Category: New South Wales

Photo: Chris.sherlock2, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

From 1 July 2026, the NSW Driving Test costs $72 per attempt, the Driver Knowledge Test and Hazard Perception Test cost $58 each, and the learner licence is $32. Add the P1 ($74) and P2 ($115) licences and a learner under 25 who passes every test first time pays $409 in official fees. This page lists every licence and test fee Transport for NSW publishes, what a retake costs, how to avoid losing a booking fee, and the concessions and free programs available.

Key facts

• All fees below took effect on 1 July 2026 and are current as of November 2026.
• The DKT online is $58 for unlimited attempts. In person it is $58 per attempt.
• The HPT ($58) and Driving Test ($72) are charged for every attempt.
• Change or cancel a Driving Test at least 48 hours ahead, or the fee may not be refunded or transferred.
• Eligible pensioners get licences and driving tests free.
• The Safer Drivers Course costs $140 and earns 20 bonus log book hours, with 1,000 free places a year for eligible learners.

NSW licence and test fees from 1 July 2026

Item	Fee	Notes
Driver Knowledge Test, online	$58	Unlimited attempts
Driver Knowledge Test, in person	$58	Per attempt
Learner licence	$32	Valid 5 years
Replacement learner licence	$28
Hazard Perception Test	$58	Per attempt
Driving Test	$72 (inc GST)	Per attempt
Provisional P1 licence	$74	Held at least 12 months
Provisional P2 licence	$115	Held at least 24 months
Unrestricted (gold) licence	$74 (1 year), $172 (3 years), $234 (5 years), $434 (10 years)	10 years only for car or rider licences, aged 21 to 44
Replacement P1, P2 or full licence	$34
Interstate licence transfer	$34	Learner, P1, P2 or unrestricted
Replacement Learner Driver Log Book	$22	The first log book is given to you; a log book app can be used instead
Printed handbook	$16	Free to download
Provisional licence exemption letter	$41	Peer passenger, one passenger or prohibited vehicle condition

What does it cost to get your Ps in NSW?

Under 25, passing everything first time

Step	Fee
DKT (online or in person, one attempt)	$58
Learner licence	$32
HPT	$58
Driving Test	$72
P1 licence	$74
P2 licence (about 12 months later)	$115
Total official fees	$409

Most of this is spread over 3 years or more. You pay $90 to get your Ls, $204 around test time (HPT, Driving Test and P1) and $115 when you move to P2. Learners aged 25 or older pay the same fees but have no log book or minimum learner period, so they can reach the test sooner. A full licence later costs from $74.

The cost of retakes

Scenario	Extra cost
Fail the DKT online, pass on the second try	$0 (unlimited attempts; retake after 12 hours)
Fail the DKT in person once	$58
Fail the HPT once	$58
Fail the Driving Test once	$72 (and wait at least 7 days)
HPT pass expires (older than 15 months) before you pass the Driving Test	$58 to resit it

Example: a learner who passes the DKT online, needs two HPT attempts and two Driving Tests pays $409 + $58 + $72 = $539.

DKT online or in person: which is cheaper?

• Online ($58, unlimited attempts): a 4 to 6 hour course and test you can start from 15 years 11 months. Retake after 12 hours if you fail. Service NSW says you pay once you pass.
• In person ($58 per attempt): from 16, at a service centre. Each fail costs another $58.

Unless you are confident of a first-time pass, online is cheaper. More: the NSW Driver Knowledge Test.

Rebooking and cancellation: how not to lose $72

• Change or cancel your Driving Test at least 48 hours before it. Later than that, the fee may not be refunded or transferred.
• Submit log book app hours at least 48 hours before the test. Without them, the test cannot go ahead.
• Bring a car that passes the officer’s check. If the car is unregistered or unsafe, has a dashcam recording, or has an active dual accelerator, the test is ended and the fee is not refunded.
• Keep your HPT pass current. It is valid for 15 months.

Test day checklist: what to bring and car rules. Book through Service NSW online, on 13 22 13 or at a service centre.

Concessions and free programs

Pensioner concessions

Holders of a current Pensioner Concession Card from Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, with a NSW address, get these free:

• licences and driving tests
• replacement learner log books
• Photo Cards.

Some DVA Gold Card holders (TPI, EDA or War Widow) also qualify. Eligibility is checked electronically. Interstate pensioner cards do not count. Seniors Card holders and carers get a free Photo Card only.

Safer Drivers Course

The course costs $140 and adds 20 bonus hours to your log book (once only). There are 1,000 free places a year. To qualify for one, you must be under 25, hold a learner licence, have logged at least 50 hours and meet one of the criteria: a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card in your own name, current or past DLAP participation, or being in or having left out-of-home care. See the NSW learner log book.

Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP)

DLAP is a free program for people who face extra barriers to getting a licence: Aboriginal communities, refugee and resettlement communities, people with limited transport options, vulnerable young people and others facing hardship. Providers help with identity documents, test preparation, supervised driving and managing fines and debts. Transport for NSW does not say on its DLAP page whether DLAP covers licence fees, so ask your local provider. Find one through the DLAP Service Provider Finder, or call the Transport for NSW Aboriginal Engagement team on 131 782 (option 2).

Cutting the bill in other ways

• Use 3 for 1 lessons: each hour with a licensed instructor logs as 3 hours, up to 10 lesson hours.
• Photograph your paper log book pages or use the approved log book app, so a lost book does not mean buying a $22 replacement and re-entering hours.
• Book the Driving Test only when you can drive safely without help. Every fail costs $72.

Compare the other states: the cost of getting a licence in Australia.

Common questions

How much is the NSW driving test in 2026?

$72 including GST, for each attempt, from 1 July 2026.

Do I pay for the DKT again if I fail?

Not online: $58 covers unlimited attempts. In person, yes: $58 each time.

Is the HPT free if I fail?

No. Each attempt is $58, and there is no limit on attempts. See the NSW Hazard Perception Test.

What does it cost to renew my learner licence?

Your Ls last 5 years. To renew, you pass the DKT again and pay the test and licence fees ($58 + $32 at current rates).

Why do I pay for P1 and P2 separately?

They are separate licences. P1 lasts at least 12 months, then you apply for P2. See from P1 to P2 to a full licence.

Do the fees go up every year?

The current figures took effect on 1 July 2026. Check the Transport for NSW fees page for later changes before you pay.

Back to the main guide: learning to drive in NSW. Also see the NSW Driving Test.

Sources

• NSW Government, “Driver and rider licence fees”, effective 1 July 2026 (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Concessions and discounts for licence-related fees” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP)” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Learner driver licence”, “Driver Knowledge Test” and “Hazard Perception Test” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Safer Drivers Course” and “Using your Learner Driver Log Book” (nsw.gov.au)
• Transport for NSW, “A Guide to the Driving Test” (nsw.gov.au)
• Service NSW, “Driver Knowledge Test online” (service.nsw.gov.au)

Photo: OSX, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Every vehicle driven on NSW roads must be registered, and every registered car needs CTP insurance (a green slip). Most cars more than 5 years old also need a yearly safety check (a pink slip) before you can renew. This guide is for new drivers buying or running their first car in NSW: what to check before you buy, the 14-day transfer deadline, pink and blue slips, number plates and the roadworthiness rules police can enforce.

Key facts

• Driving an unregistered, uninsured car is illegal. You face a fine and demerit points, and CTP insurance does not cover you in a crash.
• Bought a registered car? Transfer the registration into your name within 14 days.
• Renew on or before the due date. Registration not renewed within 3 months of expiry is cancelled.
• Pink slip: a yearly safety check for most light vehicles more than 5 years old. It is valid for 6 months.
• You must be at least 16 to be the registered operator of a car. You do not need a driver licence, but you do need a Transport for NSW customer number.

Before you buy a used car

1. Run a free rego check through Service NSW with the number plate. It shows the expiry date, whether the registration is suspended or cancelled, any restrictions or concessions, and the CTP insurer and policy expiry.
2. Check it is legal for your licence. P1 and P2 drivers cannot drive high performance or engine-modified cars. See banned high performance cars for NSW P platers.
3. Look at safety ratings. The Road User Handbook suggests checking ANCAP ratings or the Used Car Safety Ratings Buyer’s Guide. Features like autonomous emergency braking, lane support and side curtain airbags cut crash risk or injury.
4. Be wary of flood-damaged cars. Transport for NSW advises a thorough inspection and advice before buying, as some flood-damaged cars are sold privately or at auction.
5. Use the green slip calculator on nsw.gov.au to compare CTP prices, and the registration calculator to estimate costs.

Registering a car in your name

Situation	What you do
Used car, registration current or expired less than 3 months	Transfer the registration within 14 days to avoid a late fee and fines
Used car with cancelled or interstate registration	Re-register it: inspection, CTP and a service centre visit
Brand new car	The dealer usually arranges registration and CTP for you

Transferring registration after you buy

• CTP insurance transfers to you automatically with the registration.
• You can transfer online if the seller has lodged a Notice of Disposal, you hold a NSW driver licence and the car is NSW-registered.
• Otherwise go to a service centre with an Application for Transfer of Registration form, proof of identity and proof you are entitled to register the car. You pay a transfer fee and stamp duty (unless exempt).
• If you have an eTag, add the new car to your account.

A car can only be registered in one name. The registered operator is responsible for it, even if they are not the owner.

CTP green slips

Compulsory third party (CTP) insurance, known as a green slip, is required to register every vehicle except trailers and caravans. You need it before each renewal. If you drive an unregistered car and crash, CTP does not cover you, and the penalties are severe.

Pink slips: the safety check for renewal

• Most light vehicles more than 5 years old need a yearly safety inspection report (pink slip) to renew. The 5 years counts from the month and year on the compliance plate (or the build date for imported vehicles).
• Your renewal notice tells you if you need one.
• Only an Authorised Inspection Scheme (AIS) station can do it. Look for the AIS sign out the front. Results go to Transport for NSW electronically.
• A NSW pink slip is valid for 6 months. Interstate reports are valid for 42 days or less.
• Mobile pink slip providers can come to you. The pink slip fee is the same, but a call-out fee may apply.

If your car fails

• Fix it before you renew. You must not drive it except to get it repaired or inspected.
• Repair it within 14 days and return to the same station: no extra inspection fee. After 14 days, you pay again.

Blue slips (AUVIS inspections)

An Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Scheme check, formerly called a blue slip, checks safety, design and identity. You need one if:

• the registration expired more than 3 months ago
• the car has come from another state, territory or country
• it has no number plates
• it is a write-off approved for re-registration.

An AUVIS report is valid for 42 days.

Renewing registration

• Renew online, by phone on 13 22 13 or at a service centre, up to 3 months before the due date.
• Once registration expires, the car is unregistered and you must not drive it. You can still renew within 3 months, but the expiry date stays the same, so you lose that time.
• After 3 months, the registration is cancelled. You must hand in the plates, get an inspection and CTP, and register it again.
• You can only drive an unregistered car to get or renew registration, or with an unregistered vehicle permit.

Number plate rules

• Plates must be fixed to the front and back, issued by Transport for NSW, and match the Certificate of Registration.
• They must be clean and undamaged, readable from at least 20 m, and visible within a 45 degree arc from the centre of the car.
• Do not cover them with L or P plates, a bike rack or a tow bar.
• Plate covers must be clear, clean, untinted, non-reflective and flat.
• The rear plate needs a light for night driving. A trailer needs its own rear plate.
• Never alter, deface or swap plates onto another vehicle. There are penalties for hiding any part of a plate.

Roadworthiness: what police check

Police can stop and inspect your car at any time. If it is unsafe, you can get a Defect Notice, for example if the car:

• is too noisy, drips oil or blows too much smoke
• has an unsafe or non-compliant bull bar
• has a badly fitted accessory, such as a spotlight mount or winch.

Repair it by the date on the notice, or your registration can be suspended.

Your own checks

• Tyres (including the spare): at least 1.5 mm tread, correct pressure, no cracks, bumps or uneven wear.
• Lights: headlights, brake lights and indicators. You must not drive at night without working lights.
• Wipers, washers, horn and seatbelts all working.
• Airbags: a faulty airbag makes the car unsafe.

Modifications

A significant modification must be certified by a licensed certifier under the Vehicle Safety Compliance Certification Scheme before the car can be registered. Modifications can also affect insurance and warranty. P1 and P2 drivers must not drive cars with engine modifications that increase performance.

Driving posture and towing basics

The handbook’s setup checklist:

• Sit upright with a clear view and easy reach of the controls.
• Set the steering wheel low and facing your chest. This also helps the airbag work best.
• Adjust the head restraint for your height.
• Wear the seatbelt low on your hips, with no twists.
• Set the mirrors.
• Keep your arms and knees slightly bent, with thumbs on the rim.
• Brace your body with your left foot.

Towing rules: tow only one trailer at a time, never carry people in a trailer or caravan, and secure and cover loads. Learners cannot tow, and P1 drivers are limited to light trailers. See towing on L or P plates.

Ecodriving and littering

• Do not overfill the fuel tank.
• Use air conditioning only when needed. It is most efficient above 60 km/h.
• Check tyre pressures regularly.
• Switch off for long stops.
• Remove roof and bike racks when you are not using them.
• Service the car regularly.
• Keep a steady speed and avoid over-revving.
• You must not throw rubbish or cigarette butts from a car. A lit cigarette brings a heavy fine and demerit points.

Common questions

Does my car need a pink slip to be registered in NSW?

Only if it needs one for renewal, which is most light vehicles more than 5 years old. Your renewal notice will say so.

Can I register a car if I am on my Ls?

Yes. You must be at least 16 to register a car. You do not need a licence at all, only a Transport for NSW customer number. A NSW licence lets you transfer online.

Can I drive my new car home before transferring the rego?

Yes, if its registration is current. You then have 14 days to transfer it into your name.

What happens if my rego expired last week?

The car is unregistered, so do not drive it. You can renew within 3 months of expiry, but the new period still ends on the original expiry date.

Does the car for my NSW Driving Test need to be registered?

Yes. The car you bring must be registered, safe for road use and ready to drive. See the NSW Driving Test.

Can I use tinted number plate covers?

No. Covers must be clear, clean, untinted, non-reflective and flat.

Back to the main guide: learning to drive in NSW. Study the full chapter with our NSW Road User Handbook study guide.

Sources

• Transport for NSW, “Road User Handbook” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Safety checks and vehicle inspections” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Buying and registering a vehicle” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Transferring registration when buying a vehicle” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Early or late registration renewal” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Vehicle number plates” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Unregistered vehicles” (nsw.gov.au)

Photo: MDRX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The NSW Road User Handbook is the official Transport for NSW guide you study for the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT), and it underpins the Hazard Perception Test and Driving Test too. It has 12 chapters. This study guide sets out what each chapter covers, what matters most for the tests, and where to find a plain-English breakdown of every topic. It also covers the short sections learners often skip, such as one-way streets, narrow bridges and funeral processions.

Key facts about the handbook

• Publisher: Transport for NSW. Free to download from nsw.gov.au.
• Edition: the English PDF linked from nsw.gov.au (about 7 MB, 212 pages) is the February 2026 edition: its back page is dated 02/2026. The download address still contains “2022-11”, so do not judge the edition by the file name. Transport for NSW says the handbook is reviewed and updated periodically.
• Printed copy: $16 at a service centre (as of 1 July 2026).
• Languages: English, plus 8 community languages: Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese. Road rules and safety information on nsw.gov.au is available in 66 languages through the site’s language function.
• Interpreters: a free interpreter service is available for the DKT and HPT. Phone 13 22 13.
• “Must” and “should”: “must” or “must not” marks a legal rule. “Should” marks safe driving advice. DKT questions test both.
• It is a summary of the law, not the law itself. The full NSW Road Rules are on legislation.nsw.gov.au.

How to study the NSW Road User Handbook

1. Read chapters 2 and 3 first. Licence rules and safe driving behaviour (speed, alcohol, phones, seatbelts) come up constantly, and the rules for learners are different from those for full licence holders.
2. Do chapters 5 to 7 with a pen. Giving way, traffic lights, roundabouts, turning, lanes and markings are the rules people get wrong. Sketch each diagram and say who goes first.
3. Skim chapters 8 to 12, then come back. Parking distances, warning signs, vehicle rules and penalties are mostly fact recall.
4. Practise questions as you finish each chapter. The handbook points you to the DKT test questions and the NSW Practice Test on nsw.gov.au. Reread any section where you miss a question.
5. Keep it for your Ls. Your supervisor should reread it too, and the handbook remains the rulebook for your HPT and Driving Test.

Test details: NSW Driver Knowledge Test, NSW Hazard Perception Test and NSW Driving Test.

Chapter by chapter

Chapter (page)	Main topics	Plain-English guides
1. Introduction (1)	How to use the handbook, interpreter service	This page
2. Licences (6)	The 7 steps, licence classes, L, P1 and P2 restrictions, medical conditions, interstate and overseas licences, supervisors	Learning to drive in NSW, L, P1 and P2 restrictions, log book, P1 to P2 to full, banned cars, supervising, moving to NSW
3. Safe driving behaviour (30)	Speed limits, alcohol, drugs, seatbelts, child seats, phones, screens, fatigue, hooning, stopping distance, common crashes	NSW speed limits, school zones, zero alcohol, seatbelts and child seats, NSW phone rules, fatigue
4. Sharing with other road users (71)	Pedestrians, bicycle riders, motorcycle riders, horse riders, trucks and buses	passing cyclists, motorcyclists, trucks and buses
5. Stopping, giving way and turning (82)	Stop and give way signs, traffic lights, roundabouts, intersections, turning, U-turns, indicating, pedestrian and railway crossings, narrow bridges, one-way streets	giving way, traffic lights, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, level crossings
6. Overtaking and merging (124)	Overtaking, merging, changing lanes, motorways and freeways	overtaking and merging, learners on motorways
7. Road lanes, lines and markings (140)	Road lines, slip lanes, median turning lanes, bicycle, bus, tram, truck and transit lanes, shared paths, keep left or right	road markings, NSW transit and bus lanes
8. Parking (156)	No parking areas, restricted parking signs, ways to park	parking rules
9. Warnings and road hazards (167)	Warning signs, roadworks, wildlife, crashes, breakdowns, emergency vehicles, funeral processions, poor conditions, distractions, lights and horns	road signs, wildlife, after a crash, emergency vehicles, rain, fog, smoke and floods, lights and horns, car emergencies
10. Vehicle safety and compliance (185)	Registration, number plates, roadworthiness, safety features, towing, driving posture	NSW registration and pink slips, towing on L or P plates
11. Your vehicle and the environment (194)	Littering, cigarette butts, ecodriving	NSW registration guide (ecodriving section)
12. Penalties (195)	Fines, demerit points, loss of licence, interlocks, driver education courses, impoundment, prison, toll notices	NSW demerit points, double demerits

For the shared national rules behind chapters 4 to 9, see the Australian Road Rules explained.

The short sections learners often miss

Common crashes in NSW

The handbook says almost 80 per cent of NSW casualty crashes (where someone is killed or injured) are one of five types. These are also the most common crashes for P drivers:

1. hitting the rear of another vehicle (rear-end)
2. colliding with a vehicle coming from the left or right
3. colliding with a vehicle coming from the opposite direction
4. running off a straight road and hitting an object or parked vehicle
5. running off the road on a curve or bend and hitting an object or parked vehicle.

The fix the handbook gives: manage your speed and fatigue, keep a safe stopping distance, and take extra care at intersections and when overtaking.

Wildlife and livestock

• Slow down at animal and stock warning signs.
• Animals are more active near waterholes and creeks, and harder to see at sunrise and sunset.
• If an animal is on or near the road, slow down and brake in a controlled way. Never swerve. You could lose control or hit oncoming traffic.
• After hitting an animal, stop only if it is safe. For injured native wildlife, contact WIRES (1300 094 737, 24 hours). For a pet, contact the owner, police or the RSPCA.

Carrying the correct licence

• Always have your current licence for the class of vehicle with you. Police can ask to see it at any time, and not having it or refusing to show it can bring a fine.
• Using a digital licence? Keep the phone charged and the screen intact so it can be read.
• Driving without a current, correct licence can mean large fines and even prison, rising for repeat offences within 5 years. You must not let an unlicensed person drive your car.

Skateboards, foot scooters, rollerblades and mobility scooters

• People on skateboards, foot scooters (without a motor) and rollerblades count as pedestrians. They may use the road only in daylight, where the limit is 50 km/h or less and there is no white dividing line (or it is a one-lane, one-way street).
• Give them room: an uneven or wet surface can unsettle them, and they move faster than walkers, so look twice when entering or leaving a driveway.
• Mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs follow pedestrian rules and must not be able to exceed 10 km/h. They are low and easy to miss near driveways.

Horse riders

• Horse riders may use any road unless a sign says otherwise, and two may ride side by side within 1.5 m of each other.
• When passing a horse, whether ridden, led or pulling a vehicle: slow down, leave plenty of room, and stop if the rider is struggling to control it.
• Never sound your horn or rev the engine near a horse.

Animals in your car

Pets should travel secured in a suitable part of the car. You must not drive with an animal on your lap, while an animal is being led from the car (by you or a passenger), or with an animal tied to the outside of the car. When you park, never leave a child or an animal alone in the car: heat, loose controls such as the handbrake and windows, and theft of the car all put them at risk.

Funeral processions

You must not interrupt a funeral or official procession, and you can be fined for interfering with one. Slow down and stay behind it.

Narrow bridges and roads

• At a narrow bridge or road with a “Give way” sign, you must slow down, prepare to stop and give way to vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
• With no sign, you should still give way to approaching vehicles.
• Oversize vehicles may use the centre of a bridge. Be ready to stop and wait until they are off it.

One-way streets

• “One way” and “Two way” signs are regulatory, so you must obey them.
• On a one-way street, drive only in the direction of the arrow.
• To turn right from a one-way street, turn from the far right side of the road.

Other official NSW handbooks to study

• Hazard Perception Handbook: for the HPT. It covers crash patterns of P drivers, low-risk driving, scanning and common hazards.
• A Guide to the Driving Test: for the practical test. It covers how the test is scored, manoeuvres and fail items. See NSW Driving Test manoeuvres and fail items.

Common questions

Which edition of the NSW Road User Handbook is current?

The February 2026 edition (dated 02/2026 on its back page) is the one nsw.gov.au links to as of November 2026. If you have an older printed or saved copy, download it again. Laws can change between editions, so check nsw.gov.au for recent rule changes. The legislation on legislation.nsw.gov.au is the final word.

Is the Road User Handbook free?

Yes, the PDF is free to download from nsw.gov.au. A printed copy costs $16 at a service centre (as of 1 July 2026).

Do I need to read the whole handbook for the DKT?

Yes. The DKT draws on road rules and safe driving behaviour across the handbook, not just the licence chapter.

Can I study in my own language?

The handbook comes in 8 community languages, and a free interpreter can be arranged for the DKT and HPT by phoning 13 22 13.

Does the handbook cover motorbikes and trucks?

No. It is for car (C) licences. Transport for NSW publishes separate Motorcycle Rider and Heavy Vehicle Driver handbooks.

How old are the crash figures in the handbook?

The handbook says its statistics come from Transport for NSW data for 2014 to 2018, unless stated otherwise.

Sources

• Transport for NSW, “Road User Handbook” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Road User Handbook” download page (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Driver and rider licence fees” (nsw.gov.au)

Photo: Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you move to NSW from another Australian state or territory, or from New Zealand, you must get a NSW licence within 3 months. Australian citizens and permanent residents with an overseas licence also have 3 months. Temporary visa holders who arrived on or after 1 July 2023 have 6 months. This guide covers who needs to transfer, which NSW licence stage you get, whether you must sit the tests, and what to bring to a service centre.

How long can you drive in NSW on your current licence?

You are	Drive on your current licence for	Then
Moving from another Australian state or territory	Up to 3 months	Get a NSW licence within the 3 months
A New Zealand licence holder (permanent or temporary resident)	Up to 3 months	Get a NSW licence within the 3 months
An Australian permanent resident with an overseas licence	Up to 3 months from arrival	Get a NSW licence within the 3 months
An Australian citizen returning with an overseas licence	Up to 3 months from arrival	Get a NSW licence within the 3 months
On a temporary visa, arrived on or after 1 July 2023, staying more than 6 months	Up to 6 months	Get a NSW licence within the 6 months
A tourist or short-term visitor	Up to 6 months while you remain a temporary visitor	No NSW licence needed

While you drive on an overseas licence, carry it with you. If it is not in English, also carry an English translation or an International Driving Permit.

When a temporary visa holder loses the right to drive

The Road User Handbook says your right to drive on an overseas licence is withdrawn if:

• you have lived in NSW for 6 months or more without transferring
• your licence is suspended or disqualified in Australia or another country
• you go over the demerit point limit for your equivalent licence
• you commit certain speeding, alcohol or drug driving offences.

Which NSW licence will you get?

NSW matches your experience to its licence stages. You must be at least 16 for a learner licence and 17 for a provisional licence.

Licence you hold	NSW equivalent
Current learner licence	Learner licence
Held for less than 12 months	Provisional P1
Held for more than 12 months but less than 3 years	Provisional P2
Held for more than 3 years	Full (unrestricted)

Your time on P1 or P2 then follows the NSW rules: from P1 to P2 to a full NSW licence.

Transferring an interstate licence to NSW

1. Complete a Licence Application form.
2. Gather your proof of identity.
3. Check that your interstate licence shows its first issue date. If it does not, a service centre can get it from the other state (this can take several days), or you can get a letter from your old licensing authority confirming your details.
4. Visit a service centre with your licence, form and ID. You will do an eyesight test and have your photo taken.
5. Pay the licence fee. The NSW fees page lists an interstate licence transfer at $34 (from 1 July 2026). The interstate page also says NSW will match your existing expiry date for no fee, up to 10 years. Confirm the amount with Service NSW when you apply.
6. Drive on the temporary paper licence until your card arrives by post.

Your interstate licence is cancelled, because you can only hold one Australian licence at a time.

Interstate learners

You get a NSW learner licence. Transport for NSW says you may be able to sit the Hazard Perception Test and Driving Test without being issued a NSW learner licence first. Phone 13 22 13 to discuss your case. Test details: NSW Hazard Perception Test and NSW Driving Test.

Expired interstate licence

• Expired 5 years or less: you can get the NSW equivalent. Fees may apply.
• Expired more than 5 years: you must sit the licence tests.

Converting an overseas licence to NSW

Do you need to sit the tests?

You do not need the knowledge test or Driving Test for a NSW car (class C) licence if your licence comes from one of these recognised places, as of November 2026:

• Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada (any state), Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece
• Guernsey, Ireland, Isle of Man (licences issued since 1 April 1991), Italy, Japan, Jersey, Luxembourg
• Malta (licences issued or renewed since 2 January 2004), Netherlands, New Zealand (not paper licences), Norway, Portugal
• Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America (any state).

To use the exemption, your licence must be current or expired within the last 5 years, and it must not be a learner licence.

If your country is not on the list, you will need to pass the Driver Knowledge Test and the Driving Test. See NSW Driver Knowledge Test.

Recent changes

• From 1 February 2026, Hong Kong (SAR) was added to the non-recognised list. China is also non-recognised. All Chinese and Hong Kong licence holders must pass the DKT and the practical test.
• From 1 February 2026, Experienced Driver Status from certain countries stopped operating in NSW.
• Transport for NSW warns that buying a Hong Kong licence online is fraud and can be prosecuted under NSW law.

When the exemption does not apply

• Licences from an external territory of a listed country need the tests.
• If you failed a driving test before 20 May 2002, you must retake and pass it.
• Transport for NSW can still require a test if it is not satisfied your licence is valid.

Held an Australian licence before?

If you hold an overseas licence and your old Australian licence expired within the last 5 years (and can be verified), you do not need to sit the tests.

Overseas learners

You must pass a knowledge test to get a NSW learner licence. Until then, if you keep learning on your overseas learner licence, you must follow NSW learner conditions: a supervisor with a full Australian class C licence, zero alcohol, L plates front and back, no towing, and no mobile phone use at all, including hands-free.

What to bring

• a completed Licence Application form
• proof of identity
• proof of permanent residency (if you are a permanent resident)
• English translations of any documents in another language.

Submit your application in person at a service centre and complete any tests you need.

Visiting on L or P plates from interstate or overseas

A provisional driver from elsewhere must follow their own licence conditions (for example a night or passenger ban) plus the NSW road rules. Keep below both the posted limit and the speed limit that applies to your licence at home. Demerit points apply to offences in NSW. More: driving interstate on L or P plates.

Medical conditions and older drivers

• When you apply for a NSW licence, you must declare any medical condition or disability that could affect your driving, and pass an eyesight test.
• Some conditions, such as epilepsy or cardiovascular conditions, need regular medical assessments.
• If a disability has a serious effect on driving, you may need a driving test, and conditions can be added to your licence (for example, automatic only).
• From age 75, car licence holders need a medical assessment every year.
• From 85, an older driver assessment is also needed every 2 years, unless you choose a modified (local area) licence.

Common questions

I moved from Victoria on my green Ps. What do I get in NSW?

It depends on how long you have held a licence. Less than 12 months converts to P1. More than 12 months but less than 3 years converts to P2. NSW P rules then apply, including the high performance car ban.

Can I drive in NSW on my UK licence?

Yes, for a limited time: 3 months if you are a citizen or permanent resident, or 6 months on a temporary visa. The UK is a recognised country, so you can usually convert without tests.

Do I need an International Driving Permit in NSW?

Only if your licence is not in English. Then you must carry an English translation or an International Driving Permit with your licence.

Can I keep my overseas licence after I get a NSW one?

Once you hold a NSW licence, your interstate or overseas licence is no longer valid for driving in Australia. You can only drive on one licence in Australia.

I am 26 with a Chinese licence held for 5 years. What do I need to do?

China is non-recognised, so you must pass the DKT and the Driving Test. With more than 3 years of experience, the equivalent licence is a full licence.

Can my overseas licence be used to supervise a learner?

No. NSW supervisors need a full Australian licence. See supervising a learner driver in NSW.

Back to the main guide: learning to drive in NSW.

Sources

• Transport for NSW, “Road User Handbook” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Moving your interstate or NZ licence” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Interstate drivers and riders” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Moving your overseas licence” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Check your licence eligibility” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Knowledge and driving test exemptions” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Visiting from overseas or interstate” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Learner and provisional licence holders” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Your licence from age 70” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Driver and rider licence fees” (nsw.gov.au)

Photo: Prefine, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In NSW, a T2 transit lane needs at least two people in the car (driver included) and a T3 lane needs at least three, but only during the days and times on the sign. Other drivers can use a bus, transit or truck lane for up to 100 metres to enter or leave the road, overtake a car turning right or pull in from the side, and a bicycle or tram lane for up to 50 metres. You must not drive in a T-way or a bus only lane, and you may enter a tramway only to avoid an obstruction. This explainer covers every special lane in the NSW Road User Handbook, so learners and P platers know where they can and cannot drive.

Quick reference: special lanes in NSW

Lane	Who can use it	Other cars may enter
Transit lane (T2)	Vehicles with 2 or more people, during sign times	Up to 100 m
Transit lane (T3)	Vehicles with 3 or more people, during sign times	Up to 100 m
Bus lane	Buses, taxis, hire cars with HC plates, bicycles, motorcycles, some special purpose vehicles	Up to 100 m
Bus only lane	Buses only	No
T-way	Authorised buses and service vehicles	No
Truck lane	Vehicles over 4.5 t GVM, bicycles, some special vehicles	Up to 100 m
Tram lane	Trams, tram recovery vehicles, some buses	Up to 50 m
Tramway	Trams, tram recovery vehicles, some buses, special purpose vehicles	Only to avoid an obstruction
Bicycle lane	Bicycles	Up to 50 m

The short-distance allowance (100 m or 50 m) is only for three things:

• entering or leaving the road
• overtaking a vehicle that is turning right or making a U-turn
• entering a lane from the side of the road.

You can also drive in a bus, transit, truck, tram or bicycle lane to avoid an obstruction, or wherever a sign says you can.

Transit lanes: T2 and T3 rules in NSW

A transit lane sign shows a T2 or T3 symbol and the days and times it operates.

• T2: two or more people in the vehicle, including the driver.
• T3: three or more people in the vehicle, including the driver.
• Outside the times on the sign, any vehicle can use the lane.
• These vehicles can use a transit lane whatever the number of people on board: public buses and minibuses, taxis, hire cars with HC plates, motorcycles, bicycles, and emergency, special purpose and breakdown vehicles.

Worked example: does a learner and supervisor count for T2?

Yes. A learner driving with a supervisor is two people including the driver, so the car can use a T2 lane during its hours. It cannot use a T3 lane unless a third person is in the car.

Bus lanes, bus only lanes and T-ways

Bus lanes

Bus lanes are for buses, but these can also use them:

• taxis (not rideshare vehicles)
• hire cars with HC number plates
• bicycles and motorcycles
• special purpose vehicles responding to an emergency under the direction of Transport for NSW.

You must not stop in a bus lane. Only buses at a bus stop, and taxis or chauffeur-driven hire cars picking up or dropping off, may stop there.

Bus only lanes

Where the sign or road marking says “Bus only” or “Buses only”, only buses can drive in the lane. The 100 m allowance does not apply.

T-ways

T-way lanes are for authorised buses and service vehicles. You must not drive in a T-way.

B signals

Some traffic lights have a white “B” signal for buses in a bus lane. It lights up shortly before the normal lights change, and only buses can go. Do not move off on a B signal.

Tram lanes, tramways and light rail

NSW has light rail networks in Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle. The Road User Handbook calls light rail vehicles trams.

• Tramways are marked by a “Tramway” sign and two continuous yellow lines along the tracks, or by a structure such as a traffic island, refuge or bollards. You may only enter to avoid an obstruction, and only if you do not move into the path of an approaching tram or bus.
• Tram lanes have a “Tram lane” sign. You can use one for up to 50 m for the three permitted reasons, to avoid an obstruction, or where a sign allows. You must never move into the path of a tram in a tram lane.
• T signals: a white “T” light means only trams can go. Do not follow it.

Truck lanes

Truck lanes are for vehicles over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass, plus bicycles, special purpose vehicles and Transport for NSW survey vehicles. Cars can use them for up to 100 m for the three permitted reasons. A “Trucks must use left lane” sign is different: trucks must keep left until a sign ends the rule, but every other vehicle can also use that lane.

Bicycle lanes, bicycle paths and shared paths

• Bicycle lanes start with a sign or a bicycle symbol and the word “Lane”, and end with “Lane end” or at an intersection. You can drive in one for up to 50 m for the permitted reasons. Check carefully for riders first.
• Bicycle paths are separate from the road. Cars can only use one to enter or leave a road, or where a sign allows, and must give way to everyone on the path.
• Shared paths are for bicycle riders and pedestrians only.

More on riders: minimum passing distance for cyclists in each state.

Slip lanes and median turning lanes

Slip lanes

A slip lane is a left-turn lane separated by a painted or raised island. If there is one, you must use it to turn left. In the slip lane you must give way to:

• vehicles on the road you are turning into
• oncoming vehicles turning right into that road
• any vehicle or pedestrian in the slip lane.

Do not stop in a slip lane unless a parking sign allows it.

Median turning lanes

A median turning lane runs down the middle of the road and is shared by traffic from both directions turning right into a side road or driveway. You can enter it even if an oncoming car is already there, but you must give way to that car, slowing or stopping if needed.

Keep left and keep right signs

These are regulatory signs, so you must obey them by law. Pass to the left of a “Keep left” sign and to the right of a “Keep right” sign.

Common questions

Can learner drivers use transit lanes in NSW?

Yes, if the car has enough people. A learner plus supervisor meets the T2 rule. For T3 you need a third person.

Can I use a bus lane to turn left?

Yes, for up to 100 m to enter or leave the road, unless it is a bus only lane. Check signs, because some lanes have their own rules.

Can Uber or other rideshare cars use bus lanes?

No. The handbook allows taxis in bus lanes, but not rideshare vehicles.

Do transit lane rules apply at weekends?

Only if the sign says so. Each transit lane sign shows the days and times it operates. Outside those times, any vehicle can use the lane.

What if a car breaks down in front of me in a bus lane?

Any vehicle can drive in a bus, transit, truck, tram or bicycle lane to get around an obstruction.

Can I stop in a bus lane to drop off a friend?

No. Only buses at bus stops, and taxis or hire cars picking up or setting down passengers, can stop there.

Related guides

• Learning to drive in NSW
• Australian road markings and lane lines
• Overtaking, merging and changing lanes in Australia
• Traffic lights and arrows in Australia
• NSW Road User Handbook study guide

Sources

• Transport for NSW, “Road User Handbook” (nsw.gov.au)
• Transport for NSW, “Light rail” (transport.nsw.gov.au)

Photo: Mark Direen, Pexels

To supervise a learner driver in NSW, you need a current full (unrestricted) Australian driver licence, a blood alcohol concentration under 0.05 and no drugs in your system, and you must sit in the seat next to the learner. P1, P2, learner and overseas licence holders cannot supervise. This guide is for parents, relatives and friends who plan to teach a NSW learner, and for learners checking who can sit beside them.

Who can supervise a learner driver in NSW?

Licence held	Can supervise?
Full (unrestricted) NSW licence	Yes
Full licence from another Australian state or territory	Yes (it is a full Australian licence)
Provisional P1 or P2 licence	No
Learner licence	No
Overseas licence, even a full one	No

If the supervisor does not hold a full Australian licence, both the supervisor and the learner can be fined.

The Road User Handbook says the licence must be an “appropriate” full licence for the vehicle. If you are unsure whether yours qualifies, check with Service NSW on 13 22 13.

The supervisor’s legal duties

• Sit next to the learner. The supervisor must be in the front passenger seat, not the back.
• Alcohol under 0.05. The learner must be at zero, but the supervisor’s limit is under 0.05.
• No drugs. It is illegal to supervise with illegal drugs in your system or while under the influence of any drug, including prescription drugs.
• Testing. Police can breath-test a supervisor involved in a crash, and test a supervisor who shows signs of drug use. If a supervisor goes to hospital after a crash, doctors can take blood and urine samples.
• Same penalties as drivers. The severe alcohol and drug penalties for drivers also apply to supervisors.
• Sign off the log book. The supervisor marks off the learner’s progress in the paper log book or log book app.

What the learner must do while you supervise

A supervisor should know the learner’s own rules, because you are the one who will notice if they slip:

• never drive without the supervisor in the seat next to them (police can suspend a learner on the spot for this)
• maximum 90 km/h, and lower posted limits always apply
• zero alcohol
• no mobile phone at all, including hands-free and loudspeaker, unless the car is parked
• L plates on the front and back, or an L sign on the roof
• no towing
• passengers only in seats with seatbelts or suitable child restraints
• in Sydney, no driving in Parramatta Park, Centennial Park or Moore Park.

Full list: NSW learner, P1 and P2 restrictions.

Logging hours as a supervisor

Learners under 25 need at least 120 hours, including 20 hours at night, before the Driving Test. Every hour you supervise counts, and lessons with a licensed driving instructor count three for one. How to fill in and check the book: NSW learner log book guide.

How to run a good practice session

Transport for NSW suggests:

1. Prepare yourself first. Reread the Road User Handbook, check your own habits (full stops, following distance, mirror and blind spot checks), and read the log book’s learning goals.
2. Start easy. Quiet streets in daylight, short sessions, basic steering, accelerating and braking.
3. Build up gradually. Move to busier roads and harder conditions only when the learner is ready. When you start night practice, use roads the learner knows well.
4. Explain, show, then try. Discuss a new task, demonstrate it, then let the learner attempt it.
5. Use commentary driving. Describe aloud what you see and what you are doing, then get the learner to do the same.
6. Keep the car calm. No radio, phone calls or chatty passengers during practice. Reschedule if either of you is tired, upset or stressed.
7. Coach, do not criticise. Praise what goes well. Talk mistakes through calmly and try again.
8. Teach speed awareness. The faster the car goes, the harder it is to respond to hazards.

Free help for NSW supervisors

• Supervising Drivers: the fundamentals. A free online course of five modules, each about 15 to 20 minutes. It covers the log book goals, session planning and why on-road experience matters.
• Free supervisor workshops are run around NSW. Phone 13 22 13 for sessions near you.

Supervising other drivers

Overseas learner licence holders

A learner with an overseas learner licence can keep learning in NSW, but must be supervised at all times by someone with a full Australian (class C) licence. They must follow NSW learner conditions such as zero alcohol, L plates, no towing and no phone use, even if their home rules differ. See moving to NSW with an interstate or overseas licence.

P platers who passed in an automatic

A P1 or P2 driver who passed the Driving Test in an automatic can drive a manual only when supervised by someone with a full Australian licence.

Common questions

Can a P2 driver supervise a learner in NSW?

No. P1 and P2 drivers must not supervise or instruct a learner, and both people can be fined.

Can my parent supervise me on their UK or US licence?

No. An overseas licence cannot be used to supervise in NSW, even if it is a full licence. Your parent would first need to convert it to a NSW licence. Some countries’ licences convert without tests.

Can the supervisor have a drink before we go out?

The supervisor’s legal limit is under 0.05, but any alcohol slows reactions. If you have been drinking, it is safer to skip the session.

Can the supervisor sit in the back seat?

No. The supervisor must sit in the seat next to the learner.

Can the supervisor use their phone?

The phone ban applies to the learner. Transport for NSW advises supervisors to avoid phones and other distractions during practice, because your attention is part of the learner’s safety.

Can a supervisor take a learner on the motorway?

Yes, as long as the learner keeps to 90 km/h or the lower posted limit. See learners on motorways and freeways.

Back to the main guide: learning to drive in NSW.

Sources

• Transport for NSW, “Road User Handbook” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Supervising a learner driver” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Learner driver licence” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Learner and provisional licence holders visiting NSW” (nsw.gov.au)

Photo: Chris.sherlock2, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In NSW you must hold your red P1 licence for at least 12 months before moving to a green P2, and your P2 for at least 24 months before applying for a full licence. Suspensions push those dates back, and a P2 suspension adds an extra 6 months on top. This guide is for P platers and parents who want the exact timings, renewal rules and fees from 1 July 2026.

NSW provisional licence timeline at a glance

Stage	Minimum time	Licence valid for	Fee (from 1 July 2026)
P1 (red P)	12 months	18 months	$74
P2 (green P)	24 months	36 months	$115
Full (unrestricted, gold)	No minimum	1, 3, 5 or 10 years	$74 / $172 / $234 / $434

The 10-year full licence is only for car (C) or rider (R) licence holders aged 21 to 44.

If you are under 25, the full process from learner to full licence takes at least 4 years. If you are 25 or older, it takes at least 3 years, because there is no minimum learner period.

Moving from P1 to P2

1. Hold your P1 licence for at least 12 months.
2. Apply for your P2 through Service NSW. Most P1 holders can do it online. No further test is needed.
3. Swap your red P plates for green P plates.

What a suspension or disqualification does on P1

• Suspended: your 12 months is extended by the length of the suspension. A 3 month suspension means at least 15 months on P1.
• Disqualified: you must reapply for a P1 licence when the disqualification ends. The 12 month P1 period starts again from zero.

P1 drivers have a 4 demerit point limit, and the Road User Handbook warns that any speeding offence takes a learner or P1 driver over that limit. Details: NSW demerit points for learners and P platers.

Moving from P2 to a full licence

1. Hold your P2 licence for at least 24 months.
2. Apply for your full licence through Service NSW (online for most drivers). No further test is needed.
3. Choose a 1, 3 or 5 year licence, or 10 years if you are aged 21 to 44.

The extra 6 months for P2 suspensions

If your P2 licence is suspended, your 24 months is extended by the length of the suspension plus 6 months. The handbook says this applies for every suspension for unsafe driving behaviour.

Example	Minimum time on P2
No suspension	24 months
One 3 month suspension	24 + 3 + 6 = 33 months
Disqualified	Reapply for P2 after the disqualification. The 24 months restarts.

P2 drivers have a 7 demerit point limit over a 3 year period. Going over it means a 3 month suspension, which then triggers the extra 6 months above.

Renewing a P1 or P2 that is about to expire

A P1 lasts 18 months and a P2 lasts 36 months. If you have not graduated by then, for example because of a suspension, renew it.

• No knowledge or driving test is needed to renew.
• You may need an eyesight test or a medical report.
• Pay the provisional licence fee again: $74 for P1, $115 for P2 (as of 1 July 2026).
• There is no maximum time limit on the P stages. You can renew as many times as you need.
• Most holders can renew online.

What changes at each step

Rule	P1	P2	Full
Maximum speed	90 km/h	100 km/h	Posted limit
Alcohol	Zero	Zero	Under 0.05
Late-night passengers (under 25, 11pm to 5am)	One passenger under 21	No limit	No limit
Towing	Up to 250 kg unladen trailer	Full licence towing rules	Full licence towing rules
High performance cars	Banned	Banned	Allowed
Demerit limit (3 years)	4	7	13
Supervise a learner	No	No	Yes
Learn LR or MR trucks	No	Yes, from the start of P2	Yes
Learn HR trucks	No	After 1 year on P2	Yes

Full restriction details: NSW learner, P1 and P2 restrictions and banned high performance cars for NSW P platers.

Common questions

Do I have to sit another test to get my green Ps in NSW?

No. Once you have held your P1 for 12 months, you apply for your P2. The same applies to going from P2 to full after 24 months.

Does my P2 time start when I become eligible or when I apply?

The handbook counts the minimum period from when you have held the licence. Your P2 time starts when you get your P2. Applying late means a later full licence date.

What happens if my P1 expires before I move to P2?

Renew it for another 18 months by paying the P1 fee. No test is needed, but you may need an eyesight test or medical report.

Can I skip P2 if I am over 25?

No. The minimum times on P1 and P2 apply at any age. Only the learner minimum and log book hours depend on being under 25.

After a disqualification, can I carry passengers?

If you return to driving after a disqualification, you can carry only one passenger at a time for 12 months.

Can I get a 10 year licence straight off my P2?

Yes, if you are aged 21 to 44 when you apply. Otherwise choose 1, 3 or 5 years.

Back to the main guide: learning to drive in NSW. Compare other states: P plate rules in every Australian state.

Sources

• Transport for NSW, “Road User Handbook” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Driver and rider licence fees” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Renew learner, P1 and P2 licences” (nsw.gov.au)

Photo: Jeremy from Sydney, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In NSW, P1 and P2 drivers must not drive a high performance (prohibited) vehicle. A car is prohibited if its power to tare mass ratio is more than 130 kilowatts per tonne, if its engine has had a significant modification, or if Transport for NSW has listed it as high risk for novice drivers. Learners are not covered by the ban. This guide explains how the ratio works, how to check a car before you buy or borrow it, and when an exemption is possible.

Key facts

• Applies to: every NSW P1 (red P) and P2 (green P) licence holder, even when driving interstate.
• Does not apply to: learner drivers. You can learn in a high performance car with a supervisor.
• Three ways a car becomes prohibited: power to tare mass ratio (PMR) over 130 kW/t, a significant engine modification, or a place on the Transport for NSW list.
• Check any car with the P1 and P2 vehicle search on nsw.gov.au.
• Exemption letter fee: $41 (from 1 July 2026). Granted only for genuine work purposes or exceptional circumstances.

What counts as a high performance car for NSW P platers?

The ban comes from clause 36(2) of the Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Regulation 2017. It defines three types of high performance vehicle.

1. A power to tare mass ratio over 130 kW per tonne

PMR is the car’s power divided by its tare mass (its empty mass as specified by the manufacturer). Transport for NSW sets the rules for each figure:

• Power is in kilowatts, rounded to the nearest whole number.
  • Petrol or diesel cars: net engine power at the flywheel, as the manufacturer specifies.
  • Electric cars: the power the manufacturer specifies.
  • Hybrids: the combined maximum power of the engine and all electric motors in the drive system.
• Mass is the manufacturer’s tare mass in tonnes, to three decimal places.
• No rounding of the result. A car at 130.01 kW/t is prohibited.

2. A significant engine modification

Any engine modification that counts as a “significant modification” under the vehicle registration rules makes the car prohibited, whatever its PMR. These are modifications that must be certified under the Vehicle Safety Compliance Certification Scheme. Transport for NSW lists them in its Vehicle Standards Information 6 (Light Vehicle Modifications) publication. The Road User Handbook puts it simply: P1 and P2 drivers must not drive cars with modifications that increase engine performance.

3. Cars on the Transport for NSW list

Some cars accelerate harder than their PMR suggests. Transport for NSW lists these in its “Novice Driver: High performance vehicle restrictions” publication, and they are banned even if they are under 130 kW/t.

Working out the PMR yourself

Divide power (kW) by tare mass (tonnes). These two cars are made-up examples to show the maths:

Example car	Power	Tare mass	PMR	P plater?
Car A	150 kW	1.250 t	120.0 kW/t	Allowed (unless modified or listed)
Car B	200 kW	1.450 t	137.9 kW/t	Prohibited

Your own sums are only a guide. Transport for NSW uses the manufacturer’s figures supplied for the car’s identification plate approval. If those are missing or doubtful, it uses other reliable data sources or asks for more information. Always confirm with the official vehicle search.

You cannot “fix” a prohibited car

Transport for NSW will not accept a modification that adds mass or cuts power to change a car’s status. For example:

• fitting a bull bar or tow bar does not let you claim a higher tare mass
• detuning the engine does not let you claim a lower power figure.

How to check a car before you buy or borrow it

1. Use the P1 and P2 vehicle search on nsw.gov.au. Search by make and model.
2. If the car is not listed or shows as “for review” (common for older, newly released or niche cars), phone Transport for NSW on 13 22 13.
3. If you are unsure of the specifications, check the owner’s manual, or ask the manufacturer, dealer or a mechanic.
4. Ask whether the engine has been modified. A modified engine can make an otherwise allowed model prohibited.

Can you get an exemption?

Only in limited cases. Transport for NSW grants exemptions only where a prohibited vehicle must be driven for genuine work purposes, or where exceptional circumstances apply.

1. Complete the P1 and P2 passenger or vehicle exemption form.
2. Take it to a service centre.
3. Pay the exemption letter fee: $41 for the prohibited vehicle condition (as of 1 July 2026).
4. If approved, carry the exemption letter every time you drive that vehicle.
5. Tell Transport for NSW within 14 days if your circumstances change, including if you no longer need the exemption. A replacement letter costs $16 (as of 1 July 2026).

What happens if you drive one anyway?

Breaking a P licence condition means a fine, and you can also get demerit points or lose your licence. P1 drivers have a 4 point limit and P2 drivers a 7 point limit, so one offence can matter a lot. See NSW demerit points for learners and P platers. Insurance is also worth checking before you drive any modified or powerful car.

Common questions

Can I learn to drive in a prohibited car on my Ls?

Yes. The Road User Handbook says there is no restriction on learning to drive in a high performance car. The ban starts the day you get your P1 licence.

Does the ban still apply when I drive in another state?

Yes. Transport for NSW says the restriction applies to all NSW P1 and P2 licence holders, even when driving interstate. See driving interstate on L or P plates.

Are electric cars treated differently?

The same 130 kW/t test applies. For an electric car, the power figure is the one the manufacturer specifies. Some electric cars produce a lot of power, so check every model in the vehicle search.

My car is 129 kW/t. Is it definitely allowed?

Not necessarily. It may still be prohibited if its engine has been modified, or if it is on the Transport for NSW high performance list. The vehicle search is the safest check.

Is the rule the same once I get a full licence?

No. The prohibited vehicle condition applies only to P1 and P2 licences. See from P1 to P2 to a full NSW licence.

Can I drive a prohibited car for my job?

Only with an approved exemption letter, which is granted for genuine work purposes or exceptional circumstances. You must carry the letter while driving.

Related NSW guides

• Learning to drive in NSW: the full guide
• NSW learner, P1 and P2 restrictions
• NSW car registration, pink slips and roadworthiness
• P plate rules in every Australian state compared

Sources

• Transport for NSW, “Road User Handbook” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Prohibited vehicles for P plate drivers” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Prohibited vehicle definitions” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Driver and rider licence fees” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Legislation, “Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Regulation 2017” (legislation.nsw.gov.au)

Photo: Simon_sees, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you are on L, P1 or P2 plates in NSW, you must not use a mobile phone at all while driving. That includes calls, music, maps, Bluetooth hands-free and a phone in a holder, even when you are stopped at lights or stuck in traffic. This explainer covers what you can and cannot touch, the narrow exceptions, built-in screens and GPS, phone detection cameras and what a phone offence costs a new driver.

What L and P platers can and cannot do with a phone

Phone use while driving	L, P1, P2	Full licence
Holding the phone, or resting it on your body	No	No
Calls via Bluetooth hands-free	No	Yes, without touching the phone
Music or podcasts from the phone	No	Yes, hands-free or in a fixed holder
Maps or navigation on the phone	No	Yes, in a commercially made holder fixed to the car
Texting, email, social media, internet, photos, video calls	No	No
Any of the above while stopped at lights or in traffic	No	Same rules as when moving
Anything, when parked out of the line of traffic	Yes	Yes

For L, P1 and P2 drivers, the ban covers phones that are handheld, in a holder, or used hands-free through Bluetooth. The ignition does not need to be off when you are properly parked.

The only exceptions for L and P drivers

• Showing your digital driver licence when a police officer asks.
• Using wallet functions to pay or show a voucher, only while stationary in a car park, driveway or drive-through.

If you use a digital licence, keep your phone charged and the screen uncracked.

Digital screens and GPS

The screen rule applies to all drivers. You must not drive with a screen on if you can see it, or if it could distract another driver, unless it is a driver’s aid that is built into the car or in a holder fixed to it. Driver’s aids include:

• navigation devices such as a GPS unit
• reversing screens
• dispatch systems, CCTV security cameras and vehicle monitoring devices

Passengers can watch screens, as long as you cannot see them from the driving position and they do not distract other drivers.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Transport for NSW does not address these by name. They run off your phone, and the L and P ban covers every function of the phone, hands-free included. Assume they are off limits and check with Transport for NSW if in doubt. A separate GPS unit or the car’s own built-in navigation is a driver’s aid, not a phone.

Is the rule changing?

A 2024 private member’s bill proposed letting P drivers aged 25 or older use a mounted phone only for navigation, and Transport for NSW reviewed options in 2025. As of November 2026 the official NSW rules page still lists maps and navigation as banned for L, P1 and P2 drivers, with no exception.

Penalties and detection cameras

• Mobile phone detection cameras check for illegal phone use anywhere, at any time.
• An illegal phone offence brings a fine and 5 demerit points (10 in double demerit periods), according to Transport for NSW. Fines are higher in school zones; check the current amount with Transport for NSW.
• Learners and P1 drivers have a 4-point limit, so one offence means a suspension of at least 3 months.
• P2 drivers (7-point limit) are left with only 2 points to spare.
• On the Driving Test, answering or using a phone is a fail item.

See NSW demerit points for learners and P platers and double demerit points in Australia.

Other distractions

• Looking away for 2 seconds doubles your risk of a crash or near crash. At 50 km/h you travel 28 m in those 2 seconds.
• Phone use while driving can increase the risk of a casualty crash fourfold, according to the handbook.
• Passengers your own age raise crash risk for young drivers. Ask passengers to help spot hazards rather than distract you. P1 drivers under 25 have a late-night passenger limit; see NSW learner, P1 and P2 restrictions.

Set up before you drive: a checklist

• Phone on silent or Do Not Disturb, and out of reach.
• Route checked, or a dedicated GPS unit or built-in navigation set before moving off.
• Music from a source that is not your phone, such as the car radio or a USB stick in the car’s own system. Phone audio is banned on L or P plates even if you start it before moving off.
• Learners logging hours: start the Roundtrip log book app while safely parked out of the line of traffic, then put the phone away. It records the drive in the background and does not need to be touched while you drive. Your supervisor may use the app during the drive only if it does not distract you or stop them guiding you.
• If you think the log book app has stopped recording, leave the phone alone. Fix it or note the problem once you are parked out of the line of traffic.
• Need to call or text? Park out of the line of traffic first.

Overview of every stage: learning to drive in NSW. Interstate phone rules differ: P plate rules in every state compared.

Common questions

Can P platers use Google Maps in NSW?

Not on your phone, even in a holder or with voice only. A separate GPS unit or the car’s built-in navigation, mounted or built in, is allowed for all drivers.

Can I play music from my phone through Bluetooth on my green Ps?

No. Music is one of the functions banned for L, P1 and P2 drivers, including through Bluetooth.

Can I use my phone while stopped at a red light?

No. The ban applies when you are stationary in traffic. You must be parked out of the line of traffic.

Can my passenger use my phone to navigate for me?

Yes, the passenger can use it. The rule stops you using it, and any screen must not be visible to you from the driving position. Your passenger or supervisor should read out directions early rather than hold the screen up for you to look at.

Can I pay at a drive-through with my phone on my Ps?

Yes, using wallet functions while the car is stationary in the drive-through.

Do the phone rules apply to my supervisor?

A supervisor with a full licence follows the full licence phone rules when driving. Supervisor duties while you drive are in supervising a learner driver in NSW.

Sources

• Transport for NSW, “Road User Handbook” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Mobile phones, digital screens and GPS” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Learner driver log book app” (nsw.gov.au)
• Transport for NSW, “Mobile phones” (transport.nsw.gov.au)
• Transport for NSW, “Summary report: Review of options to permit mobile phone navigation aids for novice drivers” (transport.nsw.gov.au)
• Parliament of NSW, “Road Rules Amendment (Mobile Phones as Navigation Aids for Provisional Licence Holders) Bill 2024” (parliament.nsw.gov.au)
• Transport for NSW, “A Guide to the Driving Test” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Learner and provisional driver demerit points” (nsw.gov.au)

Photo: DraftSaturn15, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In NSW the default speed limit is 50 km/h in built-up areas and 100 km/h elsewhere, but learners and P1 drivers can never go above 90 km/h and P2 drivers above 100 km/h. Lower limits apply in school zones (40 km/h), shared zones (10 km/h), local traffic areas and high pedestrian activity areas. This explainer covers every NSW speed limit a new driver meets, how speed is enforced, and the stopping distances examiners expect you to keep.

Your maximum speed by licence

Licence	Maximum speed
Learner	90 km/h
P1 (red P)	90 km/h
P2 (green P)	100 km/h
Full licence	The posted limit

Your cap applies even when the sign says 100 or 110 km/h. Below your cap, the posted limit applies.

NSW speed limits you need to know

Area	Limit	Notes
Built-up area with no sign	50 km/h	Areas with street lights and buildings less than 100 m apart
Other roads with no sign, or after an end speed limit sign	100 km/h	Your L or P cap still applies
Local traffic area	40 km/h	Signposted local streets
High pedestrian activity area	30 or 40 km/h	Busy CBD areas and shopping strips
Shared zone	10 km/h	Give way to every pedestrian, stopping if needed
School zone	40 km/h (30 km/h at some schools)	School days only, during the times shown on the sign
School bus stop zone	40 km/h	When the bus lights flash
Passing a bus with “40 when lights flash”	40 km/h	Any road, while its top lights flash, travelling in the same direction
Passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing blue or red lights	40 km/h	Where the limit is 80 km/h or less. Above 80 km/h, slow down safely and move over a lane if you can
Passing a stopped tow truck or breakdown assistance vehicle with flashing lights	40 km/h	Same rule: 40 km/h where the limit is 80 km/h or less, otherwise slow down and move over. Do not speed up until you are past everyone
Roadworks	As signed	Signs mark the start and end of the works
Variable speed limit signs	As displayed	Tunnels, motorways and bridges

Advisory signs (yellow, usually under a warning sign for a curve or crest) are recommendations for average cars in good conditions, not legal limits. Go slower in poor conditions.

NSW school zones

• Standard times are 8am to 9:30am and 2:30pm to 4pm on school days.
• Some schools have different times or a 30 km/h limit. The sign shows the times, so always read it.
• School days are set by the NSW Department of Education. Zones do not operate on weekends, public holidays or public school holidays.
• Every school has at least one set of flashing lights, and “dragon’s teeth” are painted on the road.
• Speeding in a school zone carries higher fines and demerit points, and is a fail item on the Driving Test.

Other states’ times: school zones in every Australian state. Emergency vehicle rules nationwide: emergency vehicles and slow down rules.

Penalties for speeding on L or P plates

• Any speeding offence on L or P gives at least 4 demerit points.
• Learners and P1 drivers go over their 4-point limit and are suspended for at least 3 months.
• More than 30 km/h over: police can take your licence on the spot (L, P1 and P2), plus a further suspension.
• P2 drivers caught 30 km/h or more over must stay on P2 an extra 6 months each time.
• Double demerits apply to speeding during holiday periods.

Full detail: NSW demerit points for learners and P platers.

Speed cameras in NSW

1. Mobile speed cameras: moved around and can detect speeding anywhere, any time.
2. Red-light speed cameras: catch red-light running and speeding across several lanes at high-risk intersections.
3. Fixed speed cameras: in tunnels and crash hot spots.
4. Average speed cameras: measure your average speed over a long distance.

Radar detectors and jammers are illegal to have in your vehicle.

Why a few km/h matters

• Speeding is a factor in around 40% of NSW road deaths.
• A pedestrian hit at 50 km/h is twice as likely to be killed as one hit at 40 km/h.
• The Hazard Perception Handbook example: two cars at 60 and 65 km/h brake for a truck blocking the road. The first hits it at 5 km/h, the second at 32 km/h.

Safe stopping distance and the 3-second gap

NSW law requires you to stay far enough behind the vehicle in front to stop safely. Following too closely brings a fine and demerit points, and is a Driving Test fail item.

• Good conditions: at least a 3-second gap.
• Poor conditions (wet, icy, gravel or dirt roads, night): 4 seconds or more.
• Higher speeds: the handbook suggests allowing at least 5 seconds.
• Stopped in traffic: 1 to 2 car lengths from the car in front until cars stop behind you.

How to count it: when the car ahead passes a pole or sign, count “one thousand and one, one thousand and two, one thousand and three”. If you reach the pole first, drop back.

The 3 seconds come from reaction time (about 1.5 seconds for an alert driver, rising to about 2.5 at higher speeds) plus response time (at least 1.5 seconds to brake). Brake in two stages: light pressure first, then squeeze progressively.

Your other L and P rules: NSW learner, P1 and P2 restrictions. Every stage from L plates to a full licence: learning to drive in NSW.

Common questions

Can learners drive on the motorway in NSW?

Yes, at no more than 90 km/h. The only NSW location ban for learners is Parramatta Park, Centennial Park and Moore Park. See learners on motorways and freeways.

Can I do 100 km/h on my green Ps on a 110 km/h motorway?

Yes, 100 km/h is the P2 maximum. You cannot go faster even if the sign allows 110.

What are NSW school zone times?

Usually 8am to 9:30am and 2:30pm to 4pm on school days, but some schools differ. Follow the times on the sign.

Is the speed limit 50 if there is no sign?

In a built-up area, yes. Outside built-up areas the default is 100 km/h, but your L or P cap still applies.

What happens if a P1 driver is caught speeding by a few km/h?

At least 4 demerit points and a suspension of at least 3 months.

Sources

• Transport for NSW, “Road User Handbook” (nsw.gov.au)
• Transport for NSW, “A Guide to the Driving Test” (nsw.gov.au)
• Transport for NSW, “Hazard Perception Handbook” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Speeding offences” (nsw.gov.au)
• NSW Government, “Learner and provisional driver demerit points” (nsw.gov.au)
• Transport for NSW, “School zones” (transport.nsw.gov.au)