Driving on Your Ps

Congratulations on passing your driving test and earning your probationary licence! This is a major achievement and the beginning of your independent driving journey. Transitioning from your Ls to your Ps comes with new freedoms and new responsibilities. This guide will help you navigate the rules, restrictions, and best practices for staying safe on Melbourne roads during your probationary period.

Understanding Victoria's Two-Stage P Plate System

Victoria operates a graduated probationary licensing system designed to help you develop safe driving habits over time. If you’re under 21 years old, you’ll receive a 4-year probationary licence with 12 months at P1 level and 3 years at P2 level. If you’re 21 or over when you obtain your probationary licence, you skip P1 and go straight to P2.

P1 Licence (Red P Plates)

Your first year of solo driving is on red P plates. This period allows you to gain confidence while maintaining important safety restrictions that reduce your risk of crashes.

P2 Licence (Green P Plates)

After successfully completing your P1 year, you progress to green P plates for three years. Some restrictions are lifted, but key safety rules remain in place.

Displaying Your P Plates Correctly

Red P plates must be shown on both the front and back of your vehicle and be visible from at least 20 metres away. The same applies for green P plates during your P2 period. Your plates must be displayed whenever you’re driving, and you must carry your licence with you at all times.

The only exceptions are if you’re driving a police, ambulance, CFA, or SES vehicle for work purposes.

Rules for P1 Drivers (Red P Plates)

Peer Passenger Restriction

P1 drivers cannot carry more than one passenger aged between 16 and under 22 years of age. This restriction doesn’t apply to your spouse, de facto partner, siblings, or step-siblings. You can also carry unlimited passengers over 22 years old.

Example: You can drive your 19-year-old brother and 17-year-old sister at the same time. You can also drive one friend aged 16-21. However, you cannot drive three friends who are all between 16-21 years old.

Research shows that probationary drivers carrying multiple young passengers significantly increases crash risk, particularly during late-night hours.

Towing Restrictions

P1 drivers generally cannot tow trailers or other vehicles, unless you’re doing it for work purposes or under the instruction of a fully licensed driver.

Other P1 Rules

  • Must maintain zero blood alcohol concentration (0.00% BAC)
  • Cannot use mobile phones or any portable devices whatsoever
  • Cannot drive probationary prohibited vehicles (high-powered cars)
  • Cannot accumulate five or more demerit points in any 12-month period

Rules for P2 Drivers (Green P Plates)

When you progress to your P2 licence, the peer passenger restriction is lifted. However, many important safety restrictions continue:

Continuing Restrictions

  • Zero BAC: No alcohol permitted in your system while driving
  • Mobile Phone Ban: No mobile phone use (hands free or hand-held) or messaging of any kind is allowed.
  • Prohibited Vehicles: Cannot drive high-powered vehicles unless exempted
  • Demerit Points: You will lose your licence if you get five demerit points in a year, or 12 over a three-year period.
  • Automatic Restriction: If you passed your test in an automatic, you can only drive automatics (unless you pass another test in a manual)

Complete Mobile Phone and Device Ban

Both P1 and P2 drivers face strict device usage rules. You cannot use mobile phones or any portable devices while driving, even when stationary at traffic lights. This includes:

  • Hands-free calls
  • Handheld calls
  • GPS navigation on phones
  • Text messaging or social media
  • Voice control features
  • Mounted devices

This may seem restrictive, but it’s crucial for developing good habits. Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes among young drivers.

Prohibited Vehicles

Probationary drivers cannot drive high-powered vehicles defined as having a power-to-mass ratio greater than 130 kilowatts per tonne, or vehicles with modified engines that enhance performance. Before purchasing or driving a vehicle, check VicRoads’ probationary prohibited vehicle database to ensure it’s approved.

Exemptions exist for:

  • Driving for work when your employer requires it
  • Operating vehicles for your own business with an active ABN
  • Specific family hardship circumstances with VicRoads approval

Demerit Points and Licence Extensions

Any suspension, drink driving offence without licence cancellation or suspension, or drug driving offence will result in an extension of your P1 or P2 period. This means any driving offences can delay your progression to a full licence.

If you accumulate five demerit points in 12 months, or 12 points over three years, you’ll lose your licence. Time spent with your licence suspended doesn’t count toward your probationary period.

Tips for Safe Probationary Driving

Avoid High-Risk Situations

  • Late-Night Driving: Crash risk increases significantly between 10pm and 6am, especially with passengers
  • Fatigue: Never drive when tired. Take regular breaks on long trips
  • Weather Conditions: Adjust your speed and driving style in rain, fog, or adverse conditions
  • Peer Pressure: Don’t let passengers influence unsafe decisions

Continue Learning

Just because you’ve passed your test doesn’t mean you stop learning. At Monika’s Driving School, we offer:

  • Advanced driving lessons for new P platers
  • Defensive driving techniques
  • Motorway and freeway confidence building
  • Parallel parking and complex maneuver refinement

Maintain Your Vehicle

As a newly independent driver, you’re now responsible for vehicle maintenance:

  • Check tire pressure and tread regularly
  • Keep adequate fuel and fluids topped up
  • Ensure all lights are working
  • Address any mechanical issues promptly

The Path to Your Full Licence

If you complete your four years on P plates without any traffic-related offences, you’ll be rewarded with a free three-year full driver’s licence! This is Victoria’s way of recognizing safe, responsible driving.

After successfully completing your P2 period:

  • Your probationary restrictions automatically end on your completion date
  • If your licence card expiry date is after your probationary end date, it automatically becomes a full licence
  • If both dates are the same, you’ll need to renew and VicRoads will send you a renewal notice

Common Mistakes P Platers Should Avoid

  1. Overconfidence: Passing your test doesn’t make you an expert. Stay humble and cautious
  2. Distracted Driving: Put your phone completely away before starting the engine
  3. Speeding: Even if traffic is flowing faster, stick to speed limits
  4. Following Too Closely: Maintain safe following distances in all conditions
  5. Neglecting Maintenance: Regular vehicle checks prevent breakdowns and unsafe conditions

Managing Your Licence Online

Stay on top of your driving record through myVicRoads. You can:

  • Check your demerit points
  • Access your digital driver licence
  • Update your details
  • Pay registration when due
  • View your probationary completion date

Support for Melbourne P Plate Drivers

Driving on your Ps in Melbourne presents unique challenges:

  • Complex hook turns in the CBD
  • Busy tram corridors
  • Multi-lane roundabouts
  • Peak-hour congestion
  • Diverse road conditions across suburbs

At Monika’s Driving School, our instructors know Melbourne roads intimately. We can provide targeted lessons to help you master specific areas where you feel less confident.

Remember: Safety Comes First

The restrictions placed on probationary drivers aren’t arbitrary—they’re based on extensive research showing what keeps young drivers safest. Following these rules protects not just you, but everyone who shares the road with you.

Ready to Build Your Confidence?

Whether you’re newly on your Ps and feeling nervous, want to master specific skills, or need help preparing for your transition to P2 or your full licence, Monika’s Driving School is here to support you.

Contact us today to book a refresher lesson with one of Melbourne’s most experienced driving instructors.

Important: Always check the VicRoads and Transport Victoria websites for the most current rules and requirements, as regulations may change.

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