Learner Driver Passenger Rules for Every State

Finding the rules for learner driver passengers can be confusing, especially since regulations vary across Australian states. Many new drivers and their supervisors seek clear, state-specific guidelines to ensure they comply with the law. 

In this blog post, we’ll clear up the confusion and provide a comprehensive overview of the learner driver passenger rules for each state. This will help you to stay informed and safe on the road.

Learner Driver Passenger Rules

It’s not just state-by-state rules that you have to deal with when learning how to drive safely and legally. The rules also often change depending on the licence level, starting at the learner’s level and ending with a full licence.

Provisional licences (p plate) are divided into two stages: P1 (red Ps) and P2 (green Ps) Each stage comes with its own set of rules designed to gradually ease new drivers into the responsibility of driving solo with passengers. New drivers and their supervisors must be aware of these learner driver restrictions to avoid the risk of fines or penalties.

New South Wales (NSW)

Are Passengers Allowed?

Yes, learner drivers in New South Wales can have passengers.

Rules for Different Licence Levels

• Learner driver's licence: No restrictions on the number of passengers.
• P1 Licence: If the driver is under 25, only one passenger under 21 is allowed between 11 pm and 5 am.
• P2 Licence: No restrictions on maximum speed limit or the number of passengers.

Are Supervisors Needed?

Yes, learner drivers must be supervised by a full licence holder who has held their licence for at least one year. The supervisor must be seated in the front passenger seat and must not have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.05. It's also recommended to avoid any alcohol to set a good example.

Learn more here. 

Victoria (VIC)

Are Passengers Allowed?

Yes, learner drivers in Victoria can have passengers.

Rules for Different Licence Levels

• Learner Permit: No restrictions on the number of passengers.
• P1 Licence: Only one passenger aged between 16 and 22 is allowed.
• P2 Licence: No restrictions on the number of passengers.

Are Supervisors Needed?

Yes, learner drivers must be supervised by a full licence holder who has held their licence for at least one year. The supervisor must sit in the front passenger seat and have a BAC below 0.05, though a zero BAC is recommended.

Learn more here. 

Queensland (QLD)

Are Passengers Allowed?

Yes, learner drivers in Queensland can have passengers.

Rules for Different Licence Levels

• Learner Licence: No restrictions on the number of passengers.
• P1 Licence: If the driver is under 25, only one passenger under 21 is allowed between 11 pm and 5 am.
• P2 Licence: No restrictions on the number of passengers.

Are Supervisors Needed?

Yes, learner drivers must be supervised by a full licence holder who has held their licence for at least one year. The supervisor must have a BAC below 0.05 and should avoid using mobile phones to prevent distractions.

Learn more here. 

Western Australia (WA)

Are Passengers Allowed?

Yes, learner drivers in Western Australia can have passengers.

Rules for Different Licence Levels

• Learner Permit: No restrictions on the number of passengers.
• P1 Licence: No restrictions on the number of passengers.
• P2 Licence: No restrictions on the number of passengers.

Are Supervisors Needed?

Yes, learner drivers must be supervised by a full licence holder who has held their licence for at least four years. The supervisor must have a BAC of zero and should not use a mobile phone while supervising.

Learn more here. 

South Australia (SA)

Are Passengers Allowed?

Yes, learner drivers in South Australia can have passengers.

Rules for Different Licence Levels

• Learner Permit: No restrictions on the number of passengers.
• P1 Licence: If the driver is under 25, only one passenger aged 16 to 20 years is allowed, unless supervised by a full licence holder.
• P2 Licence: No restrictions on the number of passengers.

Are Supervisors Needed?

Yes, learner drivers must be supervised by a full licence holder who has held their driver licence, for at least two years. The supervisor must have a BAC below 0.05, and a zero BAC is highly recommended for safety.

Learn more here. 

Tasmania (TAS)

Are Passengers Allowed?

Yes, learner drivers in Tasmania can have passengers.

Rules for Different Licence Levels

• Learner Permit: No restrictions on the number of passengers.
• P1 Licence: If the driver is under 25, only one passenger aged 16 to 21 years is allowed.
• P2 Licence: No restrictions on the number of passengers.

Are Supervisors Needed?

Yes, learner drivers must be supervised by a full licence holder who has held their licence for at least one year. The supervisor should have a BAC below 0.05.

Learn more here.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Are Passengers Allowed?

Yes, learner drivers in the Australian Capital Territory can have passengers.

Rules for Different Licence Levels

• Learner Permit: No restrictions on the number of passengers.
• P1 Licence: No more than one passenger aged 16-21 years is allowed between 11 pm and 5 am.
• P2 Licence: No restrictions on the number of passengers.

Are Supervisors Needed?

Yes, learner drivers must be supervised by a full licence holder. The supervisor must have a BAC below 0.05 and must avoid distractions such as using mobile phones.

Learn more here. 

Northern Territory (NT)

Are Passengers Allowed?

Yes, learner drivers in the Northern Territory can still drive cars that have passengers.

Rules for Different Licence Levels

• Learner Permit: No restrictions on the number of passengers.
• P1 Licence: No restrictions on the number of passengers.
• P2 Licence: No restrictions on the number of passengers.

Are Supervisors Needed?

Yes, learner drivers must be supervised by a full licence holder. The supervisor should have a BAC below 0.05 and should not use mobile phones to prevent distractions.

Learn more here. 

What’s the Difference Between a Supervisor and a Passenger?

Clarifying the roles of a supervisor and a passenger is important when a learner driver is behind the wheel. A supervisor is different in that it comes with more responsibilities. Every supervisor should be aware of the responsibilities issued by their state. 

Supervisor

A supervisor is a fully licensed driver who guides and oversees a learner driver. They are not simply a passenger being transported by the learning driver, but rather active participants in overseeing their collective journey.

Here are the main aspects of a supervisor's role:

• Licensing Requirements: The supervisor must hold a full, unrestricted driver’s licence for the class of vehicle being driven. This licence must usually have been held for a minimum period, which varies by state.
• Position in the Vehicle: The supervisor must sit in the front passenger seat to be able to take control of the vehicle if necessary and to provide real-time feedback and instruction
• Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limit: Supervisors must maintain a BAC below 0.05. In some states, they must have a zero BAC while supervising a learner driver to ensure they can make sound decisions and provide effective guidance​.
• Legal Responsibilities: Supervisors are legally responsible for ensuring that the learner driver adheres to road rules. They can be fined if found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while supervising. This responsibility underscores the importance of setting a good example and ensuring safety at all times.

Passenger Legal Responsibilities

Passengers are not legally responsible for the learner driver’s adherence to road rules. However, their behaviour can impact the driver’s focus and safety, so they need to act responsibly.

Helpful and safe passengers perform the following responsibilities and tasks:

• Wear their seatbelt at all times
• Help guide the driver by helping to spot upcoming dangers or obstructions.
• Keep distractions to a minimum level, such as conversations, loud music, or movement.
• Aid in co-piloting the car by navigating or receiving phone calls for the driver.
• Prevent the interior light from being turned on at night to keep the driver’s eyesight optimal.
• Try not to be a ‘back-seat driver’ and cause undue stress.

Common Requirements for Learner Drivers

Across Australia, learner drivers must adhere to several common rules designed to ensure safety and build responsible driving habits. 

Here are the key learner driver rules and requirements:

• Supervision by a Fully Licensed Driver: Learner drivers must always be accompanied by a fully licensed driver sitting in the front passenger seat. This supervisor provides guidance and can take control of the vehicle if necessary.
• Display L Plates: Vehicles driven by learner drivers must display L plates on both the front and rear. 
• Maintain a 0% Blood Alcohol Concentration: Learner drivers are required to maintain a 0% BAC while driving. 
• Prohibited from Using Mobile Phones: Learner drivers are not allowed to use mobile phones while driving. This includes hands-free devices, ensuring that the driver's attention is solely on driving​.
• Adhere to Specific Speed Limits: Each state imposes specific speed limits for learner drivers, often lower than for fully licensed drivers. 
• Complete a Logbook: Learner drivers must complete a logbook documenting their supervised driving hours. This logbook tracks their progress and ensures they receive sufficient practice under varied conditions before they can advance to a provisional licence​.

Looking To Get More Practice Hours?

If you’re learning to drive and want to get more practice, take a look at EzLicence. We allow you to book driving lessons at a time and place that suits you. Choose from a range of experienced instructors and book your next lesson in minutes! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do learner drivers have to display L plates?

Yes, L plates must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle to indicate that the driver is a learner​

How many supervised driving hours do learner drivers need to log?

The required number of supervised driving hours varies by state, ranging from 50 to 120 hours. These hours must be recorded in a logbook

Are there any restrictions on the type of car learner drivers can use?

Learner drivers can generally drive any car that is roadworthy and registered. Some states may have specific restrictions on high-powered cars.