Demerit points and penalties

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain how demerit points build up and when they lead to suspension.
• You can state the L and P limits in your own state.
• You can describe double demerit periods.
• You can explain why a single offence can cost a learner or P1 driver their licence.

What you need to know and understand

• NSW limits over 3 years: 4 points for learners and P1, 7 for P2 and 13 for a full licence. Reaching the L or P limit means a 3 month suspension.
• In NSW, learner and P1 drivers go over their limit for any speeding offence.
• In Victoria, learner and probationary drivers face suspension with 5 or more points in 12 months, or 12 or more in 3 years.
• In Queensland, learner and provisional drivers reach their limit with 4 or more points in 1 year.
• In WA, novice drivers have a 4 point limit in the first year and 8 points in the second year; full licence holders are disqualified at 12 or more points in 3 years.
• During double demerit periods, such as some long weekends and holidays in NSW and WA, many offences carry twice the points.
• Points can be recorded for offences committed anywhere in Australia, not just in your home state.

How the limits compare

These examples come from official handbooks and road authority pages. Check your own state, because limits and options change.

• NSW: learner 4, P1 4, P2 7, full 13 points in a 3 year period. Full licence holders face 3 to 5 months suspension depending on how far over the limit they go.
• Victoria: learners and probationary drivers 5 points in 12 months or 12 in 3 years. Instead of a suspension (3 months or more), drivers can choose a 12 month extended demerit point period; any offence with points during that time means the suspension is applied at double the length.
• Queensland: learners and P platers 4 points in 1 year. Provisional drivers can usually choose a 3 month suspension or a 1 year good driving behaviour period; 2 or more points during that period means a 6 month suspension.
• WA: novice Type 1 (learners and first year) 4 points, Type 2 (second year) 8 points, with at least 3 months disqualification. Full licence holders reach the limit at 12 points in 3 years and may be able to elect a 12 month Good Behaviour Period, which is not available to provisional drivers.

Double demerits

Some states apply double demerit points during set holiday periods. In NSW this covers offences such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, child restraint offences and illegal mobile phone use. With an L or P limit of 4, a single doubled offence can be enough to lose your licence. Not every state uses double demerits, so check before you travel.

Suspension, disqualification and what follows

Suspension means you must not drive for a set time; disqualification is usually ordered by a court and cancels your licence. Driving while suspended or disqualified is a serious offence.

For P platers, a suspension often stretches your provisional period. In NSW the time on P1 or P2 is extended by the length of the suspension, and P2 drivers get an extra 6 months on top. Some offences, such as very high speeding or drink driving, lead to immediate licence suspension by police regardless of points.

Common mistakes

• Thinking a small speeding offence does not matter. For NSW learners and P1 drivers, any speeding offence means suspension.
• Forgetting that double demerits apply on holiday weekends in some states.
• Assuming points from another state do not count. Interstate offences can be passed to your home state and recorded on your licence.
• Ignoring unpaid fines. In NSW, unpaid fines can lead to licence suspension too.

Test yourself: Demerit points and penalties

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• P Plate Demerit Points
• Double Demerits in Australia