Getting a licence can be a complicated process, but it’s important to ensure our teenagers become safe, responsible drivers. With road fatalities highest in the 17-25 age group, it is understandable that each state has introduced a strict set of rules for learner and provisional drivers in a greater attempt to keep them safe. SAHM have compiled a comprehensive summary of the basics you need to know when your teenagers start to drive.

Every state has some basic rules that are the same, such as displaying L or P plates on the front and rear of the vehicle at all times, that no learner or provisional driver have any trace of alcohol in their system and a supervising driver must never have a blood alcohol level above 0.05%, but then every state has it own set of rules too.

In WA a learner driver must not exceed 100km/h at any time and is not permitted to drive within the bounds of Kings Park. A provisional driver in their first six months (P1) must not incur more than four demerits, they are also not permitted to drive between 12am and 5am except with a valid work exemption. Once they reach their P2 licence they have another eighteen months in which they must not exceed eight demerits but are no longer subject to night time restrictions.

In SA a learner must not incur more than four demerits or exceed the speed limit by 10km/h at any time. A P1 driver is still bound by the four point limit, must not exceed 100km/h at any time, is not permitted to use a mobile phone in any capacity while driving, including hands free, speaker or Bluetooth and is subject to vehicle power restrictions. If a P1 driver incurs demerits they are not eligible to apply for their P2 until 12 months after the latest demerit or after two years on P1, however they can bypass this by successfully completing a driver awareness course. On a P2 licence P plates aren’t necessary but vehicle power restrictions still apply.

In NSW a learner must not exceed 80km/h or use a mobile phone in any capacity. Provisional P1 drivers are not permitted to tow above 250kg, must not exceed 90km/h, accumulate 3 or more demerits, use a mobile phone, may only have one passenger under 21 between 11pm and 5am and are subject to vehicle power restrictions. P2 provisional drivers must not exceed 100km/h or incur more than six demerits

In Queensland a learner must not use a mobile phone in any capacity while driving. A provisional P1 driver cannot carry more than one passenger under 21 between 11pm and 5am and is subject to high powered vehicle restrictions. These vehicle restrictions also apply to P2 drivers as well as a four point demerit limit.

In Victoria a learner must not tow behind their vehicle at any time, or use a mobile phone in any capacity. Once on a P1 licence they may only tow for work requirements or under supervision, they are not permitted to drive a probationary prohibited vehicle or carry more than one passenger between the ages of 16 and 21 years old and are still not permitted to use a phone in any capacity. The probationary prohibited vehicle restrictions still apply for a P2 driver.

In Tasmania a learner or P1 provisional driver is not allowed to exceed 80km/h, tow another vehicle or trailer or accumulate more than four demerits. Once a provisional driver has their P2 licence they no longer have to display P plates but are still subject to the four demerit point restriction.

In the Northern Territory a learner must not incur more than 4 demerits, exceed 80km/h or use a mobile phone in any capacity. Provisional drivers are still subject to the four demerit limit and mobile phone ban and must not exceed 100km/h.

In the ACT learners must not tow more than 750kg. Provisional drivers must not incur more than four demerit points, however if they take the road ready plus course after six months they no longer need to display P plates and their demerit allowance increases to eight.

It wasn’t this complicated when I got my licence!

Some Handy Resources

SA – high powered vehicle restrictions – http://www.mylicence.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/48785/high_performance_list.pdf

NSW vehicle restrictions – http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/licensing/gettingalicence/car/p1p2_conditions.html

Qld vehicle restrictions – http://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/applying/provisional/restrictions/index.html#high

Vic vehicle restrictions –http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Licences/GetYourPs/RestrictionsOnPs/Pplatedriversandprobationaryprohibitedvehicles.htm

ACT road ready plus course – http://www.roadready.act.gov.au/c/roadready?a=sp&pid=1098840049%20