After you pass in Queensland: P-plate rules and your licence
Passing the Q-SAFE test means you can drive without a supervisor, but Queensland keeps extra rules on provisional drivers because the first years alone are the riskiest. Most of the restrictions are tied to being under 25.
This page covers what changes the moment you pass, the rules on P1 and P2, and how you progress to an open licence.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can display the correct P plates for your licence.
- You can apply the peer passenger rule for P1 drivers under 25.
- You can explain the phone rules for P1 and P2.
- You can check whether a car counts as high-powered.
- You can work out when you move to P2 and to an open licence.
What you need to know and understand
- Pay the licence fee after passing; you get a receipt that lets you drive until your card arrives by mail.
- Remove L plates before you leave the centre and display P plates: red for P1, green for P2, at least 14.6 cm square and visible from 20 metres front and rear.
- Not displaying P plates correctly can mean a fine and 2 demerit points.
- P1 under 25: between 11pm and 5am, no more than 1 passenger under 21 who is not immediate family.
- P1 under 25: no phone use at all, and passengers cannot use loudspeaker. P2 drivers may use a phone hands-free.
- P1 and P2 drivers under 25 must not drive high-powered vehicles without an exemption.
- All P drivers must have zero alcohol and cannot supervise a learner.
- Reaching 4 demerit points in a year means a choice between a 3 month suspension or a 1 year good driving behaviour period.
What counts as a high-powered vehicle
Buying a high-powered car is not a reason to be granted an exemption, so check before you spend money.
- Cars built from 1 January 2010: power-to-weight ratio over 130 kW per tonne, or an engine modification that needs approval.
- Cars built before 1 January 2010: 8 or more cylinders, a turbo or supercharged petrol engine, over 210 kW, certain rotary engines, or an approved engine modification.
- Power-to-weight is the maximum engine power in kW divided by the tare mass in kg, times 1,000.
- A few small turbo cars and the Toyota Landcruiser are listed as exempt; check the TMR list and tool before you buy.
Moving from P1 to P2 to open
If you held a P1 issued before 29 March 2021 and never passed the hazard perception test, you must pass it before moving to P2 or an open licence.
- Hold your P1 for at least 1 year and be at least 18. Most drivers are upgraded to P2 automatically, with a receipt emailed and a new card posted.
- Keep following P1 rules until your P2 receipt or card arrives.
- Automatic upgrade will not happen if your licence is expiring within 6 weeks, your photo and signature are more than 9 years old, you need a medical certificate you have not provided, or your licence has been suspended or cancelled. In those cases apply in person.
- Hold your P2 for the required time (at least 2 years if you got your P1 under 23; generally 1 year if older) and be at least 20, then apply in person for an open licence with evidence of identity and a medical fitness declaration.
Late night restriction and staying on track
If a P plater under 25 is suspended or chooses a good behaviour period because of demerit points, or loses their licence for a high speed offence, a late night driving restriction applies for 1 year: no driving between 11pm and 5am. It stays even if you upgrade to an open licence. Our deeper guide, Queensland P1 and P2 rules: peer passengers and high-powered cars, has more examples.
Common mistakes
- Driving a mate's powerful car once. Driving a high-powered vehicle without an exemption brings a fine and 3 demerit points.
- Picking up three friends after a midnight party on red Ps. Only 1 passenger under 21 who is not family is allowed between 11pm and 5am.
- Taking the P plates off for a quick drive. It is a fine and 2 demerit points.
- Letting your licence expire. Time while expired does not count towards your next stage.
Test yourself: After you pass in Queensland: P-plate rules and your licence
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Go deeper
Sources: P1 provisional licence and P2 provisional licence, Department of Transport and Main Roads (qld.gov.au); Provisional licence restrictions and Displaying P plates, Department of Transport and Main Roads (qld.gov.au); Driver licence progression and Open licence, Department of Transport and Main Roads (qld.gov.au); Practical driving tests (after you pass), Department of Transport and Main Roads (qld.gov.au); Demerit points schedule, Department of Transport and Main Roads (qld.gov.au). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your state or territory road authority.