Navigating Learner & Provisional Driving Licence Rules in QLD: L‑Plate and P‑Plate Essentials
Starting your driving journey in Queensland means progressing through distinct driving licence stages—Learner (L), Provisional P1 (Red P), and Provisional P2 (Green P). Each phase has unique restrictions as outlined by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), designed to help drivers build skills, gain confidence, and reduce crash risks on the road.
Driving schools play an essential role in ensuring that new drivers understand these rules and progress safely toward their open driver licence.
🟡 Learner Licence (L Plates): Key Requirements & Restrictions
Eligibility & Licence Conditions
To get a learner licence, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Pass a written road rules test
- Hold the learner licence for at least 12 months if you’re under 25
- Complete 100 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night) if you’re under 25
- Learners aged 25 and over are not required to log hours
Supervision & Plate Display
- You must be supervised by a driver who has held an open licence for the same class of vehicle for at least one year
- L plates (black ‘L’ on a yellow background) must be clearly displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle, and visible from at least 20 metres
Alcohol and Mobile Phone Restrictions
- Learners must maintain a zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at all times
- Supervisors must have a BAC under 0.05%
- All mobile phone use is banned, including hands-free, Bluetooth, and speaker mode
- If under 25, even your supervisor and passengers are prohibited from using speakerphone or video calls while driving
Demerit Points
- Learners can accumulate up to 4 demerit points in a 1-year period
- Exceeding the limit may lead to suspension or disqualification of your learner licence
🔴 Provisional Licence: P1 (Red P Plates)
Eligibility
To get a P1 licence, you must:
- Be at least 17 years old
- Hold your learner licence for the required period
- Complete the Hazard Perception Test (HPT)
Restrictions
- Red P plates must be displayed front and rear while driving
- You must maintain a zero BAC
- All mobile phone use is prohibited, including hands-free options
- If you’re under 25, your passengers cannot use speakerphone or video calls while you’re driving
Passenger Limitations (Under 25)
- Between 11 pm and 5 am, you can only carry one passenger under 21 who is not an immediate family member
High-Powered Vehicle Ban
- P1 drivers under 25 cannot drive high-powered vehicles unless granted an exemption
- A high-powered vehicle exemption may be granted for work, education, or medical reasons if no alternatives are available
Demerit Points
- P1 licence holders are limited to 4 demerit points in a 1-year period
🟢 Provisional Licence: P2 (Green P Plates)
Eligibility
To get a P2 licence, you must:
- Hold a P1 licence for at least 12 months
- Pass the HPT if not already done
Drivers aged 25 and over may progress directly from a learner licence to a P2 licence, bypassing the P1 phase.
Conditions
- Green P plates must be displayed on both the front and rear of the vehicle
- You must still maintain a zero BAC
- You may use mobile phones hands-free, provided the device is securely mounted and you only use voice-activated features
- Passenger restrictions are lifted at the P2 stage
High-Powered Vehicle Restrictions
- Restrictions on high-powered vehicles still apply unless a valid exemption has been granted
Demerit Points
- P2 licence holders can accumulate up to 7 demerit points before facing penalties
✅ Summary Table
| Licence Stage | Minimum Age | Plates | BAC Limit | Phone Use | Passenger Restriction | High-Powered Vehicle Use | Duration | Demerit Point Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learner (L) | 16 | L plates | 0.00% | None allowed | Supervisor only | Generally permitted | 12 mo / 100 h | 4 per year |
| P1 (Red) | 17 | Red P | 0.00% | None allowed | 1 passenger under 21 (11pm–5am) | Not allowed (unless exempted) | 12 months | 4 per year |
| P2 (Green) | 18+ | Green P | 0.00% | Hands-free only | None | Not allowed (unless exempted) | 24 months | 7 per year |
Tips for Driving Schools
- Educate students about logbook completion requirements and legal timeframes
- Emphasise proper display and placement of L and P plates
- Teach the consequences of mobile phone use and BAC violations
- Guide learners in understanding vehicle eligibility, especially regarding high-powered car restrictions
- Offer practice for the Hazard Perception Test during lessons
Queensland’s graduated licensing system is designed to help drivers develop safe driving habits and progressively gain more responsibility behind the wheel. From learner licence through to P1 and P2, each phase comes with clear expectations and legal conditions.
