Getting a licence involves 3 stages: Learner, Provisional (P1 – red) and Provisional (P2 – green). It takes about 3 years for most drivers to gain enough skills, experience and safe driving habits to receive freedom on the road. Each stage has different rules associated with them. We’ve summarised the key points below.
Learners have the most restrictions = easy to lose your licence or have it suspended
Why? You’re 16, you’re learning how to control a car in real life, not a video game. There’s a massive checklist of learning goals you must achieve and rules to follow before you can get a level up.
- You must drive with supervisors who have a full licence (called a class c Australian licence)
- Everybody in your car must use seatbelts (So make sure nobody is on the roof or in the boot)
- You have a speed limit of 90km/hr (yes, even on motorways)
- You need to display your L plates on the front and back of your car at all times
- You have a zero alcohol limit (if you’re partying, don’t drink and drive. Not even a sip.)
- No mobile phone usage – not even with a hands free or loudspeaker system
- You aren’t allowed to drive in Parramatta Park, Centennial Park or Moore Park (in Sydney)
Your learner licence is valid for 5 years.
- If you’re under the age of 25, you need to have your learner licence for at least a year PLUS you need to fill out a logbook to show you’ve driven 120 hours (with 20 hours at night)
- If you’re older than 25, you don’t need a logbook.
Provisional P1s = the most accidents and fines
Why? You’re 17, driving alone or with your mates, and there’s a lot of peer pressure to show off your skills. Driving is a responsibility, not a right. You need to know the road rules and obey laws, not just know how to control a car.
The changes in rules are…
- You can now drive alone or with mates (if you’re under 25, you can only drive with 1 passenger under 21 between 11pm and 5am)
- You’re not allowed to supervise a learner driver (like seriously, you just learnt to drive a car yourself)
The main change is that your choice of car is restricted.
- You can only drive an automatic car if you were tested in one.
- You must not drive any vehicle with:
- Modifications that increase engine performance.
- Eight or more cylinders (though diesel powered engines are allowed)
- A turbocharged or supercharged engine (this rule isn’t for diesel powered engines)
This ain’t the Fast and Furious. The RMS knows you’d be tempted if you have such a sweet ride.
Your max speed limit is still 90km/hr. You can gain a level up to P2s after 1 year.
Provision P2s = the longest ride before freedom
You need to hold onto your P2 (green Ps) for 2 years before you apply for a full licence. In this period, you’re expected to increase your level of expertise through experience.
- Your max speed limit has increased to 100km/hr
- The number of your demerit points has increased to 7. No longer is it one mistake (no matter how big or small) and strike out. Now you get two chances (depending on the offence)… However, you should still comply with all of the road rules.
- You can drive with as many passengers as you have seat belts for. You are no longer restricted to 1 passenger under 21 between 11pm and 5am. (Unless you had your licence cancelled).
Rules that cross-over during your level ups
There are some rules which remain consistent despite your licence being upgraded. Yes, even from your Ls.
- Alcohol limit (zero)
- Everybody using seat belts
- No mobile phone usage
- Display your licence stage (Ls, Red Ps, Green Ps) on the front and back of the car.
- Not allowed to supervise a learner driver
- When you’re on your Ps, you must not drive any vehicle with:
- Modifications that increase engine performance.
- Eight or more cylinders (though diesel powered engines are allowed)
- A turbocharged or supercharged engine (this rule isn’t for diesel powered engines)
Unrestricted Licence = Still Restrained by Road Rules
By the time you gain your full licence, you’re considered a driving expert. The road is yours and life just became much easier. You have the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. You gain more rights:
- You can go 110km/hr on 110km/hr roads
- You now have 13 demerit points
However, an unrestricted licence isn’t a ‘get out of jail free card’ but a contract you’ve signed to be a good driver. Don’t forget, the lives of yourself and those around you depends on the way you drive.
So there you go guys, an overview of what to look forward to in the near future. Hope this post was an eye-opener.
Good luck with achieving your goals!
Gabbi
