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P-plate driver licensing system – new law

Date created: 02 July 2008

Applies from 1 July 2008

The Victorian government has changed the licensing system for P-plate (probationary drivers).

Longer P-plate period with two stages

Under the new graduated licensing system P-plate licences will last for four years instead of three years. The new four year P-plate period will be divided into two stages. Different rules will apply each stage. The plates have different colours:

P1 – white P on red background for the first year.
P2 – white P on green background for the three remaining years.

P-plates must be displayed at all times.

Stricter rules for P-plate drivers

There will be tighter restrictions on P-plate drivers:

To progress from P1 to P2 the P-plate driver must have a good driving record. If their licence is suspended while on either P1 or P2 stages then their probationary licence period must be extended by an extra 6 months.
Drivers who are on their P1 licence are no longer allowed to tow another vehicle unless they are required to as part of their employment or are supervised by an experienced driver.
P1 drivers under 21 must not carry more than one passenger aged 16 to 21.
P-plate drivers are not allowed to drive powerful or modified vehicles without special permission.
The probationary licence may be extended if P-plate drivers are fined or found guilty of a driving offence.