From 1 July 2008, P1 drivers can carry no more than one passenger aged 16 to 21 years.

• to immediate family members (e.g., siblings, spouse, domestic partners) or
• when a P1 licence holder is driving an emergency vehicle (e.g., ambulance, police, fire fighting, SES) or
• when a P1 licence holder is accompanied by a fully licenced, experienced driver who is sitting beside them (as is the case for learner drivers).

Why is the passenger restriction being introduced?

The facts are simple

Carrying two or more passengers significantly increases the risk of a P plate driver being involved in a fatal crash. The risk for P plate drivers is four times as great as the risk of driving alone or with only one passenger, as shown in this graph.

Fatal crash risk with multiple passengers

Risk per million km driven for probationary and full licensed drivers Melbourne 2000 - 2002

Only nine per cent of first year P plate drivers’ total driving and seven per cent of their trips involve driving with two or more passengers. Despite this, around 26 per cent of first year P plate drivers involved in fatal crashes are carrying two or more passengers.

Alcohol affected peer passengers can pose a dangerous distraction for an inexperienced driver.

A group of peer passengers can also directly and indirectly encourage more risk taking behaviour.

Why introduce a peer passenger restriction for the P1 period?

The first 12 months of driving on a P licence is when crashes most commonly occur. Therefore, limiting P plate driving to less risky driving situations in the first 12 months will help to reduce the risk of being involved in a crash.

Probationary drivers are involved in casualty crashes at three times the rate of experienced drivers.

Crash profile of new drivers

• to immediate family members (e.g., siblings, spouse, domestic partners) or
• when a P1 licence holder is driving an emergency vehicle (e.g., ambulance, police, fire fighting, SES) or
• when a P1 licence holder is accompanied by a fully licenced, experienced driver who is sitting beside them (as is the case for learner drivers).

Why are new P plate drivers involved in more crashes?

The most important factor in crashes for newly licensed P plate drivers is inexperience combined with high risk driving situations, for example driving with multiple peer passengers. Therefore EVERY P plate driver is at risk (not just ‘hoons’).

Learners under supervision rarely have crashes because they have another pair of experienced eyes to help them.

P1 AND P2 PROBATIONARY LICENCES

On 1 July 2008, a two stage probationary licence sytsem 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).

If they’re over 21 when they are licensed they will move straight to a P2 licence.

The new GLS will also involve other new measures, including:

• A new and improved on road driving test for all drivers applying for a licence.
• A learner under the age of 21, when they apply for their licence, must gain at least 120 hours driving practice.
• A complete ban on any mobile phone use for learner and P1 drivers.
• A requirement for a good driving record to progress to the next stage.
• New restrictions on driving high powered vehicles.
• No towing (unless for work or if under instruction) for P1 drivers.
• A P1 driver can only carry one passenger aged between 16 and 21.
  

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