L and P Plate Restrictions in Victoria Explained

Are you confused by the rules for getting your learner's permit in Victoria? Well, you’re not alone. With four different stages to go through it might seem more confusing than it really is. 

We’ve put together this guide to help you know exactly what to do. We’ll start with getting the learner permit before the red P plate, green P plate and finally the full licence. 

What are the Different Licence Classes in Victoria?

In Victoria, there are several steps to progress through before obtaining a full driver’s licence. The process begins with obtaining a learner permit, followed by provisional licences (P1 and P2), and finally a full licence. Each stage has specific requirements and restrictions to ensure new drivers gain the necessary experience and skills safely.

Learner Licence

The first stage is the learner's permit, which allows you to drive under supervision. To qualify, you need to be at least 16 years old and pass the Learner Permit Knowledge Test. This test can be taken online or in person. While driving, learners must always carry their permit and display L plates on their vehicles.

Provisional Licence

Class P1

The first provisional stage allows unsupervised driving. To get a P1 licence, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a learner's permit for at least 12 months if under 21, 6 months if 21-25, and 3 months if over 25
• Pass the Hazard Perception Test
• Pass the driving test

To pass the driving test with more confidence, book a driving lesson in Victoria. 

Class P2

The final provisional stage before a full licence. To get a P2 licence, you must:

• Be at least 19 years old
• Hold a P1 licence for at least 12 months

Full Licence

The final licence class allows unrestricted driving. To qualify, you must:

• Be at least 20 years old
• Hold a P2 licence for at least three years if under 21, two years if 21-25, and one year if over 25

L Plate Restrictions Vic

Supervision: Must be supervised by a fully licensed driver.

Plates: Display L plates on the front and rear of the vehicle.

Passengers: Cannot carry more than one passenger aged 16 to 22 years old unless immediate family members.

Blood Alcohol Concentration: BAC must be 0.00.

Demerit Points: If 4 demerit points are accumulated in 12 months, the permit will be suspended.

Mobile Devices: Use of mobile phones is prohibited, including hands-free and Bluetooth.

Car Types: No high-powered vehicles.

Transmission Types: Can learn in manual or automatic.

Towing Restrictions: Not permitted to tow anything. 

P Plate Restrictions Vic

Supervision: No supervision required for P plate drivers

Plates: Display red P plates on the front and rear of the motor vehicle for probationary licence holders

Passengers: P plate drivers cannot carry more than one passenger aged 16 to 22 years old unless immediate family members.

Blood Alcohol Concentration: Zero blood alcohol concentration

Demerit Points: If 5 demerit points are accumulated in 12 months, the licence will be suspended.

Mobile Devices: Use of a mobile phone is prohibited, including hands-free and Bluetooth mounted devices

Car Types: No high-powered vehicles.

Transmission Types: Restricted to the type of transmission used during the practical driving test.

Towing Restrictions: Towing a vehicle or trailer is only permitted for work, agriculture, horticulture, dairy pastoral, commercial fishing or similar purposes or a fully licenced driver is sitting beside you.

P2 Restrictions Vic

Supervision: No learner driver restrictions

Plates: Display green P plates on the front and rear of the vehicle.

Passengers: No specific restrictions unless young drivers are under 21 years old, then cannot carry more than one passenger aged 16 to 22 years old during the first 12 months.

Blood Alcohol Concentration: BAC must be 0.00.

Demerit Points: If 5 demerit points are accumulated in 12 months, the licence will be suspended.

Mobile Devices: Use of mobile phones is prohibited, including hands-free and Bluetooth.

Car Types: No high-powered vehicles.

Transmission Types: Restricted to the type of transmission used during the driving test.

Towing Restrictions: Towing is only permitted for work, agriculture, horticulture, dairy pastoral, commercial fishing or similar purposes or a fully licenced driver is sitting beside you.

Pass the Driving Test First Time with EzLicence

A good driving instructor can make all the difference when it comes to swapping those L plates for P plates. To get some practice before your exam, take a look at the experienced driving instructors on the platform. They’re available to book a driving lesson at a time and date that suits you. With their help, you’ll be free to drive alone in no time at all. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a learner driver drive with a child in the car in Victoria?

Yes, a learner driver can drive with a child in the car as long as a fully licensed driver supervises them.

How many passengers can a learner have?

Learner drivers can carry one passenger aged 16 to 22 years old until they get a full victorian driver's licence.

How long do you have to have your Ls for in Victoria?

Learner drivers must hold their learner permit for at least 12 months if they are under 21, 6 months if aged 21-25, and 3 months if over 25 before they can apply for a P1 licence.

Can learner drivers drive on the freeway in Victoria?

Yes, learner drivers are allowed to drive on freeways in Victoria as long as a supervising driver accompanies them.

Do you need 120 hours when you're over 21 in Victoria?

No, learner drivers over the age of 21 are not required to complete 120 hours of supervised driving. This requirement applies to those under 21.