The road-related laws present in the rulebook of the NSW government are especially designed to ensure safer driving on the road, while simultaneously protecting every person that is present in the same jurisdiction or area. The legislation outlines how Provisional (P) and Leaner (L) license holders are supposed to abide by a predetermined set of road rules that are highly significant for the drivers’ safety and security, as well as the pedestrians around them (if any). When a resident of NSW first receives their Learner license, the government expects them to follow the predefined road rules and regulations that every P or L plate driver must keep in mind while they are driving on the road. To make the memorization of the NSW road regulations easier for every P and L plate driver, we have simplified the process for each driver to learn every rule by heart with maximized ease. Continue reading to know more.
Guidelines for Learner (L) License Holders
To begin with, an Australian resident who wishes to apply for a Learner's license must be at least 16 years of age. Defining this age limit does not mean that a Learner can drive without supervision, in fact, a learner license holder is supposed to drive under constant supervision by an unrestricted Australian license holder. Now, it must be kept in mind that the experienced license holder should always be seated next to the learning driver. Additionally, it is strictly stated that both, the learning driver and the experienced supervisor, must not be drunk or under influence while driving. The NSW government lays major emphasis on maintaining a 0.00% Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), so that no one has to bear the consequences of drunk driving.
Moving forward, the vehicle that is driven by the learner driver should be placed with a learner (L) plate in front of the vehicle, and another L plate should be placed on the rear of the vehicle. These plates must be present whenever the learner is driving. As far as the speed limit is concerned, the L plate driver can drive at a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h, and the learner driver does not have to abide by the speed limit sign on the road. The usage of electronic gadgets, such as smartphones, or even other electronic accessories is not allowed for learner license holders. These electronics act as distractions for the driver, and might lead to troublesome consequences for other drivers on the road as well.
Did you know that learner license holders are also expected to complete at least 120 hours of supervised driving? If you have any relatives living in Australia who have held a driver's license, they will be able to confirm that a learner driver needs to complete 120 hours of driving under an expert driver's supervision, out of which 20 hours of driving are supposed to be completed during nighttime. Once this logbook has been completed, then the L plate driver can apply for a Provisional (P1) license.
Road Restrictions for Provisional (P) Drivers
When the L plate driver completes their 120 hours of supervised driving and turns 17 years old, that is exactly when the learning driver becomes eligible to apply for the P1 license. The age of 17 makes perfect sense when aligned with the P1 requirement of holding a learner license for at least 12 months. This requirement is specifically defined for license holders under the age of 25. If the L plate driver is above the age of 25, there is no requirement on how long they should hold the learner license in order to become eligible for a P1 license.
There are two different categories of Provisional (P) license plates that vary based on the requirements that are needed to obtain each type of P plate. Their requirements and eligibility criteria is mentioned below:
P1 Drivers
This “Red P” license can only be acquired at a minimum age of 17, and the usage of electronic devices is prohibited for this type of license as well. Similar to the rules for the learner license holders, the P1 plate driver must position their plates on the rear and the front of their vehicle, and the maximum speed limit at which they can drive is 90 km/h. There is one criteria that is extremely specific and crucial, and must be followed by every driver who holds this type of license. This criteria is set for the young passengers that are seated with the P1 license driver. According to the NSW law for P plate drivers, a P1 driver can only travel with one, under-21 passenger seated on the passenger seat right next to the driver. To add on, this passenger can only be traveled with during the time period of 11 pm and 5 am. Quite specific, isn't it? Well, driving in NSW is no joke, and the safety of the people is what the NSW government prioritizes the most.
P2 Drivers
To apply for the “Green P” driver's license, a P1 license holder must successfully clear the Hazard Perception Test (HPT), and should have held the P1 license for at least 12 months before applying for the test. The green plate must be carried at all times by the driver, and should be displayed in the front and the rear of the vehicle being used. While the maximum speed limit for P2 plate drivers is 100 km/h, they too are prohibited from using electronic devices while driving. If the P2 driver wishes to attain a full driver's license, they are expected to successfully clear the Driver Qualification Test (DQT).
At the Glorious Driving School, we firmly believe that the road rules and regulations defined for L and P plate drivers in NSW are extensive, thorough, and crucial to be followed. Their farsighted approach towards ensuring the people's safety on the road indicates how the government focuses majorly on the people's well-being. Defining the rules is the government's job, but implementing them is our job. Take the first step towards a brighter society and memorize these rules, starting today!