L and P Plate Restrictions in SA

Getting a driver's licence in South Australia gives budding drivers the freedom to explore at their own leisure. However, with different regulations for learner drivers, such as L plate rules and P plate rules, it can seem confusing to get started. 

We’re here to explain the L and P plate restrictions SA so you know exactly what to do. Read on to make sure you get it right and you’ll be ready to drive as soon as possible. 

Learner Driver and Provisional Licences South Australia

The learner and provisional licences in South Australia are the licence types you need to progress through to obtain your full or open licence. Below are the details of each class of licence holders and the steps required to proceed to the next level.

Learner Licence

A learner’s driving or learner permit licence is the first type of licence you will receive. It allows you to learn how to drive under the supervision of an instructor or someone who has held a full licence for at least a year.

You may apply for a learner's licence when you are 16. You must pass a theory test, which can be completed online through the mySAGOV account or in person at a Service SA centre. 

Once you have your learner's licence, you must always carry it digitally or physically when driving. The learner's permit is valid for two years​ 

Provisional Licence

There are two sets of classes under the provisional ‘P’ licence category. Both must be passed before a full licence can be awarded.

Class P1

The first stage of a provisional driver's licence is 'P1', also known as red P plates. A P1 provisional licence allows a provisional licence holder to drive independently without supervision. 

To obtain a P1 licence, you must:

• Be at least 17 years old.
• Must have a learner's permit period of at least 12 months if you are between 17 and 24 years old, or 6 months if you are 25 or older.
• Complete at least 75 hours of supervised driving, including a minimum of 15 hours at night, recorded in a logbook.
• Pass the Hazard Perception Test SA
• For the practical driving test, learners must pass either the Vehicle on Road Test (VORT) or the Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBT&A).

Class P2

The P2 provisional licence, represented by green P plates, is the final class before your full licence. To receive a P2 licence, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have held a provisional licence period for at least 12 months. Your P2 licence will last for two years.

Full Licence

A full or open licence is the final licence class for a regular car, allowing you to drive without additional restrictions. 

To qualify for your full licence card, you must:

• Be at least 20 years old.
• Have held a provisional licence for at least 3 years (1 year on P1 and 2 years on P2).

When you are eligible to progress to a full licence, a renewal notice will be sent to you. You can renew online or at a Service SA centre.

Learner Plates’ Rules in SA

When driving on your initial learner plate licence, there are plenty of rules and regulations that apply specifically to your driving level. Knowing about these rules ahead of time can allow you to drive safely and within the confines of state and national driving laws.

The most notable rules are as follows:

• Speed Limit: Learners must not exceed 100 km/h.
• Supervision: Learners must be supervised at all times whilst driving by a qualified supervising driver who has held a full licence for at least two years.
• Plates: 'L' plates must be displayed clearly from the front and rear of the vehicle.
• Passengers: You cannot drive with more than one passenger aged 16 to 20 years (excluding immediate family members) at all, unless a qualified supervising driver is seated next to you.
• Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): Must have a BAC of zero.
• Demerit Points: Learners can accumulate up to four demerit points before the licence is suspended.
• Mobile Devices: Learners are prohibited from using any mobile phone function, including hands-free or Bluetooth.
• Car Types: No specific restrictions on the type of car but must not drive a high-powered vehicle if under 25 without an exemption. A high-powered vehicle licence is now required for driving these types of motor vehicles.
• Transmission Types: Can drive both automatic and manual cars if the supervising driver is licensed for the specific transmission type.
• Towing Restrictions: Learner drivers in SA may tow a trailer, caravan, boat or horse float. If you plan on driving interstate, you should check the local requirements for each state. 

P1 Plates’ Rules in SA

Some of the rules that learner drivers must comply with are removed or altered when you graduate to an initial provisional driver's licence. They are as follows:

• Speed Limit: P1 drivers must not exceed the speed limit of 100 km/h.
• Supervision: P1 drivers can drive independently without supervision.
• Plates: 'P' plates must be displayed clearly from the front and rear of the motor vehicle.
• Passengers: If under 25, P1 drivers can carry only one passenger aged between 16 to 20 years unless supervised by a qualified driver or police officer (excluding immediate family members).
• Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): Must have a BAC of zero.
• Demerit Points: P1 drivers can accumulate up to four demerit points before the licence is suspended.
• Mobile Devices: P1 drivers are prohibited from using any mobile phone function, including hands-free or Bluetooth.
• Car Types: P1 drivers must not drive a high-powered vehicle if under 25 without an exemption.
• Transmission Types: Can drive both automatic and manual cars.
• Towing Restrictions: No specific restrictions are mentioned for P1 drivers.

P2 Plates in SA

Although most rules are similar between P1 and P2 licences, there may be some changes you still have to be aware of. To safely and legally drive on the roads, you must follow these rules:

• Speed Limit: P2 drivers must not exceed 100 km/h.
• Supervision: P2 drivers can drive independently without supervision.
• Plates: 'P' plates must be displayed clearly from the rear of the vehicle.
• Passengers: No specific restrictions on the number of passengers.
• Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): Must have a BAC of zero.
• Demerit Points: P2 drivers can accumulate up to four demerit points before the licence is suspended.
• Mobile Devices: P2 drivers are prohibited from using any mobile phone function, including hands-free or Bluetooth.
• Car Types: P2 drivers must not drive a high-powered vehicle if under 25 without an exemption.
• Transmission Types: Can drive both automatic and manual cars.
• Towing Restrictions: No specific restrictions are mentioned for P2 drivers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do L-platers have a curfew in SA?

No, learner drivers (L-platers) in South Australia do not have a curfew. They can drive at any time of the day or night as long as they are supervised by a qualified supervising driver.

What cars can L-platers drive in SA?

L-platers in South Australia can drive any car as long as it is not a high-powered vehicle (power-to-weight ratio greater than 130kW/tonne). They must also ensure the car is roadworthy and meets all safety standards.

Can I supervise a learner driver with a broken leg?

No, you cannot supervise a learner driver if you have a physical condition, such as a broken leg, that impairs your ability to drive safely. The supervising driver must be fully capable of taking control of the vehicle if necessary.

Who can sit next to a learner driver in SA?

The person sitting next to a learner driver must be a qualified supervising driver. This means they must hold a full driver's licence for the class of vehicle being driven and have held that licence for at least two years.