One thing you can never say about state and territory governments is that their first instinct when drafting new laws is to try to make them uniform with other states.
Given that road rules and licensing are enforced by the states and territories, rather than at a federal level, it’s no surprise to discover that learner and provisional car licence laws can be very different across Australia.
It is also not news to say that inexperienced drivers are more likely to be killed or injured in a vehicle accident.
So we now have various schemes implemented to ensure learners and inexperienced drivers are delivered opportunities to not only pass a rudimentary driving test but also become safe, competent road users.
Having to stay on a provisional licence for longer than before if under 25 is just one of the changes in recent years.
Minimum driving hours for learners, passing a hazard perception test and restrictions on passengers for provisional drivers are other changes for some, but not all, states.
It’s important to understand your responsibilities as a learner or provisional driver – or as a parent, relative or friend helping the new driver – when learning to drive and then navigating the way though the provisional licence stage.
There are similarities between jurisdictions, but equally there are also some variations and some completely different state-specific laws. This is why you need to know the rules specific to where you’re getting your learner or provisional licence.
Things get even more complicated if you drive on a learner or provisional licence outside of your home state or territory.
For specific requirements that are legal in your state on L- or P-plates but not in the state you intend to drive to (such as towing a trailer, or driving a high-performance car) you are best to get current information from the roads authority in the state or territory to which you intend to travel.
To help you to begin navigating L-plate and P-plate laws, here’s our state-by-state guide to getting on the road.
While we have made every effort to keep these outlines accurate, L- and P-plate laws can, and do, change. So before you treat the following information as gospel, please also consult the appropriate licensing authority in your home state.
Each Australian state and territory enforces its own restrictions on L- and P-platers, but there are a few rules that every jurisdiction has in common.
Firstly, L- and P-platers are not allowed to have any alcohol or drugs in their system while driving.
Secondly, like all motorists, P-platers cannot use a phone or mobile device while operating a motor vehicle. That said, in some states that includes even hands-free devices.
These rules are in conjunction with displaying P-plates prominently on the vehicle and always wearing a seat belt.
From here on in, rules are more specific, depending on the state or territory in which you live.
Click on the links below to find out more for each jurisdiction across Australia: