Rules and Restrictions For P & L Plate Drivers QLD

Moving through the stages to obtain your full licence can be confusing, especially with all the different rules and regulations that vary with each class and state.

In this guide, we are going to walk you through the L and P plate classes and the rules and regulations that apply to each different type of driver's licence.

Read on to discover the restrictions that apply to your licence class that go beyond the regular QLD road rules so you are well-informed on what is expected of you when you’re on the road. 

Learner Driver and Provisional Licences Queensland

The learner and provisional licences in Queensland are the licence types you need to move through to obtain your full or open licence. In this section, we will explain the basics of each class and how to proceed to the next level. 

Learner licence 

A learner’s driving licence is the very 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 an open licence for at least a year. 

You may apply for a learner licence when you are 16 and must pass a written road rules knowledge assessment or complete PrepL to qualify. Once you have your learner's licence, you must always carry it digitally or physically when driving.

Provisional licence 

Class P1 

The first stage of a provisional licence is ‘P1’, also known as your red P plates. A P1 provisional licence allows you to drive on your own without supervision. To move to a P1 licence, you must:

• Be at least 17 years old
• Have passed the hazard perception test 
• Have recorded at least 120 hours of supervised driving, at least 10 of which at night in Queensland learner logbook
• Pass the practical driving test

To pass the practical driving test faster, get professional driving lessons in QLD. 

Class P2

The P2 provisional licence (green P plates) is the final class before your full licence is issued. To receive a P2 licence you must: 

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have passed the hazard perception test 
• Have held a P1 licence for at least 1 year
• Or If you are 25 or over, have held a learner's licence for at least 1 year and passed the hazard perception and driving test 

Full licence 

A full licence or open licence is the final licence class for a regular car, which allows you to drive without additional restrictions on top of the regular road rules and conditions. To qualify for your full licence, you must:

• Be at least 20 
• Have held your P2 licence for the required period. This period varies depending on your age, see this guide to find out the required period for you. 

L Plate Restrictions QLD 

Speed limit: No maximum restriction

Supervision:  You must drive with a supervisor who has held a full licence in the vehicle class you are driving for at least 1 year at all times

Plates: L plates must be displayed at the front and back of the vehicle by learner drivers

Blood alcohol concentration: BAC must be 0.00 - absolutely no alcohol 

Demerit points: If you lose 4 demerit points in 12 months you will be suspended for 3 months 

Mobile devices: The use of a mobile phone is prohibited, this includes using devices hands-free.

Car types: No V8s or other high-powered vehicles

Transmission types:  A learner driver can learn in a manual or automatic transmission

Towing restrictions: You may tow a tailor, caravan or other vehicle as long as L plates are displayed on the back of the towed item

P1 Licence Restrictions QLD

Speed limit: No maximum restriction for

Supervision:  No supervisor is required

Plates: Red P plates must be displayed on the front and back of the vehicle at all times 

Passengers: Red P plate drivers may only carry 1 passenger under 21 who is not an immediate family member between 11 pm and 5 am 

Blood alcohol concentration: BAC must be 0.00

Demerit points: If you get more than 4 demerit points in 1 year, you must choose between a suspension and a good driving behaviour period

Mobile devices: For under 25-year-olds,  no mobile devices are permitted, including using devices hands-free with a phone's loudspeaker function or bluetooth

If you are over 25, you may use a device hands-free

Car types: No V8s or other high-powered vehicles

Transmission types: You cannot drive a manual transmission if you did not pass the driving test in a manual transmission vehicle 

Towing restrictions: There are no towing restrictions as long as red P plates are clearly visible

P2 Licence Restrictions QLD

Speed limit: No maximum restriction

Supervision:  No supervision is required

Plates: Green P plates must be displayed at the front and rear of the vehicle at all times

Passengers: No passenger restrictions 

Blood alcohol concentration: Zero blood alcohol concentration

Demerit points: If you get more than 4 demerit points in 1 year, you must choose between a suspension and a good behaviour driving period

Mobile devices: You may use a device hands-free or in a cradle for directions or to answer a call 

Car types: No high-performance vehicles 

Transmission types: You cannot drive a manual transmission if you did not pass the driving test in a manual transmission vehicle 

Towing restrictions: There are no towing restrictions as long as green P plates are clearly visible

Pass the Driving Test First Go with EzLicence Driving Lessons

If you are anxious to get off your L plates and onto those P plates, you need driving lessons with EzLicence. The professional, vetted instructors on the platform will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to pass your practical driving test as soon as possible. Driving lessons with a qualified instructor can even give you additional logbook hours. 

Book a driving lesson today with EzLicence and get closer to that incredible experience of taking your first solo drive, signalling a newfound independence and freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are there high-powered vehicle restrictions for L and P plates in QLD?

Yes, there are high-powered vehicle restrictions for learners and provisional licence holders in Queensland. L and P platers are prohibited from driving V8s and any other high-performance vehicles. 

What is the penalty for not displaying P plates in QLD?

In Queensland, you can receive a fine and 2 demerit points for not properly displaying P1 or P2 plates. 

Can an L plater have more than one passenger in QLD?

As a learner driver in Queensland, you may not have more than one passenger unless they are an immediate family member. 

Can a front-seat passenger use a mobile phone in QLD? 

There are no specific rules in Queensland that prevent front passengers from using mobile phones unless they are acting as a supervisor for a learner driver.