Getting your Red Ps (Provisional P1 licence) in Queensland (QLD) is a significant step towards driving independence. However, it comes with specific rules and restrictions designed to ensure the safety of new drivers and others on the road. This guide provides a complete overview of the QLD Red P Plate rules, from eligibility to penalties.
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Eligibility and Requirements:
To obtain a P1 licence (Red Ps) in Queensland, you must:
- Age: Be at least 17 years old.
- Learner Licence: Have held a Queensland learner licence.
- Logbook (Under 25s): If you are under 25, you must have held your learner licence for at least 12 months and completed a logbook with 100 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours of night driving.
- Driving Test: Pass a practical driving test. You cannot book the test until you meet the age and logbook requirements (if applicable).
- 25 Years or Older:
If you are over this age. You can obtain your license.
Note: If you are 25 or older, you do not need to complete the logbook or apply for a P1 licence. You proceed directly to booking and passing the practical driving test to obtain a P2 licence (Green Ps). This article focuses primarily on the P1 (Red P) rules.
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Booking and Passing the Driving Test:
When you're ready and eligible, you can book your practical driving test. You'll need to:
- Provide proof of identity.
- Pass an eyesight test.
- Pay the relevant licence and test fees.
If you fail the test, there's a waiting period before you can re-attempt (this isn't specified in the provided source, but it's a common practice – you might want to confirm the exact waiting period with QLD Transport). After passing, you'll receive your P1 licence.
Key Rules and Restrictions for QLD Red P Platers:
Once you have your Red Ps, you must comply with the following rules:
- P Plates: Display red P plates clearly at the front and rear of your car (rear only for motorcycles). The "P" must be clearly visible.
- Vehicle Type: Only drive vehicles permitted by your licence class (typically cars).
- Carry Your Licence: Always have your physical licence card or your Digital Licence app with you when driving, and show it to a police officer if requested.
- Licence Conditions: Comply with any conditions on your licence (e.g., wearing corrective lenses if you have an "S" condition).
- Zero Alcohol: Maintain a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) – no alcohol is permitted.
- No Drugs: Do not drive under the influence of illegal or prescription drugs.
- Supervising Learners: You cannot supervise a learner driver.
- Demerit points.
Accumilate 4 or more points. - High-Powered Vehicles: You are generally restricted from driving high-powered vehicles (see detailed section below).
Mobile Phone Restrictions (Critical):
- Under 25 (P1): No mobile phone use whatsoever while driving, or while the vehicle is stopped but not parked. This includes:
- Hands-free kits
- Bluetooth devices
- Wireless headsets
- Using the phone's loudspeaker
- Even having the phone in your pocket and using it in any way is prohibited.
- Passengers cannot use a phone on loudspeaker while you are driving.
- Over 25 (P1 or P2): Hands-free use of a mobile phone is permitted (e.g., in a cradle), but you must maintain proper control of the vehicle and drive with due care. Voice-only operation is allowed if the phone is in your pocket or a pouch.
Peer Passenger Restriction (Under 25, P1 Only):
A crucial restriction applies to P1 drivers under 25:
- Between 11 PM and 5 AM: You can carry only one passenger under the age of 21 who is not an immediate family member.
"Immediate family member" is defined broadly, including siblings, step-siblings, children, spouses, parents, guardians, carers, and even individuals considered family under Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander tradition.
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High-Powered Vehicle Restrictions (Under 25):
P1 and P2 licence holders under 25 are generally prohibited from driving high-powered vehicles. The definition of "high-powered" depends on the vehicle's manufacturing date:
- Manufactured on or after January 1, 2010:
- Power-to-weight ratio exceeding 130 kW/tonne.
- Engine modifications requiring approval.
- Manufactured before January 1, 2010:
- 8 or more cylinders.
- Turbocharged or supercharged (unless diesel-powered).
- Engine power exceeding 210 kW.
- Rotary engine exceeding 1146cc.
- Engine modifications requiring approval.
There are exemptions for certain vehicles (e.g., Suzuki Cappuccino, Daihatsu Copen, Smart Fortwo) and situations where an exemption certificate can be obtained (e.g., for work or family hardship).
Late Night Driving Restriction (After Suspension/Demerit Points):
If you accumulate too many demerit points or are suspended for a high-speed offense while under 25, a late-night driving restriction will be imposed for one year. This means you cannot drive between 11 PM and 5 AM. This restriction applies even if you upgrade to an open licence. Exemptions may be granted in cases of severe hardship (e.g., needing to drive for work).
Penalties for Offences:
Breaking the P1 rules can result in:
- Fines
- Demerit points
- Licence suspension
- Licence cancellation (in cases of disqualification)
Displaying P Plates Correctly:
- Size: At least 14.6cm x 14.6cm.
- Color: Red "P" on a white background.
- Visibility: Clearly visible from 20 meters away, at the front and rear of the car (rear only for motorcycles).
- Where to get plates
Retailers.
Progressing to a P2 (Green P) Licence:
The progression to a P2 licence depends on your age when you obtained your P1:
- Under 23: You must hold your P1 licence for at least one year before progressing to P2.
- 23 or 24: You must hold your P1 or P2 licence for at least one year before progressing to an open licence.
- 25 or Over: You bypass the P1 stage and go straight to P2 after passing the practical driving test.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
