Learn the essential steps and guidelines for transitioning from a learner to a provisional license (P-Plate) in Australia. Get valuable insights and expert advice on the P-Plate progression process.

1. P-Plate Progression: Transitioning from Learner to
Provisional License in Australia

2. P-Plate Progression: Transitioning from Learner to Provisional
License in Australia
• Australia offers a unique driving experience that combines excitement and challenges. With a strong affinity
for wide-open roads, it’s no surprise that obtaining a driver’s license is a significant achievement for
numerous Australians. The allure of traversing Australia’s remote outback highways and navigating its bustling
city streets from behind the wheel is a cherished aspiration for many. Consequently, enrolling in a reputable
driving school emerges as a pivotal initial undertaking.
• Nonetheless, across this vast continent, the journey toward achieving driving independence isn’t a
standardised, uniform experience. Rather, it unfolds as a multi-stage progression, characterised by varying
rules and regulations that differ from one state to another. This transitional process is referred to as the P-
plate progression and is a vital prerequisite for attaining a permanent driver’s license.
• But what is P-plate progression? That is where this article helps you. This article will discuss P-Plate
progressions and will talk about how you can obtain a provisional license in Australia.

3. What are P-Plates?
• P-Plates are probationary plates displayed on the front and rear of a vehicle driven by a driver with a
provisional license. By seeing these plates on your vehicle, others can understand that you are an
inexperienced driver. There are two types of P-Plates including:
• 1. P1 Plates
• P1 plates are red and used by drivers who recently passed their driving test and have been issued a
provisional P1 license. The rules and restrictions for P1 license holders vary depending on the location.
• 2. P2 Plates
• P2 plates are green and used by drivers who have progressed from P1 to provisional P2 licenses, often after
completing additional training at a driving school. The rules and restrictions for P2 license holders also
depend on the location but are generally less restrictive.

4. P-Plates Requirement Across Various States and Territories in
Australia
• The P-Plate requirements and restrictions across the diverse states and territories of Australia vary. Here are
those requirements and restrictions:
• 1. New South Wales (NSW)
• In New South Wales, you must first get a learner license and then move ahead to a P1 license and your P2
license. You can apply for a license once you have completed the two provisional stages. To get your learner
license, you need to be 16 years old and qualify for the Driver Knowledge Test. After getting your learner’s
license, you can get your P1 and P2 plates.

5. Eligibility for P1 Plate
 Minimum age of 17 years.
 A learner license is held for at least a year (not required if you’re over 25).
 A minimum of 120 hours of supervised driving, comprising 25 hours of night driving. This can be waived if
your age is above 25 years.
 Successful completion of the Hazard Perception Test.
 Successful completion of the driving test.

6. Restriction for P1 Plate
 Speed Limit: 90 km/h.
 Blood Alcohol Limit: Strict 0.00%.
 Speeding Offenses: 3-month suspension and fines
 Mobile Phone Use: Complete ban, including speaker phone and hands-free. There is a penalty of 4-demerit points
and a 3-month license suspension if found using the phone.
 Passenger Restrictions (11 pm-5 am): If you are under 25 years old, then you can carry one passenger under 21.
There can be certain exceptions, such as work, family, or volunteering.
 Post-License Disqualification: In such a scenario, you can carry one passenger for 12 months.
 Plate Display: Visibly attached outside the car.
 Trailer Towing: Small trailers > 250kg unloaded.

7. Eligibility for P2 Plate
 A P2 license is held for at least 12 months.
• Restriction for P2 Plate
 Speed Limit: Maximum speed of 100 km/h.
 Blood Alcohol Limit: Strict 0.00%.
 Mobile Phone Use: Complete ban, including hands-free and speaker phone. There is a penalty of 4-demerit
point penalty and a 3-month license suspension.
 License Suspension Extension: 6 months extension for each suspension in case of unsafe driving or any
other issues.
 Vehicle Restrictions: High-performance cars that possess a tare mass ratio of 130kW/tonne of greater and
heavily modified engines.

8. 2. Victoria (VIC)
• In Victoria, there are two kinds of probationary licence. P1, which lasts for a minimum of 12 months of
probationary driving, and P2, which begins 12 months once you get your P1 licence and end after three
years. After attaining your learner’s license, you can get your P1 and P2 plate.
• Eligibility for P1 Plate
 You must be at least 18 years old.
 If you’re under 21, you need to have completed at least 120 hours of supervised driving as a learner,
including 20 hours of night driving.

9. Eligibility for P1 Plate
 If you’re under 21 years old, you need to have held your learner’s permit for at least 12 months.
 If you’re aged between 21 and 25 years old, you need to have held your learner’s permit for at least 6
months.
 If you’re 25 years old or older, you need to have held your learner’s permit for at least 3 months.
 You must pass the Hazard Perception Test, which can be taken from the age of 17 years and 11 months.
 You must pass the driving test.

10. Restriction for P1 Plate
 Speed Limit: Follow posted speed limits.
 Blood Alcohol Limit: Strict 0.00%.
 Mobile Phone Use: Prohibited, including hands-free and speaker phone.
 Passenger Restrictions: One passenger is allowed between 16 and 22, except if the passenger is your step-
sibling, spouse, or sibling. Certain exceptions can be there if you are driving an emergency vehicle.
 Post licence Cancellation/Suspension: One passenger for the remaining red P plate period, irrespective of
the relation or age.

11. Restriction for P1 Plate
 Towing Restrictions: You cannot tow while there can be some exceptions, such as if you have a driver under
instruction on the front or back of the car, you have an experienced person on the passenger’s seat, or the
tow is for agriculture.
 P Plate Display: Can be displayed from inside provided it is displayed clearly, following specific colour and
size regulations.
 Prohibited Vehicles: Must not drive prohibited vehicles.
 Transmission Type: Limited to driving the type (automatic or manual) you passed the driving test with.
• After getting your P1 plate, you can get your P2 plate.

12. Eligibility for P2 Plate
 Stay on P1 for a year.
 If you are 21 years old or older and pass your driving test, you will receive your P2 plate directly.
• Restriction for P2 Plate
 Speed Limit: Follow posted speed limits.
 Blood Alcohol Limit: Strict 0.00%.
 Mobile Phone Use: Prohibited, including hands-free and speakerphone.
 Plate Display: Can be displayed from inside provided you have placed it clearly, with specific colour and size regulations.
 Prohibited Vehicles: Must not drive prohibited vehicles.
 Transmission Type: If you have completed a driving test on an automatic car, you can only drive an automatic car.

13. 3. Queensland (QLD)
• In Queensland, to get your P1 license, you must have had your L plates for at least 12 months, be at least 17
years old, have recorded 100 hours of driving, including 10 hours of night driving, in your QLD learner log
book, and submit your logbook, book a practical test, then pass the practical test. After attaining your
learner’s license, you can get your P1 and P2 plate.
• Eligibility for P1 Plate
 You must have held L plates for a minimum of 12 months.
 You are 17 years old or older.
 You need to have logged 100 hours of driving, comprising 10 hours of driving in the night.
 You need to submit your logbook, take the practical test, and qualify for it.
 If you are 25 years old or older, you do not need to complete a logbook. Upon passing the practical test, you
will get the P2 license.

14. Restriction for P1 Plate
 Display P Plates: Front and back of the vehicle.
 Blood Alcohol Limit: Strict 0.00%.
 Mobile Phone Use: Complete ban, including Bluetooth or hands-free.
 Vehicle Restrictions: Non-high-powered or non-high-performance.
 Passenger Restrictions (11 pm-5 am): One passenger under 21, not an immediate family member.
 Demerit Points: Lose P1 license if acquired 4 or more demerit points.
• After getting your P1 plate, you can get your P2 plate.

15. Eligibility for P2 Plate
 If you are 18 years old, you need to:
 Have held your P1 license for a minimum of 12 months.
 Qualified for the Hazard Perception Test.
 If you are 25 years or older, you need to:
 Have held your learner license for a minimum of 12 months.
 Have been at least 25 years old when you qualified for your practical test.

16. Restriction for P2 Plate
 Display P Plates: Front and back of the vehicle
 Blood Alcohol Limit: Strict 0.00%.
 Vehicle Restrictions: Non-high-powered or non-high-performance.
 Mobile Phone Use: No restriction on using the hands-free mobile phone.

17. The Bottom Line
• The transition from learner to provisional licence in Australia is a key step towards independence and
responsibility. It is critical to learn and follow the regulations and standards of your state or region to get a
permanent driver’s license. You must also ensure the safety of yourself and other road users.
• Additionally, If you are on your path to obtaining your license in Sydney, you can enrol with the
Onroad Driving School. They provide a variety of services suited to your requirements through a team of
professional and qualified instructors. They offer thorough instruction for all levels of learners, including
defensive driving tactics, city driving, and more.
• Their patient and professional instructors ensure that you not only pass your driving test but also develop the
knowledge and confidence to handle any situation. Choose Onroad Sydney Driving School today!

18. Contact
• E Mail: info@onroad.com.au
• Phone No: 1300 667 623
• Website: https://onroad.com.au/