Obtaining a learner or provisional licence is an exciting goal for numerous new drivers and their loved ones, but some crucial rules need to be followed. If your licence plate is L (Learner) or P (Provisional) and you drive in Victoria, you must follow all of the relevant traffic regulations and laws. The regulations and restrictions change as you proceed from your L, P1, and P2 licences, making it challenging to keep track of exactly which rules you need to follow.
If you are confused by the rules for getting your learner’s permit in Victoria then this guide is for you. With four different stages to go through it might seem more confusing than it really is and can make anyone get confused. That is why we put together this blog to help you know exactly what to do. We will start with getting the learner permit before the red P plate, green P plate and finally the full licence.
Types of Licence Classes In Victoria
In Victoria, obtaining a complete driver’s licence requires completing a number of progressive steps. Getting a learner permit is the first step in the procedure; then come the P1 and P2 temporary licences, and lastly the full licence. To ensure that new drivers obtain the required experience and skills safely, each stage has its own set of guidelines, regulations, and restrictions.
1. Learner Licence
Learner licences, or L plates, allow you to improve your driving abilities while driving under the supervision of another driver. It is essential to provide proof of identity, pass a vision test, pass the Driver’s Knowledge Test, and be a minimum of 16 years old to obtain this licence. The fundamentals of driving under observation are offered to you at this stage.
2. Provisional Licence
Provisional Licence P1 (Red Ps)
You may advance to a P1 licence, also referred to as a red P, after gaining knowledge with the learner licence. With a few restrictions, this licence allows you to drive alone. To get a P1 licence, you must complete the Hazard Perception Test, a vision examination, and a practical drive test. You have more freedom at this point, but you still need to drive carefully.
Provisional Licence P2 (Green Ps)
The next step is the P2 licence or green Ps. You can apply for this after holding a P1 licence for at least 12 months. The P2 licence allows for more driving freedom with fewer restrictions. Many drivers can apply for this licence online, making it an easy transition as you gain more experience.
3. Full Licence
The final step is getting a full licence, which gives you complete driving privileges. To qualify, you must have held a P2 licence for at least 2 years and pass an eyesight test. This stage marks the end of the provisional phases and allows you to drive without any restrictions.
Restrictions For Different Licence Classes
1. Learner Licence Restrictions (L Plate)
Learner drivers must not exceed a speed limit of 90 km/h or the posted speed limit if it is lower. They must always be supervised by a fully licenced driver while driving.
L plates must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle at all times. Learners are prohibited from carrying more than one passenger aged 16 to 22 years old unless they are immediate family members.
A strict BAC of 0.00 is required for learner drivers. If they accumulate 4 demerit points within 12 months, their permit will be suspended.
The use of mobile phones, including hands-free and Bluetooth, is strictly prohibited while driving. Learners are not allowed to drive high-powered vehicles.
They can learn to drive in either a manual or an automatic car. Towing any trailers or vehicles is not permitted for learner drivers.
2. P1 Licence Restrictions (P1 Plate)
P plate drivers must not exceed a speed limit of 90 km/h. They do not require supervision while driving.
Red P plates must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle at all times. P plate drivers are restricted from carrying more than one passenger aged 16 to 22 years old unless they are immediate family members.
A zero blood alcohol concentration is mandatory for all P plate drivers. If they accumulate 5 demerit points within 12 months, their licence will be suspended.
Using a mobile phone, including hands-free and Bluetooth, is strictly prohibited while driving. P-plate drivers are not allowed to operate high-powered vehicles.
They are restricted to driving the type of transmission they used during their practical driving test. Towing a vehicle or trailer is only allowed for specific work-related purposes or if a fully licenced driver is sitting beside them.
3. P2 Licence Restrictions
P2 drivers must not exceed a speed limit of 100 km/h. There are no learner driver restrictions for P2 drivers.
Green P plates must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle. Drivers under 21 cannot carry more than one passenger aged 16 to 22 during the first 12 months.
A zero blood alcohol concentration is mandatory for all P2 drivers. Accumulating 5 demerit points within 12 months will result in licence suspension.
Using mobile phones, including hands-free and Bluetooth, is strictly prohibited. P2 drivers cannot operate high-powered vehicles.
They are restricted to the type of transmission used during their driving test. Towing is allowed only for specific work-related purposes or if a fully licensed driver is sitting beside them.
Conclusion
Mastering driving skills and choosing a good driving instructor can significantly impact your journey from L plates to P plates and eventually to a full licence. Understanding and adhering to the restrictions for each stage—learner, P1, and P2—ensures your safety and that of others on the road. By following these rules, you gain the necessary experience and confidence to become a responsible and skilled driver. Stay informed, practice diligently, and drive safely to navigate through each licensing phase successfully.
If you’re looking for the best way to navigate through the L and P plate stages and earn your full licence, Sprint Driving School is here to help. We offer excellent driving lessons to students of all skill levels with our reasonably priced packages and knowledgeable car driving instructors. Our dedicated instructors are committed to helping you master driving skills and build confidence on the road. At Sprint Driving School, we tailor our lessons to meet your specific needs, ensuring you are well-prepared to pass your VicRoads test and drive safely. Choose Sprint Driving School for a supportive and effective learning experience.
