Passing your VicRoads practical driving test is a huge achievement — but the licensing journey does not end there. Victoria has a graduated licensing system with two probationary stages, each with specific rules and conditions. Here is everything you need to know about life on P plates.

P1 Licence — The First Year

When you pass your practical test, you enter the P1 probationary stage. Your P1 licence is valid for three years, during which you must display red P plates on both the front and rear of any vehicle you drive. On P1, your speed limit is 90 km/h — even on roads with higher posted limits. You cannot use a mobile phone at all while driving, in any manner including hands-free. You cannot carry more than one passenger under 22 between 11 pm and 5 am unless accompanied by a supervising driver.

P2 Licence — The Next Three Years

After at least 12 months on P1 with no suspensions, you can apply for your P2 licence. P2 requires green P plates and raises your speed limit to 100 km/h. The passenger restriction is lifted, though the zero blood alcohol requirement and mobile phone prohibition continue to apply. P2 lasts for three years.

Moving to a Full Licence

After completing both P1 and P2 — a minimum of four years in total — you can apply for a full Victorian driver licence. At this stage all probationary conditions are removed, and you are subject only to the standard road rules and demerit point system that applies to all licensed drivers.

Demerit Points on P Plates

Probationary drivers have a lower demerit point threshold than full licence holders. P1 drivers lose their licence if they accumulate five or more demerit points in any three-year period. P2 drivers lose their licence at seven or more points. Common offences like mobile phone use and low-range speeding carry enough demerit points to end a probationary licence quickly — take the conditions seriously from day one.