Getting your P plates is like getting your freedom licence for lots of Australian younger folks. Nevertheless, some main restrictions nonetheless apply in some states on the subject of velocity limits.

• Provisional licence holders have restrictions in some jurisdictions
• Different areas permit P platers to drive on the most signposted restrict
• There could also be variations between P1 and P2 licence holders

Having the ability to drive wherever you need with out having a guardian, guardian or teacher accompany you is maybe one of many best and most unnerving issues a 17-year-old can undergo.

However with nice freedom comes nice accountability, and provisional drivers could also be tempted to drive at speeds better than their licence (or the legislation) says they need to.

Some jurisdictions throughout Australia have strict velocity limits that apply to P plate drivers, whereas others permit them to drive on the most velocity restrict that every one gentle autos can journey.

In case you’re not conscious, provisional licence-holders have some restrictions which might be utilized nationwide. They embody: a zero-tolerance restrict for alcohol and medicines; displaying a P plate (see our story about the place P plates have to be positioned); and zero-tolerance for cell phone  use whereas driving. 

Right here’s a rundown of the legal guidelines for provisional licence holders throughout the states and territories in Australia:

New South Wales: P1 licence – 90km/h, P2 licence – 100km/h: New South Wales has a few of the strictest guidelines for velocity enforcement for provisional drivers. Those that maintain their P1 (purple P plate) licence are restricted to 90km/h, which is similar as what an L-plater is allowed to drive. And people with their inexperienced Ps (P2 licence) can drive at a most of 100km/h.

As for the period that drivers should maintain every of these licences, the P1 licence is required for at least 12 months, whilst you should maintain your P2 licence for twenty-four months earlier than you may get your full licence.

Victoria: P1 and P2 licence – no restrict: Victoria’s graduated licencing system requires P1 (purple P plate) licence holders to finish 12 months of driving earlier than they’ll then get their P2 (inexperienced P plate) licence, which they have to maintain for an additional three years. It’s the longest provisional licencing scheme in Australia.

Nevertheless, additionally it is among the many most lenient, with no particular velocity limitations for purple or inexperienced P platers. Simply be careful for these velocity cameras, as they’re in all places, they usually’re not signposted like in different states.

ACT: P1 and P2 licence – no restrict: Within the ACT there’s a two-stage provisional licence setup, with the primary being P1, or purple P plates for the primary 12 months, adopted by two years of inexperienced P plates (P2). In case you get your P plates on the age of 25 or older, you received’t need to be a purple P-plater in any respect.

It doesn’t matter what color your plates are, although, the ACT doesn’t impose any velocity restrictions for provisional drivers, so they’re free to drive to the utmost signposted restrict within the ACT. Nevertheless, similar to with L-platers, P-platers from the landlocked-by-NSW space might want to be aware that they have to abide by the legal guidelines of their surrounding state, which means P1 restricted to 90km/h and P2 restricted to 100km/h. 

Northern Territory: Provisional licence – 100km/h: The Northern Territory has the nation’s highest velocity limits at 130km/h for some sections of the principle highways, however P platers should not allowed to go that quick – these with provisional licences are restricted to 100km/h throughout the Territory.

Within the NT there isn’t a staged provisional licence program. P-platers get purple Ps, and that’s what they hold on to till they’re totally licenced. The period of the P-plate licence is dependent upon the particular person’s age – these beneath 25 years outdated should maintain their Ps for not less than two years, whereas these 25 or older should have their Ps for not less than one yr. 

Queensland: P1 and P2 licence – no restrict: Queensland doesn’t impose velocity restrictions on P1 (purple P) or P2 (inexperienced P) drivers. P2 licence holders not have passenger restrictions, and might use a cellphone (handsfree!) whereas driving.

Drivers should maintain their P1 licence for not less than 12 months earlier than they’ll graduate to a P2 licence, which have to be held for 2 years for these beneath issued a P2 licence whereas lower than 25 years of age. For these aged 24 years and older, the P2 period shall be 12 months.

South Australia: P1 and P2 licence – 100km/h: South Australia has a barely completely different method than different states, with each P1 and P2 licence holders allowed to drive as much as 100km/h.

Apparently, the P1 licence holder should show purple P plates on their automotive, they usually have to carry their P1 licence for 12 months. P2 licence holders have a 24-month licence interval, however they don’t have to show their P plates anymore. 

Western Australia: Provisional licence – no restrict: P platers in Western Australia are “not restricted to any specific velocity and might drive as much as the posted velocity restrict on any gazetted street in WA”.

In WA, “novice drivers” on their provisional licence will begin off with purple P plates, which final for six months and embody som restrictions for nighttime driving, after which progress to inexperienced P plates thereager. You’ll begin off with purple P plates and switch to ‘inexperienced Ps’ after six months. Night time time driving restrictions apply to the primary six months, and you should then maintain your inexperienced P licence for 18 months or till you flip 19, whichever interval is longer.

Tasmania: P1 licence – 100km/h; P2 licence – no restrict: Looks like a reasonably progressive method from Tasmania, the place these drivers who maintain a P1 (purple P plate) licence can drive as much as 100km/h, and people with their inexperienced Ps (P2) are allowed to drive at regardless of the most signposted restrict is.

Tassie P1 licence holders should have their purple Ps for 12 months. P2 drivers are allowed to make use of a cellphone in handsfree or speaker mode, and should maintain their inexperienced Ps for various quantities of time relying on their age: “In case you are beneath 23 whenever you get your P2 licence, you’ll need to carry the licence for two years; in case you are 23 or older however beneath 25, you’ll need to carry the licence for 12 months or till you flip 25. The time that applies shall be whichever of those is longer. In case you are 25 or older, you’ll need to carry the licence for 12 months.”

Tasmania additionally has a pleasant reward for many who don’t get in hassle on their P1 and P2 licences – the state will present “eligible drivers and riders with a three-year full licence that’s valued at as much as $75.75.”

Not meant as authorized recommendation. Test with the related roads authority in your state or territory.