SOME NEW RULES
APPLY, EVEN FOR FULLY
LICENSED DRIVERS

THE NEW RULES IN DETAIL | Print |

FROM 1 JULY 2008, A P1 PROBATIONARY DRIVER CAN ONLY CARRY ONE PASSENGER AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 21

Allowances will be made for carrying family members, when accompanied by a fully licensed driver (as is the case for learner drivers) and for essential activities. Exemptions from the peer passenger restrictions may be available on the grounds of hardship.

The existing passenger limit imposed on first year probationary drivers who commit serious traffic offences still applies.

NEW ON ROAD DRIVING TEST

From 1 July 2008, there will be a new and improved on road driving test for all drivers who want to apply for a licence.

NEW P1 AND P2 PROBATIONARY LICENCES

From 1 July 2008, all new probationary drivers will be covered by a two stage, four year licence system. They’ll have a P1 licence (shown by a red P plate) for the first 12 months, followed by a P2 licence (green P plate) for the next three years. If they’re over 21 they will move straight to a P2 licence. 

ALCOHOL INTERLOCK

From 1 January 2007, a probationary driver or any driver under 26, caught for a drink driving offence involving a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .07 or higher, will have an alcohol interlock fitted to their car when they return to driving. If the interlock detects any alcohol on a driver's breath, the car won't start. For more information about alcohol interlock click here.

LEARNER PERMIT FOR 12 MONTHS

From 1 July 2007, a learner driver (under 21) must stay on their learner permit for at least 12 months before they can apply for their probationary licence. They also have to carry their permit whenever they drive.

120 HOURS OF SUPERVISED DRIVING

From 1 July 2007, a learner driver (under 21) must log at least 120 hours of supervised driving, including a minimum of 10 hours night driving, before they can apply for their probationary licence. Click here to download a PDF version of the Learner Kit from the VicRoads website.

LOGBOOK

A completed Learner Log Book, with a record of a minimum of 120 hours of supervised driving, must be presented when the learner is applying for their probationary licence. Each entry must be signed by the supervising driver, and the learner and supervising driver both must sign the 'Declaration of Completion'. Click here for the first several pages of the logbook which show how to complete it correctly.

"KEYS PLEASE"

"Keys Please" is a free, 90 minute session for learner drivers or soon to be learner drivers and their parents or supervising drivers. It shows you how to get the maximum benefit from your learner period and become a responsible and safe driver. Click here to jump to the "Keys Please" page on the VicRoads website. 

RESTRICTIONS ON DRIVING HIGH POWERED VEHICLES

If you are a probationary driver and obtained your licence after 1 July 2007, you can't drive a vehicle with:

  • An engine of eight or more cylinders
  • A turbocharged or supercharged engine
  • Certain high performance six cylinder engines
  • An engine that has been modified to increase the vehicle's performance.

If they get caught driving any of these vehicles, they’ll have to pay a fine and you’ll receive three demerit points.

Vehicles excluded from these restrictions...

  • Turbocharged or supercharged diesel powered cars (without engine performance modifications)
  • Nominated vehicles with low powered turbocharged or supercharged engines, including Suzuki Cappucino 2D Cabriolet Turbo 3 cylinder 689cc, Daihatsu Copen L880 2D Convertible 4 cylinder 659cc
  • All models of the Smart car, produced by Mercedes Benz.
  • Vehicles driven as a part of the driver’s employment and at the request of the employer.

For more information on the restricted vehicles click here.

NO MOBILE PHONE USE

While driving, learner or P1 probationary drivers are not allowed to use a mobile phone, that includes hand held, hands free, or messaging of any kind.

A GOOD DRIVING RECORD

All young drivers will need a good driving record to progress to the next stage of licensing. A poor driving record, for example drink or drug driving offences, will extend the P1 or P2 licence period by six months.

TOWING

Drivers on a P1 licence you can’t tow, unless it’s for work or they are being instructed.

 

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