On 1 July 2008, a two stage probationary licence system 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 driver with a probationary licence issued before 1 July 2008, will continue to be covered by the previous system.

A probationary driver who is aged 21 or older, when first licenced, will move directly to a P2 licence.

What’s different about a P1?

P1 requirements include…

• Must stay on a P1 licence for at least 12 months
• No mobile phone use of any kind.
• P1 driver can only carry one passenger aged between 16 and 21.
• No towing (unless for work or if under instruction).
• Restrictions on driving high powered vehicles
• Drink driving offenders may have an alcohol interlock fitted to their vehicle
• Any licence suspension, drink driving offence with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) up to 0.05, or drug driving offence will result in an extension of the P1 licence period for six months, plus the period of suspension.
• If the P1 licence is suspended, a passenger limit of one will apply for the remainder of the P1 period.
• Other existing P provisions will also apply.

What’s different about a P2?

P2 requirements include…

• A three year minimum
• Restrictions on driving high powered vehicles
• Drink driving offenders may have an alcohol interlock fitted to their vehicle.
• Any licence suspension will result in an extension of the P2 period by six months, plus the period of suspension.
• Other existing P provisions will also apply

From 1 July 2008, the new P1 and P2 probationary licence system will commence.

This is the third and final stage of the introduction of Victoria’s new graduated licensing system.

To help identify P1 and P2 drivers the colour of their P plates will be different. P1 drivers will have to display a white P on a red background  and P2 drivers a white P on a green background. Examples of these are displayed below.

It is important for all learner and probationary drivers to display the correct plates whenever they drive a vehicle. If you don’t display the correct plates, you could incur three demerit points and be fined.

What you need to do:

If you are a learner
You must display L plates whenever you drive, regardless of when you obtained your learner permit.
If you obtained your probationary licence before 1 July 2008
You must display P plates whenever you drive during your probationary period. Up to 1 July 2008 these must be a white P on a red background.  However, from 1 July 2008, you must display the new green plates for the remainder of your P2 probationary period. More
If you will obtain your probationary licence after 1 July 2008
You must display P plates whenever you drive during your probationary period.  If you are a P1 driver, you must display red P plates, or green P plates if you are a P2 driver.

The colour used on the new green P plate is Pantone 356U

Using your L and P plates

This is important information about using your L and P plates.

Plates must be clearly visible

It is your responsibility to make sure that the car you are driving has your L or P plates clearly visible at all times.

You must display your L or P plates, at the front and back of the car whenever you drive.

This is really important  as you can be fined and incur three demerit points.

Below is a list of the various types of plates you could use. Select the plates that suit you , and make sure they can be seen easily.

Internal plates

Electrostatic

These are attached to the inside of the front and rear windows, and are made of see-through, electrostatic material.

Solid plastic

These plates, with suction cups, are also used internally. These plates are suggested  if you remove and reapply the plates on a regular basis.

External plates

Solid plastic

These plates can be used externally if holes are drilled and they are attached to the number plates, front and rear.

Magnetic

There is the magnetic style which can be used externally, but you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and remove them at least once a week. You should also take care not to leave them on the outside of the car, as they can be easily removed  when the car  is unattended.

Peel and stick-on

Reusable peel-off/stick-on ·plates can be ·peeled off and attached to the outside of the front and rear windows.

Frames

Fr ames to hold the plates are also available and can be attached to the front and back number plates.

These internal and external styles are available from a range of retail outlets across Victoria .

Tinted windows

If you have tinted windows, VicRoads recommends that you should consider using external plates.

Depending on how dark the tint is, internal plates may be difficult to see and you could be fined and incur demerit points for not having them clearly visible.

Demister lines

Always take care when attaching objects directly on to rear window demister lines as this may cause damage to the lines.

If you are concerned that your plates may affect the demister lines, then VicRoads recommends that you consider using external plates.

Replacements plates

If you received a pair of green P plates from VicRoads in June 2008, and you are having problems with them, please contact us to exchange them for a free replacement pair.

Go to our Feedback Page and send us your request for a free replacement pair. Please quote your probationary licence number in this ·request.

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