What are L plates?

L plates are the yellow rectangular plates displayed on the front and rear of a vehicle being driven by a learner driver. They feature a black capital letter L on a yellow background, are mandatory under state and territory road rules, and signal to other road users that the driver is in the early stage of learning to drive.

To get a learner permit, a person must usually be at least 16 years old (16 in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, ACT and Tasmania, 16 and 6 months in WA, 16 in SA after the 2023 reform from previously 16 and 6 months, and 16 in NT). The applicant passes a computer-based road rules knowledge test, an eyesight test, and pays a fee. The learner permit is then valid for several years (typically 3 to 5 years, depending on the state), giving time to log the required supervised driving hours.

Learner drivers must follow specific rules. They must always drive with a supervising driver who holds a full Australian licence (in most states held for at least three years) and is sober. The supervisor sits in the front passenger seat. L plates must be displayed front and rear at all times when driving. Speed limits are typically restricted (90 km/h in NSW for example). Mobile phone use is prohibited even hands-free. Towing trailers and driving high-powered vehicles is generally not permitted. Zero blood alcohol applies in every state.

Most states require learners to complete a minimum number of supervised driving hours before they can attempt the practical driving test. NSW and Victoria require 120 hours (including 20 hours at night) for learners under 25, recorded in an official log book. Queensland requires 100 hours including 10 at night. Other states have varying hour requirements or alternative competency-based pathways. After passing the practical driving test, the learner moves to a Provisional 1 licence and graduates from L plates to red P plates.