What are P plates?

P plates are the coloured rectangular plates displayed on the front and rear of a vehicle driven by a provisional licence holder. Most Australian states use two stages: a red P plate (Provisional 1) for the first year and a green P plate (Provisional 2) for the next two or three years before a full licence is granted. The exact colours and timing vary slightly between states.

A learner becomes a P1 driver by passing the practical driving test after their learner period. P1 holders display red P plates and are subject to specific restrictions: zero blood alcohol, no use of mobile phones (even hands-free), reduced maximum speed (typically 100 km/h in NSW, although 100 km/h on signed freeways in Victoria), restrictions on the number of peer-aged passengers (1 passenger under 21 between 11pm and 5am in NSW, no high-performance vehicles, and harsher demerit-point thresholds. The P1 stage lasts at least 12 months in most states.

After 12 months on P1, the driver can move to P2 (green P plates) by demonstrating no disqualifications during the P1 period. Some states require a Hazard Perception Test. P2 holders display green P plates and have reduced restrictions: speed limits closer to general restrictions, fewer passenger limits, but maintain zero blood alcohol and mobile phone restrictions. The P2 stage typically lasts three years (in NSW and Victoria) or two years (in some other states).

After the full P2 period and any required tests, the driver receives a full unrestricted licence. Drivers under 25 can demerit-point their licences faster than older drivers because the threshold is lower for provisional drivers (4 points triggers suspension in NSW, compared to 13 for full licence holders). Demerit points stay on a driving record for three years from the date of the offence. The graduated licensing scheme has been credited with substantial reductions in young driver crashes since its introduction in the 1990s and 2000s, although young drivers remain disproportionately represented in fatal crashes.