P Plates Guide – Australia

Everything you need to know about P1 (red) and P2 (green) provisional licences in Australia — restrictions, speed limits, passenger rules, and more.

P1 vs P2 Licence at a Glance

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P1 – Red P Plates

First Provisional Licence

  • Drive independently (no supervisor)
  • Display red P plates front and rear
  • 0.00% BAC — zero tolerance
  • No mobile phone use (any mode)
  • Maximum speed: 90–100 km/h (state dependent)
  • Passenger restrictions (varies by state)
  • Cannot tow in some states
Minimum P1 period: 12 months (most states)
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P2 – Green P Plates

Second Provisional Licence

  • More freedoms than P1
  • Display green P plates
  • Higher speed limit than P1 (100 km/h most states)
  • 0.00% BAC — still zero tolerance
  • No mobile phone use (any mode)
  • Passenger restrictions relaxed (varies)
P2 period: 12 months (QLD) to 3 years (VIC)

P Plate Rules by State

State P1 Period P2 Period P1 Speed Limit P2 Speed Limit BAC Limit Full Licence Minimum Age
NSW 12 months 24 months 90 km/h 100 km/h 0.00% 20
VIC 12 months 3 years 100 km/h 110 km/h 0.00% 22
QLD 12 months 12 months 100 km/h 100 km/h 0.00% 17 (min)
WA 6 months 18 months 100 km/h 100 km/h 0.00% Varies
SA 12 months 12 months 100 km/h 100 km/h 0.00% 18
TAS 12 months 12 months 100 km/h 100 km/h 0.00% 18
ACT 2 years 1 year 100 km/h 100 km/h 0.00% 20
NT 12 months 12 months 100 km/h 100 km/h 0.00% Varies
Rules change periodically. Always verify current P plate conditions with your state transport authority before driving.

Common P-Plate Mistakes to Avoid

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Using a Phone While Driving

Even a quick glance at your phone is illegal and can result in heavy fines, demerit points, and licence suspension. Put your phone out of reach before starting the car.

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Any Alcohol Before Driving

Zero BAC means zero — even one drink can push you above 0.00%. Breathalysers are very sensitive. If you've had any alcohol, do not drive.

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Speeding, Even by a Little

Speed cameras catch P-platers just like everyone else. Speeding fines on P plates can result in faster licence loss due to demerit point thresholds for provisional drivers.

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Ignoring Late-Night Passenger Rules

Some states (NSW, QLD) restrict P1 drivers from carrying multiple under-25 passengers between midnight and 5am. Know your state's rules.

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Driving While Tired

Fatigue-related crashes are disproportionately high among young drivers. If you feel tired, stop and rest. Do not try to push through on long trips.

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Running Amber/Red Lights

Young P-platers are statistically more likely to run amber lights. An amber signal means stop if it is safe to do so — not accelerate.

Still Need to Pass Your DKT?

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