Graduated licensing explained

By the end of this topic you can

• You can name each licence stage and the plate that goes with it.
• You can say how many logbook hours your state requires and at what age they apply.
• You can explain when a hazard perception test fits into the process.
• You can describe typical P plate restrictions.

What you need to know and understand

• L plates are yellow with a black L. Red P plates usually mean P1 and green P plates mean P2.
• Most states require a minimum time on your Ls and a logbook of supervised hours for younger learners.
• Most states have a computer hazard perception test (HPT) before or during the provisional stage.
• All novice drivers on Ls and Ps must have a zero BAC.
• Breaking licence conditions can extend your time on a stage or cost you your licence.

How the states compare

These are examples taken from each state's official handbook or website. Figures change, so confirm them before you plan.

• NSW: under 25s need 12 months on Ls and 120 logbook hours including 20 at night. HPT after at least 10 months on Ls (under 25). P1 for at least 12 months, then P2 for at least 24 months.
• Victoria: under 21s need 12 months on Ls and 120 hours including 20 at night. Minimum age for a probationary licence is 18. Under 21s start on P1 (at least 1 year) then P2 (at least 3 years). Drivers 21 or over go straight to P2 for at least 3 years.
• Queensland: under 25s need 100 logbook hours including 10 at night and at least 1 year on Ls, plus the HPT and a practical test.
• South Australia: 75 hours including 15 at night, at least 12 months on Ls if under 25 (6 months if 25 or older), HPT to move from L to P1, P1 for 12 months, then P2 for at least 2 years.
• Western Australia: 50 hours including 5 at night, HPT after 6 months on Ls and age 16 and a half, practical driving assessment from 17, then P plates for 2 years.
• NT: no set number of logbook hours, but at least 6 months on Ls. Provisional licence for 2 years (1 year if 25 or older).
• Tasmania and the ACT also have their own logbook and stage rules, including Tasmania's L1 and L2 learner stages.

What changes when you get your Ps

On P plates you can drive alone, but you still have extra rules. Examples include a top speed (90 km/h on P1 and 100 km/h on P2 in NSW), passenger limits at night for young drivers, bans on high-performance vehicles, and strict mobile phone rules. In WA, red P drivers have a night-time driving restriction and a one-passenger limit for the first 6 months, with some exemptions. P plates must be shown front and back.

Common mistakes

• Using another state's hours. If you move, check what your new state accepts.
• Leaving logbook entries until later. Fill them in after each drive and get them signed, because errors can lead to a rejected test booking.
• Thinking P plates mean the learning is over. Crash risk is highest in the first months of solo driving.
• Forgetting that suspensions can extend your provisional period.

Test yourself: Graduated licensing explained

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

Go deeper

• Automatic Licence Conditions in Each Australian State
• Eyesight Tests for Your Learner Licence in Each Australian State
• Older Drivers in Australia