Getting your Red Ps (Provisional P1 licence) in New South Wales (NSW) is a major milestone, granting you the freedom to drive solo. However, with this freedom come specific rules and restrictions designed to keep new drivers, and other road users, safe. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting and keeping your Red Ps in NSW.
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Eligibility and Requirements:
To be eligible for a P1 licence (Red Ps) in NSW, you must:
- Age: Be at least 17 years old.
- Learner Licence: Have held a learner licence.
- Under 25: You must have held your learner licence for at least 12 months and logged 120 hours of supervised driving practice (including 20 hours of night driving). This can be recorded in a logbook (paper or digital).
- 25 and Over: You do not need to complete the 12-month holding period or the logbook. You can proceed to the tests when you feel ready.
- Hazard Perception Test (HPT): Pass the HPT. This computer-based test assesses your ability to recognize and respond to potentially dangerous traffic situations. You can book the HPT after holding your learner's for 10 months (if under 25).
- Driving Test: Pass the practical driving test. This assesses your ability to safely operate a vehicle in real-world conditions.
Booking and Passing the Tests:
- HPT: Book online and pay the test fee. You can retake the HPT as many times as needed, but you must pay each time.
- Driving Test: Once you meet the eligibility criteria (including logbook submission, if applicable), you can book the driving test. You'll need to:
- Prove your identity.
- Pass an eyesight test.
- Pay the licence and test fees.
- If you fail, you must wait at least 7 days before re-attempting.
After passing the driving test, you'll have your photo taken for your P1 licence card. You'll receive a temporary paper licence until your physical card arrives by mail. You can also opt for a digital licence.
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Key Rules and Restrictions for Red P Platers:
Once you have your Red Ps, you must adhere to the following rules:
- Vehicle Type: You can only drive cars (not trucks, buses, etc.).
- P Plates: You must display red P plates clearly on the front and back of your vehicle (and on any trailer you tow). The plates must be visible from the outside.
- Towing: You can only tow light trailers up to 250kg (unloaded weight). A red P plate must also be displayed on the trailer.
- Speed Limit: The maximum speed limit for P1 drivers is 90 km/h, regardless of the posted speed limit.
- Alcohol: You must have a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) – no alcohol whatsoever.
- Mobile Phones: Absolutely no mobile phone use while driving or while the vehicle is stopped but not parked. This includes hands-free devices and using the phone in loudspeaker mode.
- Supervising Learners: You cannot supervise a learner driver.
- High-Performance Vehicles: You are prohibited from driving high-performance vehicles.
- Transmission Type
If you drive an automatic vehicle you can only drive that. - Seatbelts:
Must be worn by all passengers.
Passenger Restrictions (Under 25s):
If you are under 25, a critical "peer passenger" restriction applies:
- Between 11 PM and 5 AM: You can only carry one passenger under the age of 21.
Exemptions to this rule may be granted in specific circumstances (e.g., work, family responsibilities, community service). You must apply for an exemption at a service centre and provide supporting documentation.
Penalties for Offences:
Breaking the P1 licence rules carries serious consequences:
- Demerit Points: Your P1 licence will be suspended or refused if you accumulate 4 or more demerit points within a 3-year period.
- Speeding: Any speeding offence will result in a minimum 3-month licence suspension because it exceeds the demerit point limit. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 km/h can lead to immediate police suspension.
- Licence Suspension: Any suspension period does not count towards the required 12 months on your P1 licence.
- Licence Disqualification: If a court disqualifies you from driving, your P1 licence is cancelled. You'll have to reapply for a new P1 licence after the disqualification period, and the 12-month clock restarts.
- One Passenger Condition (Post-Disqualification): If your P1 licence was disqualified for any driving offense committed on or after July 11, 2005, you'll be restricted to carrying only one passenger for 12 months after regaining your licence.
- Liquor Act Offences.
Progressing to Green Ps (P2):
After holding your Red Ps for a minimum of 12 months, you can apply for your Green Ps (Provisional P2 licence). Your P1 licence is valid for 18 months, giving you a window to upgrade.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
