Australian P-Plate Laws & Restrictions Explained

Earning a provisional license is a major milestone, granting teenagers newfound freedom to go wherever they desire, independently. However, Australia's P-plate laws vary significantly across states and territories, posing a challenge to understanding region-specific regulations. Let us delve into the P-plate laws of each Australian state and territory to make sense of them.

Nationwide Regulations 

In Australia, several regulations apply universally:

• Provisional license holders must have zero alcohol or drugs in their system while driving.
• They are prohibited from using mobile phones or any devices while driving.
• Seat belts are compulsory, and displaying a P-plate is required for provisional drivers.

Other regulations vary by state or territory, which can be confusing as they are similar but not identical. Continue reading for specific regulations in each Australian region.

Insurance

While all registered vehicles must legally have Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, additional insurance coverage is not mandatory. However, CTP insurance only provides compensation if you injure or kill someone in an at-fault car accident and does not cover property damage.

Therefore, when a learner driver is operating your vehicle, it's highly advisable to ensure your car is at least covered by Third Party Property insurance. This type of insurance protects you against damage to another person's property in an accident where the learner driver is at fault. Without this coverage, you may be responsible for the costs of repairing or replacing the other party's property, which could amount to tens of thousands of dollars.

For even greater protection, consider comprehensive car insurance, which covers both your property and others in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

Australian Capital Territory 

The ACT offers the most lenient conditions for P-platers. With just one straightforward level of provisional licenses, it is easy to navigate. Beyond the nationwide regulations, ACT P-plate holders—who must be at least 17 years old and have held a learner's license for at least six months—are limited to four demerit points for infractions, compared to the 12 demerits allowed for a full license.

In the ACT, provisional licenses are valid for three years, with no additional speed restrictions other than those posted. P-platers have the freedom to drive any type of vehicle they choose.

During the first 12 months, provisional license holders are prohibited from towing another vehicle, unless it is a trailer with a GVM of 750kg or less. Furthermore, provisional drivers over the age of 26 are only required to display the P-plate for six months.

Queensland

Queensland's P-plate laws are fairly straightforward. Provisional drivers are classNameified into two stages: P1 and P2.

A P1 provisional license restricts drivers to only one passenger under 21 years old, who is not an immediate family member, between the hours of 11 pm and 5 am. After 12 months, this license can be upgraded to a P2, removing that limitation. For those under 25, the P2 license must be held for 2 years.

P1 license holders are prohibited from using hands-free mobile kits, wireless handsets, or loudspeaker functions on their phones. However, P2 license holders are permitted to use these features.

In Queensland, P1 and P2 license holders are subject to restrictions on high-powered vehicles. A vehicle is classNameified as high-powered if it was manufactured on or after January 1, 2010, and possesses a power-to-weight ratio exceeding 130 kW/t (kilowatts per ton). For vehicles manufactured before this date, they are considered high-powered if they meet any of the following criteria: they have eight or more cylinders, feature a turbocharged or supercharged engine (excluding diesel), have an engine power output exceeding 210 kW, or have rotary engines with a capacity of 1146 cc.

Victoria

In Victoria, P-plate regulations are more stringent and follow a two-stage provisional licensing system. The P1, or red P plates, are required for one year, while the P2, or green P plates, must be held for three years.

P1 drivers, who must be at least 18 years old, are restricted to carrying only one passenger aged 16 to 21 during their first year unless the passenger is a family member. Additionally, towing is prohibited during the P1 stage.

After completing the 12-month P1 period, drivers transition to the P2 stage, where passenger restrictions are lifted.

In Victoria, all P-platers, whether P1 or P2, face restrictions on their choice of vehicles. They are prohibited from driving certain high-performance cars, including those with V8 engines, as outlined in the Victoria regulations. This list can change, so it's important to familiarise yourself with the restrictions before driving. Similar to the ACT, accumulating just 4 demerit points can lead to a license suspension.

Northern Territory

P-platers in the NT face no restrictions on the type of cars they can drive. Although they are permitted to drive performance vehicles, their speed is capped at 100 km/h, regardless of higher posted speed limits. Unlike other regions, the two-stage provisional license system isn't implemented here, but drivers hold a provisional license for two years. During this period, they must be cautious, as accumulating 5 demerit points in a year will trigger points action.

South Australia

In South Australia, the two-stage provisional license system is in effect, with specific conditions for P1 license holders that can lead to losing their license. 

Exceeding the speed limit by 10 km/h or accumulating four or more demerit points during the provisional period will result in a loss of license. Additionally, P1 drivers must adhere to a maximum speed of 100 km/h, regardless of higher speed limits.

Other regulations that can lead to fines, demerit points, or license loss include driving only the vehicle type specified on their license, carrying their provisional license at all times, and restrictions on driving high-powered vehicles for those under 25. 

P1 drivers under 25 are also prohibited from driving between 12 am and 5 am, may only have one passenger aged 16-20 (excluding immediate family), and are not allowed to use any mobile function while driving, including Bluetooth, loudspeaker mode, or hands-free options.

After 12 months, drivers can progress to a P2 licence by passing the Hazard Perception Test. The P2 provisional licence comes with specific laws and conditions: drivers can only operate the type of vehicle specified on their licence and must carry their provisional licence at all times while driving. They are prohibited from driving high-power vehicles unless they are over 25 and possess a full licence. Additionally, they cannot exceed a speed of 100 km/h, regardless of higher speed limits. Committing a speeding offence of 10 km/h or more breaches licence conditions, and drivers must not accumulate 4 or more demerit points.

Western Australia

Travelling west to WA brings a different set of rules. P1 drivers are prohibited from driving between midnight and 5 am unless they receive an exemption for work or study purposes. After six months, P1 license holders progress to a P2 license, lifting the curfew. They are permitted up to four demerit points.

Tasmania

In Tasmania, P1 drivers are limited to a maximum speed of 80 km/h. After holding a P1 license for one year, this speed restriction is lifted upon obtaining a P2 license. There are no restrictions on the type of vehicle for P-platers, but they can only accumulate four demerit points before their license is revoked.

New South Wales 

NSW imposes the strictest regulations on new drivers. P-platers must follow specific rules: P1 license holders are limited to a maximum speed of 90 km/h and can tow only up to 250kg. If a P1 driver is under 25, they are allowed only one passenger under the age of 21 between 11 pm and 5am. P1 licenses are restricted to four demerit points, and drivers under 21 cannot operate high-powered cars. After a year, P1 drivers advance to a P2 license, where they can drive at speeds up to 100 km/h and accumulate up to seven demerit points.

While it would be great if laws were the same nationwide, they simply are not. P-platers are responsible for knowing the rules in the areas in which they drive.

If you’re unsure of the regulations, contact your local traffic authority and be careful when crossing over state and territory borders as the rules may differ.