Learner and provisional drivers in NSW have extra conditions on their licence because they're still building experience. Breaking them can mean a fine and demerit points and, for most offences, losing your licence. This guide sets out the rules for each stage, so you know exactly where you stand from your first lesson to your full licence.
Learner (L plate) rules
- Display L plates clearly on the front and back of the car, on the outside.
- Always have a supervisor beside you who holds a current full Australian driver licence.
- Never drive faster than 90 km/h, even where the speed limit is higher.
- Have no alcohol in your system at all.
- Don't use a mobile phone while driving, or while stopped but not parked. This includes hands-free and loudspeaker.
- Don't tow a trailer or any other vehicle.
- Your licence will be suspended if you reach 4 or more demerit points in a 3-year period.
P1 (red P) rules
- Never drive faster than 90 km/h.
- Your licence will be suspended if you reach 4 demerit points. Every speeding offence carries at least 4 points, so a single speeding offence means a suspension of at least 3 months.
- Don't use a mobile phone at all while driving, or while stopped but not parked.
- If you're under 25, you can't carry more than one passenger under 21 between 11pm and 5am. Exemptions are available in some circumstances, such as for work or family reasons.
- Display red P plates clearly on the front and back of the car, on the outside.
- Have no alcohol in your system at all.
- Don't drive a high-performance or prohibited vehicle.
- You can tow a trailer of up to 250 kg unloaded, with a red P plate on the back of the trailer.
- If you passed your test in an automatic, you can only drive an automatic on your own.
- You can't supervise a learner driver.
After at least 12 months on your red Ps, you can move to your green Ps. Time spent under suspension doesn't count towards the 12 months.
P2 (green P) rules
- Never drive faster than 100 km/h.
- Your licence will be suspended if you reach 7 demerit points. Speeding offences carry at least 4 points.
- Don't use a mobile phone at all while driving, including hands-free and loudspeaker.
- Have no alcohol in your system at all.
- Display green P plates clearly on the front and back of the car, and on the back of any trailer you tow.
- Don't drive a high-performance or prohibited vehicle.
- You can't supervise a learner driver.
You need to hold your P2 licence for at least 24 months before you can move to a full licence. Each suspension adds 6 months.
Rules that apply at every stage
- Everyone in the car must wear a seatbelt or use an approved child restraint.
- Police can suspend your licence on the spot if you're caught driving more than 30 km/h over the limit.
- Your L or P conditions still apply when you drive interstate.
Why these restrictions exist
Each rule targets a situation where new drivers need more margin for error. Lower speed limits give you more time to react. The phone ban removes one of the biggest distractions, because even a hands-free call takes your attention off the road. The late-night passenger limit reduces distraction at the time of day when driving is hardest, and L and P plates let other drivers know to give you a little extra room.
Frequently asked questions
What is the speed limit for L and P plate drivers in NSW?
Learner and P1 drivers must never drive faster than 90 km/h, and P2 drivers must never drive faster than 100 km/h, even where the posted speed limit is higher.
What happens if a P1 driver is caught speeding?
Every speeding offence carries at least 4 demerit points, which is the P1 limit, so a single speeding offence means a licence suspension of at least 3 months.
Can P-platers use a hands-free phone in NSW?
No. Learner, P1 and P2 drivers can't use a mobile phone at all while driving, or while stopped but not parked, including hands-free and loudspeaker.
How long do you stay on your Ps in NSW?
You need at least 12 months on your P1 licence before moving to P2, then at least 24 months on your P2 licence before moving to a full licence.
Learn the rules as you learn the skills
Our instructors each hold a NSW driving instructor licence, and they'll explain the rules that apply to you as they come up on real Sydney roads, so they become second nature well before your test.
If you're under 25, each hour with a licensed NSW driving instructor counts as 3 hours in your log book, for up to 10 hours of lessons. That's up to 20 bonus hours.
See our driving lesson prices, or read about the Safer Drivers Course for learners under 25.