FAQS

When you’re on red P plates, you’re allowed just the one passenger. Exemptions apply, but make sure you read the criteria and carry proof if you need to.

If you’re on green P plates, there’s no restriction on passengers, but take care to minimise distractions. 

And if you’re on L plates, there are no passenger restrictions as long as one of your passengers is your supervising driver.

Zilch. Nada. None. Whether you’re on your L or P plates, you’re not allowed to have a single drop of alcohol in your system. The same goes for illicit drugs. Even one drink is enough to put you over the limit and result in penalties, so just don’t go there bestie.

Oh – and if you’re driving on your L plates, your supervising driver needs to stick to their usual driving BAC limit while supervising you.

If you notice an emergency vehicle with flashing lights or a siren going on your side of the road you’ll need to slow down, move left (as much as possible) while indicating and leave a clear path for the emergency vehicle. If you’re at lights or an intersection, hold back until the emergency vehicle’s gone through. Don’t speed or otherwise break the law.

If there’s an emergency vehicle parked with flashing lights on your side of the road, you’ll need to slow down, move to the left (as much as possible) while indicating and pass at no more than 40km/h.

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For L platers, your max speed is 100km/h. For P platers, your max speed is 110km/h. Other than that, always follow the posted speed limit. Easy! 

Your L or P plates need to be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle in a visible position whenever you’re driving. If you’re towing a trailer or caravan, make sure it has a plate displayed on the back. 

To take your Practical Driving Assessment and get your P plates, you’ll need to:

• Be 17 years or older
• Have passed the Hazard Perception Test and
• Have logged 50 hours of supervised driving including 5 hours at night (if you’re under 25).

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The maximum number of demerits you can accrue depends on where you are in your provisional licence period. Keep in mind that demerit points accrue from when you first get your learner’s permit.

First year of P plates: 
Take care not to lose more than 4 demerit points from the issue of your learner’s permit until the end of the first year of your provisional licence. 

Second year of P plates: 
Don’t lose more than 8 demerit points by the end of the second year of your provisional licence.

Mobile phones and other distractions increase your risk of a crash. If you look away from the road for two seconds at 60km/h, you’re essentially travelling blindfolded for 33 metres. That text or song is just not worth the risk.

It is illegal to hold your phone in your hand or have it resting on any part of your body, including your lap, while driving.

This applies even when you are stopped in traffic or at traffic lights. 

Drivers can only use a mobile phone to make or receive a voice call while driving a vehicle if:

• the phone is secured in a mounting, or
• the driver doesn’t hold or touch the phone while doing so.

A driver can use a phone as a driver’s aid (e.g. GPS) if:

• the phone is secured in a mounting, AND
• the driver doesn’t hold or touch the phone while doing so.

The mounting used to secure a phone must be attached to the vehicle.

Illegal mobile phone usage can lead to penalties of up to $1,000 and four demerit points. See the Road Safety Commission website for more details.

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First, stay calm. Try to get off the road safely in your vehicle, or move your vehicle to an emergency lane or the side of the road. Call 000 if there is danger or serious injury, or 131 444 if you need police assistance. You may need to arrange a tow truck and to report a traffic crash.

If you crash or break down on a main road or the freeway, call Main Roads on 138 138 for further advice. 

If you need to change a flat tyre, make sure you’re well off the road and have your hazard lights on.