Once you've got your probationary licence, you can hit the road unaccompanied. Don't get too cocky though - new drivers are far more likely to die or be injured in accidents, so make sure you don't become a statistic.
P1 and P2
As of July 1, 2008 there will be two kinds of probationary licenses in Victoria:
- P1 (red P plate), which lasts for at least the first 12 months of probationary driving
- P2 (green P plate), which normally starts 12 months from when you get your P1 license and lasts for at least three years
If you are found guilty of any driving offences or you break any of the rules that apply to P1 or P2 license holders, you may have the duration of your P1 or P2 license extended as part of any penalties that are applied to you.
Rules and restrictions
There are certain restrictions and rules while you're on your Ps.
If you obtain a probationary licence (P1 or P2) on or after 1 July 2008, you must abide by the following rules:
Rules and restrictions for P1 drivers
As a P1 probationary driver, the following restrictions apply:
- You're only permitted to carry one passenger aged between 16 and 21
- No mobile phone use, hands free or hand-held, or any messaging of any kind, is allowed
- You're not allowed to tow anything unless you're doing it for work or you're under instruction
- If your licence is cancelled or suspended as a result of a traffic offence, you're only allowed to carry one passenger (whatever their age) for the balance of your P1 period (there are exceptions to this rule).
Rules and restrictions for P1 and P2 drivers
The following rules and restrictions apply to both P1 AND P2 probationary drivers:
- You can't drive high powered vehicles such as eight cylinder cars, cars with turbocharged or supercharged engines, or nominated high performance six cylinder cars (offences will attract a fine and three demerit points)
- Any suspension, drink driving offence without licence cancellation or suspension, or drug driving offence will result in an extension of your current P1 or P2 period
Other rules that you should be aware of during your P1 or P2 probationary period include:
- You can't have any alcohol or illicit drugs in your body
- You must display your P-plates at all times when driving
- You will lose your licence if you get five demerit points in a year, or 12 over a three-year period
- If you got your licence driving an automatic car, you aren't allowed to drive a manual car until you get a full licence or pass another drive test in a manual car.
Drugs and driving
Most drivers are aware of the issues of drink driving, but drug driving is also a major contributor to road fatalities in Victoria. In 2003, 31 per cent of drivers killed in Victoria tested positive to drugs other than alcohol.
Under laws that have been in effect since 2004, Victoria Police can conduct random roadside saliva testing to detect drivers who've taken illicit drugs. The roadside saliva tests can detect the presence of both THC (the active component in marijuana) and methamphetamine (speed, ice, crystal meth).
The new random roadside saliva testing is aimed at making Victoria's roads safer for everyone by reducing the incidence of drug driving. For further information about random roadside saliva testing for illicit drugs call 1300 369 819.
Getting your full licence
You will get your full licence when you have successfully completed your probationary P2 period. Once you've got your full licence you are still bound by the road rules and responsibilities (new window) that apply to all Victorian drivers. If you are unsure of any road rules, make sure you take the time to check them out.
And for an easy-to-follow, fun guide to getting your drivers licence, check out the "Direct Route to Licence Town" cartoon (new window) on the VicRoads Arrive Alive website.
Safe and happy driving!
Links
Arrive Alive! - The Graduated Licensing System (new window)
Use the online tool to select what kind of driver you are and find out how the new licensing laws affect you.
Arrive Alive! - Victoria's Road Safety Strategy (new window)
Info about the main safety issues for Victorian drivers - and particularly young drivers - including road design, speeding, drink driving, fatigue and vehicle safety.
Vic Roads - Introduction to Licensing (new window)
Links, tips, information and answers to questions on dozens of licence and driving related topics including fees, types of licences, getting of Ls and getting your Ps.
Transport Accident Commission (TAC) - Safety (new window)
In this section of the TAC site there are a number of tools to help you while you gain practice on the roads. There's information about the kind of practice you'll need, how to get your parents to stop making excuses, and tips on how to drive in different road conditions.
Victoria Police - Young Drivers (new window)
Victoria Police is committed to providing specialist and support services aimed at ensuring that Victoria's roads remain some of the safest in Australia.
