P1 licence

You will get a P1 licence if you:

• pass your practical driving test when you are under 25 years of age
• are returning from a period of disqualification where at the time of the offence, you held a P1 licence and were under 25. 

Driving on a P1 licence

The P1 drivers brochure (PDF, 670 KB) outlines your conditions and restrictions while driving.

When driving you must:

• display red P-plates
• not drive a high-powered (performance) vehicle
• follow the rules about mobile phones and peer passengers
• not receive 4 or more demerit points in any 1 year period
• carry your licence with you at all times when driving and show it to a police officer when asked
• comply with any conditions stated on your licence
• not drive under the influence of illegal or prescription drugs
• obey the no alcohol limit.

Displaying red P plates

If you hold a P1 type licence for a class C, RE or R licence, you must display a red P plate when driving a car or riding a motorbike on a road. This includes holders of P1 type provisional, probationary and restricted licences.

Your red P plate must be a plate or sign with:

• an area measuring at least 14.6cm by 14.6cm
• a red upper case letter 'P' clearly marked on a white background.

You must place your P plate:

• at the front and back of the car
• at the back for motorbikes
• so the surface of the 'P' can be seen from 20m away at any point within an arc of 45 degrees, above or to either side of the car or motorbike.

You may get a $176 fine and lose 2 demerit points if you hold a P1 type licence and do not have a P plate displayed.

You can buy your P plates from service stations and some automotive shops. You can also print your own P plates using the template provided below if you have a colour printer (set your scaling to ‘None’ and use white paper).

• Red P plates template (PDF, 21 KB) 

Important note: It is an offence to display red P plates on a vehicle if you are not the holder of a P1 type licence. Doing so carries a penalty of $88.

Upgrading to a P2 or open licence

To be eligible to upgrade from your P1 licence to a P2 or open licence (depending on your age), you must:

• have held your P1 licence for a minimum of 1 year
• pass the hazard perception test and pay the fee
• visit a customer service centre to upgrade your licence.

The below table outlines when you will be eligible for a P2 type or open licence:

Age when issued P1 licence	Minimum length held	Age when issued P2 licence	Minimum length held
Under 23 years	1 year	Under 25 years	2 years
		25 years and over	1 year
23 years	1 year	24 years and over	1 year
24 years	1 year	n/a - open licence issued	-
-	-	25 years and over	1 year