5 P-plater FAQs
Got a question about being a P-plater? Here are some answers.
P-platers, or provisional drivers license holders, may have passed their driving test, but that doesn’t mean they have the same freedoms as more experienced drivers.
Restrictions apply to their driving. But what are they, exactly? Here are five P-plater FAQs.
1. How fast can P-platers drive?
As with most of these FAQs, the answers vary across the country. Here’s a summary:
NSW: P1 drivers have a 90 km/h speed limit; P2 drivers 100 km/h.
NT: 100 km/h limit.
SA: P1 and P2 drivers 100 km/h limit.
Tas: P1 drivers 100km/h; no limit for P2 drivers.
In the ACT, Vic, Qld, and WA, P-platers can drive at the normal, signed speed limit.
2. When can P-platers drive, and how many passengers can they have?
Some jurisdictions restrict when P-platers can drive, or how many young passengers they can carry at different times:
ACT: P1 drivers must not have more than one passenger aged 16–22 between 11pm and 5am. Exemptions exist for family members, and work and education.
NSW: P1 drivers under 25 must not have more than one passenger under 21 between 11pm and 5am.
NT: No restrictions.
Qld: P1 drivers under 25 must not have more than one passenger under 21 (apart from immediate family members) between 11pm and 5am.
SA: P1 drivers under 25 must not drive between midnight and 5am. And they must not carry more than one passenger aged 16–20 (excluding immediate family members) at any time.
Tas: P1 drivers must not carry more than one passenger aged 16–21 (with some family and employment exemptions) at any time.
Vic: P1 drivers must not carry more than one passenger aged 16–21 (excluding spouse, partner and siblings) at any time.
WA: P1 drivers must not drive between 12pm and 5am for the first six months they hold a licence.
3. What vehicles are prohibited for P-platers?
In NSW, Qld, SA and Vic, P-platers aren’t allowed to drive certain high-performance vehicles. You can search vehicle databases in each state to find out if a vehicle is allowed:
In the ACT, NT, Tas and WA, P-platers have no vehicle restrictions.
4. Can a P-plater tow a trailer?
In the ACT P1 drivers must not tow a trailer with a gross vehicle mass of more than 750kg.
NSW: P1 drivers must not tow another vehicle or trailer that weighs more than 250kg unloaded.
Vic: P1 drivers must not tow another vehicle or trailer (with exceptions including work).
In the NT, Qld, SA, Tas and WA, P-platers have no restrictions on towing.
5. How much alcohol can a P-plater have in their blood?
This one’s easy. In all jurisdictions, P-platers must have a zero blood-alcohol concentration at all times. On a full license across Australia, the standard measure of what classifies as “drunk driving” is a BAC of 0.05, or 0.05g of alcohol per 100mL of blood. However, the zero blood-alcohol rule should continue after you’ve got your full license. Driving impaired by alcohol or drugs remains one of the biggest contributors to road trauma in Australia. As a reminder, practicing safe driving by staying alcohol-free is crucial for road safety.
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Disclaimer
Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.