Nobody frames their P plates. Most people peel them off the day they're allowed to. Until then, the rules change with every stage and again at every state border. A red P-plater in Perth can't drive after midnight, one in Sydney can't go past 90km/h, and one in Melbourne can't touch their phone even to skip a song.
Here's every red and green P plate rule in Australia, state by state, from each transport authority's own pages as at November 2026. One rule is the same everywhere: every state and territory requires a zero blood alcohol reading on your Ps. Jump to your state below, or start with the comparison.
| State | Red P (P1) | Green P (P2) | P-plate speed cap | Demerit limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 12 months | 24 months | 90km/h (P1), 100km/h (P2) | 4 (P1), 7 (P2) |
| Victoria | 1 year (under 21s) | 3 years | None | 5 in 12 months |
| Queensland | 1 year | 2 years (under 25) | None | 4 in a year |
| South Australia | 12 months | 2 years, no plates | 100km/h | 4 |
| Western Australia | 6 months | 18 months or until 19 | None | 4 (year 1), 8 (year 2) |
| Tasmania | 12 months | 1 to 2 years, by age | 100km/h (P1) | 4 in a year |
| ACT | 12 months (under 25s) | 2 years | None | 4 in 3 years |
| Northern Territory | 2 years (1 if 25+) | No green stage | 100km/h | 5 in 12 months |
Minimum stage lengths for young drivers. Sources listed at the end of this guide, November 2026.
How long are you on your Ps?
For most young drivers, three years in total: one on red, two on green. Victoria is the long haul at four years if you're licensed before 21. WA gets you off red plates after six months, and the NT skips green plates altogether. Offences and suspensions stretch these minimums in every state.
Victoria is the long haul at four years. WA gets you off red plates fastest, after six months, and the NT never gives you green ones at all.
Sources: state and territory transport authorities, November 2026. Minimums only: offences, suspensions and age rules can extend them.
P-plate speed limits and demerit points compared
Four of the eight cap your speed on P plates: NSW, South Australia, Tasmania (red Ps only) and the NT. Victoria, Queensland, WA and the ACT let you drive to the signs. A cap is a maximum, not a target: 90km/h in a 110 zone, and the posted limit still rules where it's lower.
Four of the eight have a P-plate cap. The posted limit still applies wherever it's lower than your cap.
Sources: Transport for NSW, SA.GOV.AU, Plates Plus Tasmania, NT Road Users' Handbook, November 2026.
Four demerit points is the limit across most of the country, and it disappears faster than you'd think. NSW green P-platers and WA drivers in their second year get more room, while Victoria and the NT allow five in 12 months. Over Christmas, our double demerits guide is worth a read before you head off.
Most of the country gives you four points. In NSW, any speeding offence on red Ps suspends the licence regardless of the points.
Sources: state and territory transport authorities, November 2026.
NSW P plate rules
| Rule | Red P (P1) | Green P (P2) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum time | At least 12 months | At least 24 months |
| Speed cap | 90km/h | 100km/h |
| Passengers | Under 25: one passenger under 21, 11pm to 5am | No limit |
| Phones | No use at all | No use at all |
| Demerit limit | 4 points; any speeding means suspension | 7 points; speeding carries at least 4 |
| Towing | Trailers up to 250kg unloaded, with a P plate | No P-specific limit listed |
Source: Transport for NSW provisional P1 and P2 licence pages, November 2026.
Red P plate rules in NSW
NSW red P-platers are capped at 90km/h and can't use a phone at all, hands-free and loudspeaker included. Under-25s can carry only one passenger under 21 between 11pm and 5am, with work, family and volunteer exemptions by application. Any speeding offence suspends your licence for at least three months, and four points does the same, says Transport for NSW.
A few smaller ones catch people. You can tow only a trailer up to 250kg unloaded, with a P plate on the back of it. Pass in an automatic and you can drive only automatics solo. And you need at least 12 months on red before you can move up.
Green P plate rules in NSW
Green P-platers get 100km/h and a seven-point limit, but still no phone use of any kind. Any speeding offence carries at least four points, and each demerit or high-risk suspension adds six months to the 24 you need on P2. On both stages you can't supervise a learner or drive a prohibited high-performance car, and NSW says its rules apply interstate.
Queensland P plate rules
| Rule | Red P (P1) | Green P (P2) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum time | 1 year | 2 years (P2 issued under 25) |
| Speed cap | None | None |
| Passengers | Under 25: one passenger under 21 (not family), 11pm to 5am | No limit |
| Phones | No use (under 25) | Hands-free OK |
| Demerit limit | 4 in a year | 4 in a year |
| Cars | Under 25: no high-powered vehicles | Under 25: no high-powered vehicles |
Source: Queensland Government provisional licence pages, November 2026.
Red P plate rules in QLD
Queensland has no P-plate speed cap, but red P-platers under 25 can't use a phone at all, including hands-free, Bluetooth and loudspeaker. Their passengers can't use a phone on loudspeaker either. Between 11pm and 5am, you can carry only one passenger under 21 who isn't immediate family, according to the Queensland Government.
Getting here takes a year on your learner licence, 100 logged hours, and the hazard perception and practical tests. Four or more demerit points in a year means a suspension or a good driving behaviour period. Plates must be at least 14.6cm square and visible from 20 metres.
Green P plate rules in QLD
You move to green automatically after a year on red if you're 18 or older, and you start on P2 if you pass at 25 or over. Green P-platers have no passenger limit and can use a phone hands-free. You'll hold P2 for two years if it's issued before 25, says Queensland's licence progression page, and the four-point limit still applies.
Victorian P plate rules
| Rule | Red P (P1) | Green P (P2) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum time | 1 year (licensed under 21) | 3 years |
| Speed cap | None | None |
| Passengers | One peer passenger aged 16 to 21 | No limit |
| Phones | Pre-set mount only | Pre-set mount only |
| Demerit limit | 5 in 12 months, or 12 in 3 years | 5 in 12 months, or 12 in 3 years |
| Towing | Only for work, farming or with a supervisor | No limit |
Sources: Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations 2019 and Transport Victoria, November 2026.
Red P plate rules in Victoria
Victorian red P-platers can carry only one peer passenger, meaning anyone aged 16 to 21 other than a partner or sibling, unless a full licence holder sits beside you supervising. You can't tow unless it's for work or farming, or you're supervised. Licensed at 21 or older? You skip red plates and go straight to green.
The phone rule is the strictest in the country and covers both stages. Transport Victoria says a phone in a proper mount can play audio or run navigation if you set it up before you leave, but no touching and no voice control. So build the playlist in the driveway. A wireless CarPlay adapter doesn't change that.
Green P plate rules in Victoria
Green Ps last three years, with no passenger or towing restrictions, but the same phone rules and the same demerit limit of five points in 12 months or 12 in three years. A suspension generally extends your probationary period by its length plus six months. Plates are a white P on green, front and rear, visible from 20 metres, under the Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations.
WA P plate rules
| Rule | Red P (P1) | Green P (P2) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum time | First 6 months | 18 months, or until you turn 19 |
| Speed cap | None | None |
| Passengers | One passenger at all times | No limit |
| Night driving | Not midnight to 5am, except work or school | No limit |
| Phones | Hands-free OK | Hands-free OK |
| Demerit limit | 4 (from L plates to end of year one) | 8 (to end of year two) |
Source: WA Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure, November 2026.
Red P plate rules in WA
WA red Ps are short but strict. For six months you can carry just one passenger at all times, so your mates will need to draw straws. Extra passengers are allowed if one has held a full licence for four years, if they're family, or if your job needs it and you carry a letter, says WA's transport department.
You also can't drive between midnight and 5am unless you're going to, from or for work or school, by the shortest route, with proof such as a letter from your employer. Four demerit points, counted from your learner's permit to the end of your first year on Ps, means suspension or cancellation.
Green P plate rules in WA
Green plates run for the rest of a two-year provisional period, or until you turn 19 if that's later. The night and passenger limits drop away, and the demerit limit rises to eight points until the end of your second year. WA has no P-plate speed cap, allows hands-free phone use on both stages, and rewards a clean record with a free year on your first full licence renewal.
South Australian P plate rules
| Rule | Red P (P1) | Green P (P2) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum time | 12 months | 2 years (3 in total, and aged 20) |
| Speed cap | 100km/h | 100km/h |
| Passengers and night | Under 25: no driving midnight to 5am; one passenger aged 16 to 20 | No limit |
| Phones | No use at all | Hands-free OK |
| Demerit limit | 4 across the provisional period | 4 across the provisional period |
| Plates | Red P plates | No plates required |
Sources: SA.GOV.AU and MyLicence SA, November 2026.
Red P plate rules in SA
South Australian red P-platers are capped at 100km/h, and being caught 10km/h or more over any limit breaches your conditions. Phones are off limits, apart from paying at a drive-through or showing digital ID while stationary. Under-25s can't drive between midnight and 5am or carry more than one passenger aged 16 to 20 who isn't family, per SA.GOV.AU.
Those limits lift with a qualified supervising driver beside you or an exemption. P1 is the first 12 months of a three-year provisional period, and you'll need to pass the Hazard Perception Test to move up. Four or more demerit points at any stage means disqualification.
Green P plate rules in SA
On P2, South Australia doesn't make you display plates at all, and hands-free phone use is allowed. The night and passenger limits go, but the 100km/h cap and four-point limit stay. P2 lasts two years, and you get your full licence once you've done three years in total and turned 20.
Tasmanian P plate rules
| Rule | Red P (P1) | Green P (P2) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum time | 12 continuous months | 1 to 2 years, by age |
| Speed cap | 100km/h | Posted limit |
| Passengers | Under 25: one passenger aged 16 to 21 | No limit |
| Phones | No use at all | Hands-free or speaker OK |
| Demerit limit | 4 in a year | 4 in a year |
| Towing | Allowed, with a P plate if the trailer hides yours | Allowed |
Source: Plates Plus Tasmania P1 and P2 restriction pages, November 2026.
Red P plate rules in Tasmania
Tasmanian red P-platers are capped at 100km/h, even where a higher limit is posted, and can't use a phone. Under-25s can carry only one passenger aged 16 to 21. The exemptions for work, study, medical trips and family don't need an application, but you must be able to satisfy police, says Plates Plus Tasmania.
You need 12 continuous months on P1, and an offence, suspension or disqualification can restart the clock. Towing is allowed, with a P plate on the trailer if it hides your rear plate. Four demerit points in a year means suspension.
Green P plate rules in Tasmania
How long you hold P2 depends on your age when you get it: two years if you're under 23, 12 months or until you turn 25 (whichever is longer) if you're 23 or 24, and 12 months from 25. Green P-platers drive to the posted limit and can use hands-free or speaker. Finish both stages clean and your first full licence is a free three-year one.
ACT P plate rules
| Rule | Red P (P1) | Green P (P2) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum time | 12 months (under 25s) | 2 years |
| Speed cap | None | None |
| Passengers | One passenger aged 16 to 22, 11pm to 5am | No limit |
| Phones | No use at all | No use at all |
| Demerit limit | 4 in 3 years | 4 in 3 years |
| Towing | Nothing over 750kg | No P-specific limit listed |
Sources: Access Canberra and ACT City Services, November 2026.
Red P plate rules in the ACT
The ACT provisional licence runs three years, and under-25s spend the first 12 months on red plates. Between 11pm and 5am you can carry only one passenger aged 16 to 22, with exemptions for work, school and family. You can't tow a trailer over 750kg, and phones are banned outright, hands-free included, says Access Canberra.
Green P plate rules in the ACT
You move to green automatically after 12 months, and Access Canberra sends a letter telling you to swap plates. Licensed at 25 or older? You're on P2 for all three years. The phone ban stays, and four points in three years brings a three-month suspension that doesn't count towards your Ps. A clean P1 record gets you 50 per cent back on the P2 part of your licence fee.
NT P plate rules: red plates only
The Northern Territory has no green stage. You wear red P plates for the whole provisional period, two years or one if you're 25 or older, with a 100km/h cap and no phone use, hands-free included. Five demerit points in 12 months means suspension. You can tow, but you can't supervise a learner.
The NT's zero alcohol rule also outlasts your plates, continuing for 12 months after your Ps or until you turn 25, whichever comes first. Pass in an automatic and you're limited to automatics for 12 months unless supervised. These details come from the NT Road Users' Handbook and the federal Office of Road Safety summary, so confirm with the MVR.
What cars can P-platers drive?
Four states restrict the car itself. NSW and Victoria ban every P-plater from cars over 130kW per tonne or with a performance engine modification, and Queensland and South Australia do the same for under-25s. WA, Tasmania, the ACT and the NT don't. Run any car through our P-plate car checker, see which popular cars are P-plate legal, and read our P-plate modifications guide before you bolt anything on.
Driving interstate on your Ps
Your home state's conditions come with you. Transport for NSW says its rules apply interstate, so a NSW red P-plater is still capped at 90km/h on the Bruce Highway. Some states also apply their rules to visitors: Victoria says a NSW P2 driver must not drive a probationary prohibited vehicle there. Crossing a border? Follow whichever rule is stricter.
Still choosing what to drive through all this? Our guides to the safest first cars for P-platers and the best first cars under $20,000 are a good start. Want a bit more fun? A used Toyota 86 is P-plate legal, and being a Toyota it's a trusty little wizzer that makes a great base for tinkering once the plates come off.
P-plate questions people actually ask
Red P plates are the first provisional stage (P1) and carry the most restrictions, such as passenger limits and, in some states, lower speed caps or night driving bans. Green P plates are the second stage (P2), with fewer restrictions. In most states you move from red to green after 6 to 12 months. The NT has no green stage, and SA drivers don’t display plates at all on P2.
It depends on the state. WA allows only 1 passenger at all times. Victoria allows one passenger aged 16 to 21, Tasmania the same for drivers under 25, and SA one aged 16 to 20 for drivers under 25. NSW, Queensland and the ACT limit young passengers only between 11pm and 5am. Family members and supervising drivers are generally exempt, but the exemptions differ.
Yes in most states. SA red P-platers under 25 can’t drive between midnight and 5am, and WA red P-platers can’t drive between midnight and 5am except for work or school. NSW, Queensland and the ACT restrict passengers late at night instead of banning driving.
In NSW, Queensland (P1 under 25), SA (P1), the ACT, Tasmania (P1) and the NT you can’t use a phone at all while driving, including hands-free. Victoria allows navigation and audio on a phone in a proper mount if it’s set up before you leave and you don’t touch it. Green P-platers in Queensland, SA and Tasmania, and P-platers in WA, can use hands-free.
Your own state’s conditions generally travel with you. NSW says its P1 and P2 rules apply when driving interstate or overseas, and Victoria applies its prohibited vehicle rule to visiting NSW P2 drivers. Follow whichever rule is stricter.
Sources
Rules checked against these official pages in November 2026. Licence rules change, so check your state's transport authority before relying on any of them. This guide isn't legal advice.
- Transport for NSW: Provisional P1 licence
- Transport for NSW: Provisional P2 licence
- Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations 2019 (Vic), regs 49 to 61
- Transport Victoria: Device rules for new and young drivers
- Transport Victoria: Demerit points
- Queensland Government: Provisional licence restrictions
- Queensland Government: P2 provisional licence
- SA.GOV.AU: Licence conditions, restrictions and exemptions
- MyLicence SA: P2 provisional licence
- WA Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure: Driving on your P plates
- Plates Plus Tasmania: P1 restrictions
- Plates Plus Tasmania: P2 restrictions
- Access Canberra: Licence classes and conditions
- ACT City Services: Learner and provisional driver safety
- NT Road Users’ Handbook
- Office of Road Safety: Rules for P plate drivers by state and territory (May 2025)
