PROBATIONARY DRIVERS

What are the probationary licence requirements that apply from 1 July 2008.

From 1 July 2008, a two stage probationary licence commenced and replaced the previous one stage, three year probationary licence. The first stage is a one year P1 probationary licence (red plates), followed by a three year P2 probationary licence (green plates).

A probationary driver who is aged 21 when first licensed, will move straight to a P2 licence.

Probationary drivers on a P1 licence who are under 21:

• will need to hold a P1 licence for a minimum of 12 months before they can progress to a P2 licence
• will be banned from all mobile phone use (including hands free) while on a P1 licence per passenger restrictions
  
• will only be able to carry one passenger aged 16 to 21 years.
  
• will not be allowed to tow a vehicle including a trailer or caravan on a P1 licence unless it is for work or they are under instruction
• will not be permitted to drive a high powered vehicle which has an eight or more cylinder engine, is turbocharged or supercharged, is a nominated high performance six-cylinder vehicle, or has been modified to increase performance
• will have to fit an alcohol ignition interlock for a minimum of six months when re-licenced after a drink driving offence
• will have their P1 period extended for six months, plus the period of suspension for any licence suspension, drink driving offence with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) up to 0.05 or drug driving offence. A passenger limit of one will apply for the balance of the P1 period
• existing P provisions will continue to apply. These are:
  • always drive with a zero BAC
  • always display your P plates
  • carry your licence with you whenever you drive
  • only drive an automatic vehicle if you were tested in an automatic vehicle, and
  • five or more demerit points in any 12 month period may result in your licence being suspended

The following restrictions will apply to P2 probationary licence holders:

• will not be permitted to drive a high powered vehicle which has an eight or more cylinder engine, is turbocharged or supercharged, is a nominated high performance six-cylinder vehicle, or has been modified to increase performance
• will have to fit an alcohol ignition interlock for a minimum of six months when re-licensed after a drink driving offence
• will have their P2 period extended for six months, plus the period of suspension for any licence suspension, drink driving offence with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) up to 0.05 or drug driving offence. A passenger limit of one will apply for the balance of the P2 period
• existing P provisions will continue to apply. These are:
  • always drive with a zero BAC
  • always display your P plates
  • carry your licence with you whenever you drive
  • only drive an automatic vehicle if you were tested in an automatic vehicle, and
  • five or more demerit points in any 12 month period may result in your licence being suspended

What are the green P plates?

Under the new graduated licensing system, two probationary licences are being introduced. They are the one year P1 probationary licence (red plates) and the three year P2 probationary licence (green plates).

The green P plates are to be used by holders of the P2 probationary licence.

Green plates were distributed in June 2008. Why?

In June 2008, Vic Roads issued, free of charge to each probationary licence holder who was on red plates, a pair of green plates.

These green plates, which replaced the red ones, must be used by the probationary driver after 1 July 2008, whenever they drive.

Under the new graduated licensing system, this probationary licence holder who was on red plates, automatically becomes a P2 probationary driver on green plates, from 1 July 2008.

How long do I have to use a green P plate ?

The P2 probationary licence is for three years, so the green P plates must be used for three years.

Subject to a good driving record, the P2 probationary licence holder will then be eligible for a full driver licence.

I obtained my probationary licence before 1 July 2008. Do these new rules apply to me?

No. Drivers with a probationary licence issued before 1 July 2008 will be licensed under the current system and will only be required to hold a probationary licence for a three year period.

The existing P provisions will apply:

• zero BAC
• display P plates
• dust have licence at all times when driving
  
• only permitted to drive an automatic vehicle if tested in an automatic vehicle
• five or more demerit points in any 12 month period may result in licence suspension
• must not drive a vehicle which is classed as a high powered vehicle (based on power/weight restrictions if licensed before 1 July 2007; or new high powered vehicle restrictions if licensed from 1 July 2007)

 

What is the difference between a P1 and P2 licence?

A P1 licence is an extra licensing stage for young new drivers who have a higher risk of crashing. The P1 licence includes the same provisions as the P2 licence. However, the P1 licence also includes a peer passenger restriction, a ban on all mobile phone use and a restriction on towing. Towing exemptions will apply for work purposes and when driving under instruction.

A P2 licence is similar to the current probationary licence, with some new rules relating to high powered vehicles and how serious traffic offenders are treated.

Will P plates need to be displayed for the P1 and P2 probationary periods?

Yes, P plates will need to be displayed for the entire P1 and P2 periods. The P1 plate will have a white P on a red background - the same as the current P plate. The P2 plate will have a white P on a green background.  P plates must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle.

What is meant by "a good driving record" in order to progress to the next licence stage?

All P1 and P2 licence holders will need a good driving record to progress to the licence stage.

If a P1 or P2 licence is suspended as a result:

• of a driving offence,
• accumulation of demerit points,
• a medical condition or
• a penalty imposed by a court,

the probationary period will be extended by six months plus the suspension period. Also, P1 drivers will only be able to carry one passenger for the balance of their P1 period.  Probationary drivers who commit a drink driving offence with a BAC of .05 or above will have their licence cancelled and must start their probationary period again when re-licensed.

What are the towing restrictions for P1 drivers?

P1 drivers will not be allowed to tow any vehicle, a trailer or a caravan while driving. 

Will exemptions be granted for the "no mobile phone use"?

No exemptions will be granted to allow the use of a mobile phone.

Will exemptions be granted for the towing restriction for P1 drivers?

A P1 driver will automatically be exempted from the towing restriction if he/she is required to tow another vehicle while at work, or the P1 driver has an experienced driver beside them, and they have a ‘Driver under instruction’ plate fixed to the front and rear of the vehicle they are driving.

Will there be restriction on P plate drivers driving at night?

No. However, night time has been shown to be a particularly dangerous time for inexperienced drivers.  As a result, it is recommended  that P plate drivers limit the amount of driving they do at night and seek other transport options where available, such as taxis, public transport and friends or family.