the types of vehicles they can drive, limitations on the use of mobile phones, even hands-free or loudspeaker functions, and passenger restrictions, especially for drivers under 25. For instance, P1 drivers under 25 cannot drive with more than one passenger under 21 between 11 pm and 5 am, unless they are immediate family members.

      After a minimum of 12 months, drivers under 25 with a P1 licence can upgrade to a P2 licence by passing a Hazard Perception Test (HPT). For those over 25, they can move to a P2 licence after holding their P1 licence for one year and passing their driving test. P2 licence holders have fewer restrictions than P1 drivers, including no passenger restrictions and permission to use hands-free mobile phone functions.

      In addition, Queensland imposes restrictions on high-powered vehicles for both P1 and P2 licence holders. These restrictions aim to improve safety by limiting the types of vehicles inexperienced drivers can operate. Drivers in Queensland must understand and comply with these rules to ensure road safety and avoid penalties.

      2. VIC (Victoria)

      In Victoria, obtaining a P1 probationary licence involves meeting certain criteria depending on the applicant’s age. The applicant must be at least 18 years old and have held a learner’s permit for a specific duration of time, which varies based on age. For those under 21, the minimum duration is 12 months. For individuals aged 21 to 24, it is six months, and for those over 25, it is three months.

      P1 and P2 licence holders in Victoria have to follow specific restrictions. They must display P plates on their cars, with red for P1 and green for P2. They must not use mobile phones or GPS devices while driving and must adhere to passenger limitations. P1 drivers are prohibited from taking more than one passenger aged between 16 and less than 22 years old, with some exceptions applying in certain circumstances.

      Moreover, P plate drivers in Victoria must drive automatic vehicles if they were tested in one. They are also restricted from driving certain high-performance vehicles listed in Victoria’s regulations. P plate laws in Victoria follow a two-stage provisional licence system, with P1 drivers transitioning to P2 after a year, during which passenger restrictions are lifted.

      All P-platers, whether on P1 or P2, are subject to limitations on vehicle selection, particularly regarding high-performance vehicles. It is essential for P plate drivers in Victoria to understand these laws to ensure compliance and safety on the roads. It is crucial for drivers to keep themselves up-to-date with these restrictions, as the list of prohibited vehicles may change over time.

      3. NSW (New South Wales)

      To get a P1 licence in NSW, learners under 25 must pass a Hazard Perception Test (HPT) after driving for 120 hours, including 20 hours at night, and holding their Learner’s licence for at least 10 months. After passing the HPT, learners under 25 need at least 12 months of driving experience to book a driving test. 

      P1 licence holders must use red P plates, stick to driving cars, and avoid going over 90km/h. They can tow trailers weighing up to 250kg and mustn’t use mobile phones while driving. Passenger restrictions apply, and there are rules about driving high-powered vehicles.

      After holding a P1 licence for 12 months, drivers can upgrade to a P2 licence, which they must have for at least two years. During this phase, they need to display green P plates. Drivers can usually apply online for a P2 licence, but some may need to complete an HPT. 

      Suspension for unsafe driving behaviour extends the P2 licence period. Drivers can face suspension or refusal if they get seven demerit points or commit speeding offences, with further suspension for excessive speeding. After disqualification, drivers must follow a one-passenger rule for 12 months.

      4. ACT (Australian Capital Territory)

      In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), P-plate regulations are notably less restrictive compared to other regions. There’s only one level of provisional licence, making it easier to understand. To obtain a provisional licence, individuals must be at least 17 years old and have held a learner licence for a minimum of 6 months.

      Provisional licences in the ACT are valid for three years, with no specific speed restrictions other than those indicated by road signs. P-plate holders are allowed to drive any type of vehicle during this period. However, for the first 12 months, they are not permitted to tow another vehicle, except for trailers with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 750kg or less.

      P-plate drivers are not allowed to transport more than one passenger, aged 16 to 22, between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless it is a family member or for official business. Mobile phone usage is strictly prohibited while driving, and towing is limited to trailers weighing no more than 750kg for both P1 and P2 drivers. Upon completing the provisional period of three years, individuals can obtain a full licence, which is renewable on each birthday and divisible by five years.

      5. SA (South Australia)

      If you’re a learner or P1 driver in South Australia (SA), you might be aware that you have to comply with stricter rules than P2 drivers. For instance, P-plate drivers in SA can’t exceed the maximum speed limit of 100 km/h and can only carry one passenger aged 16-20 if they’re under 25. 

      Moreover, if you’re a P1 driver, you can’t drive between midnight and 5 am due to the curfew imposed on you. Plus, both learners and P1 drivers are not allowed to use mobile phones while driving, while P2 drivers have a bit more flexibility in this regard. Also, drivers under 25 cannot drive high-powered vehicles.

      In SA, the provisional licence system involves two stages. P1 licence holders need to be cautious as they can lose their licence by breaking certain rules, such as driving under the influence or accumulating too many demerit points. Once they complete a year of driving with a P1 licence, they can progress to a P2 licence by passing the Hazard Perception Test. 

      P2 drivers also have to follow specific rules, such as restrictions on vehicle classes and speed limits. However, some rules applied during the P1 stage, such as displaying P-plates and adhering to passenger limits, are no longer applicable during the P2 stage. It’s critical for P-plate drivers in SA to understand these regulations to ensure their safety on the roads and avoid penalties. These rules are designed to promote responsible driving habits and enhance overall road safety.

      6. WA (Western Australia)

      If you’re a learner or provisional driver in Western Australia (WA), you might find the state’s driving regulations more lenient compared to other states. But there’s still one important restriction that P1 drivers need to be aware of – they can’t drive between midnight and 5 am during the first six months of their P1 licence, except for work-related travel. This is to promote safer driving practices, especially for new drivers who might be more prone to accidents during late-night hours.

      It’s crucial for P1 drivers to know and follow this curfew because violating it could result in penalties or fines. However, once they complete six months, they progress to P2 and the curfew is lifted. During the P2 stage, drivers have more flexibility in their driving hours, with no curfew in effect. Moreover, P2 drivers can accumulate up to four demerit points before facing penalties, providing some relief as they gain more driving experience.

      For P-plate drivers in WA, understanding these regulations is essential to ensure compliance and safety on the roads. By following these rules, they can reduce the risk of accidents and contribute to overall road safety. Whether you’re a new or experienced driver, it’s important to stay informed about the specific laws and restrictions in your respective state to avoid any legal issues and promote responsible driving behaviour.

      Conclusion 

      Understanding the rules for P plates in Australia is important as they vary across states and territories. Whether you’re just starting with a learner’s permit or moving up to provisional licences like P1 and P2, knowing these rules helps you drive safely and responsibly.

      Each region has its own set of regulations, so it’s crucial to be aware of them. From Queensland to Western Australia, the rules differ, covering things like speed limits, passenger restrictions, and curfews for new drivers.

      If you’re looking for expert guidance and training, consider Sprint Driving School. Our experienced driving instructors offer personalized lessons to help you become a confident and skilled driver. Whether you’re preparing for a permit test or aiming for a full license, Sprint Driving School is here to support you every step of the way.

      In addition to mastering the rules of the road, staying informed about car options is essential. If you’re considering purchasing a vehicle, especially one as innovative as a Tesla, having a comprehensive understanding is key. Check out our tesla buying guide for insights into everything from models and features to pricing and ownership experiences. With this knowledge, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits of driving a Tesla to its fullest potential.