P Plate Rules & Restrictions in Victoria

P Plate Rules & Restrictions in Victoria

Understanding the regulations and restrictions associated with the provisional P plates in Victoria might be overwhelming for those starting their driving journey. Whether you’re behind getting your red or green P plates, learning these rules is essential for your safety and staying within the legal boundaries.

This guide will help you understand the process of obtaining your license and the P plate rules in VIC. 

Getting Your License & P plates in VIC

Learner Permit: 

The first step to getting your driver’s license is to obtain a Learner Permit – Well known as the “Ls” -. To obtain this permit, you must be at least 16 years of age or older and follow the following requirements: 

• Reside at a Victorian address
• Prove your identity
• Meet the necessary medical requirements for driving
• Not be disqualified from obtaining a learner permit
• Not currently be subject to a Fines Victoria license suspension
• Have no outstanding relicensing requirements, such as a Licence Eligibility Order
• Pay the applicable fees
• Successfully passing all relevant tests. The“Learner Permit Test” tests can be done online or in person.

Some rules and restrictions of the Ls include: 

• You must display clearly the “Yellow L.” 
• Drinking alcohol is NOT allowed. 
• You must be supervised when driving.  
• You must not use any Mobile device.  
• Do not tow a trailer, caravan, or another vehicle.
• There is no set speed limit driving on your Ls, but you should always drive within the speed limit and at a safe speed for your area.

Getting P Plates in Victoria 

The following step is to obtain the P Plates to get your full license. The P plates include 2 processes – The P1 or “Red P Plate” and then The P2 license or “Green P Plate”-. 

To apply for the P1 and P2 plates, you must be at least 18 years of age and have held the learner permit for a minimum continuous period immediately before applying for your licence; the amount of time, according to the age, is: 

• Under 21: Wait for 12 months
• 21 to under 25: Wait for 6 months
• 25 or older: Wait for months

You have to meet the following requirements: 

• Live at a Victorian address.
• Show valid proof of identity.
• Not be suspended, cancelled, disqualified, or refused a probationary driver’s licence.
• Not be under a Fines Victoria licence sanction.
• Have no outstanding relicensing requirements, like a Licence Eligibility Order
• Pay the necessary fees.
• If you’re under 21:
  a. Complete and log a minimum of 120 hours of supervised driving, including at least 20 hours at night (unless exempted)
  b. Hold a current car learner permit continuously for a minimum period before applying for a driver’s license (unless exempted)
  c. If your learner permit was issued before November 1, 2017, complete at least 10 hours of nighttime driving.
• Pass all the required tests:
       a.  If you currently hold a learner permit.
             You must take:
                 1. Eyesight test
                 2. The Hazard Perception Test (online or in-person, to be completed before your Drive Test appointment)
                 3. The Drive Test
  
  b.  If you have held a motorcycle licence within the last 5 years.
  You must take:
                 1. Eyesight test
                 2. The Drive Test
   
  c.  If you’ve indicated on your application form that you have a medical or eyesight condition, A medical or eyesight report may be required.

Driver licence and learner permit fees

The amount you’ll have to pay will vary depending on several factors, but normally, you’ll have to pay a fee depending on the type of licence you are applying for, and there’s also going to be some test and appointment fees required.

To check the full list of prices, check the VicRoads and Public Transport Victoria website.

P1 or Red P Plates license – Rules & Restrictions

Red P plate rules vic: 

• Carry your driver’s licence while driving.
• Display visible “Red P plates” on the front and back of your vehicle, visible from at least 20 meters away, unless you fall under specific exemptions:
  a. A member of the police force driving for work.
  b. A Country Fire Authority (CFA) member driving for firefighting operations.
  c. Driving an ambulance or Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) vehicle for work.
• Maintain a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of zero.
• Drive an automatic vehicle and have an A condition on your licence if initially tested in one. 

Red P plate car restrictions vic:

As a probationary driver, you should not own another vehicle or trailer unless:

• It’s required for your employment and requested by your employer.
• The vehicle or trailer is solely used for agricultural, horticultural, dairy, pastoral, commercial fishing, or similar purposes.
• A ‘full licence driver’ is present beside you while driving.

Regarding probationary prohibited vehicles, you can drive them under specific circumstances:

• If you’re a member of the police force driving for work.
• When driving the vehicle for work as requested by your employer.
• When driving for your business or commuting to and from your premises with an active Australian Business Number (ABN).
• While learning to drive a heavy vehicle with a full licence holder accompanying you.
• Or if granted an exemption from this restriction by VicRoads.

P2 or Green P Plate license – Rules & Restrictions

Green P plate rules VIC:

• Hold your P2 licence while driving.
• Display visible “Green P plates” on the front and back of your vehicle, noticeable from at least 20 meters away, unless exempted in the following cases:
  a. A member of the police force is driving for work.
  b. Member of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) driving for fire fighting operations.
  c. Driving an ambulance or Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) vehicle for work.
• Maintain a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) while driving.
• If your test was conducted in one, drive an automatic vehicle and hold an A condition on your licence.

Restrictions for green P plates in VIC: 

As a probationary driver, you should not drive a prohibited vehicle unless:

• You’re a member of the police force driving a vehicle for work.
• You’re driving the vehicle for work as requested by your employer.
• You’re driving for your business or commuting to and from your premises with an active Australian Business Number (ABN).
• You’re learning to drive a heavy vehicle with a full licence holder beside you.
• VicRoads have exempted you from this restriction.

P Plate Passenger Rules in VIC

For instance, P1 drivers (red P plates) cannot carry more than one passenger aged 16 to 22 between 11 pm and 5 am unless those passengers are immediate family members. 

P2 drivers (green P plates) face similar restrictions but have slightly more flexibility. These rules are designed to ensure the safety of young drivers and their passengers while they gain road experience.

Driving With An Interstate Licence Or Permit

If you’ve recently relocated to Victoria from another Australian state, territory, or country, you can start obtaining a Victorian driver’s licence and/or learner permit. Remember that this process must be completed if you plan to spend at least 6 months in Victoria. 

To learn more about the process, check the Victorian Transport Website.

Convert Your Overseas Licence

If you’re in Victoria for a visit lasting less than six months, you can drive using your current and valid overseas driver’s license. However, if you plan to live in Victoria for six months or longer, you must convert your overseas license or permit to a Victorian one.

To determine the appropriate Victorian license for you, please fill out the form provided in the link below:

Convert Your Overseas Licence – VicRoads.

Discover Victoria With Popcar

Prioritising safety and adhering to traffic rules is important at every journey stage. Whether you’re embarking on your driving journey or progressing toward a full license, driving responsibly is critical to enjoying the freedom of the open roads.

For those keen on exploring Victoria conveniently and affordably, we invite you to join the Popcar community. With Popcar, access vehicles when needed to explore Victoria and the rest of Australia. Discover more about our services, pricing, and locations, and let’s kickstart your next road adventure together.