Getting your P Plates is an exciting step towards independent driving, but Australia P Plate Driving Rules 2025 come with strict regulations that every new driver must follow. These rules aim to keep young drivers safe on the road by limiting speed, curfew hours, and passenger numbers.
Let’s break down the key speed & night driving laws, passenger limits, and curfew restrictions you need to know.
What Are P Plates in Australia?
P Plates, short for provisional plates, are issued to new drivers in Australia who have passed their driving test but are still under probation. These drivers must follow additional road safety rules before gaining full driving privileges.
Key Australia P Plate Driving Rules 2025
As of September 2025, the Australia P Plate Driving Rules have been updated to improve road safety and reduce accidents involving young drivers. Here’s what you need to know.
Speed Limits for P Plate Drivers
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Maximum Speed: 90 km/h for P1 drivers (Red P Plates)
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Maximum Speed: 100 km/h for P2 drivers (Green P Plates)
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Zero tolerance for speeding, even by 1 km/h
Speed Limit Summary
| Licence Type | Maximum Speed Allowed |
|---|---|
| P1 (Red P Plates) | 90 km/h |
| P2 (Green P Plates) | 100 km/h |
Note: These limits apply even on highways where the posted speed is higher.
Night Driving Laws & Curfew
Night driving is particularly risky for inexperienced drivers. The speed & night driving laws for P Plate holders in 2025 include:
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Curfew for P1 drivers: No driving between 11 PM to 5 AM
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P2 drivers: No curfew restrictions unless involved in prior traffic violations
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Strict penalties for curfew breaches
Night Driving & Curfew Rules
| Licence Type | Night Driving Curfew |
|---|---|
| P1 (Red P Plates) | No driving from 11 PM to 5 AM |
| P2 (Green P Plates) | No restrictions |
Passenger Limits
The number of passengers you can carry is also limited under the Australia P Plate Driving Rules 2025.
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P1 Drivers: Can carry only one passenger under 21 years during night curfew hours
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Immediate family members are exempt from this restriction
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P2 drivers have no passenger limit unless penalised previously
Passenger Limit Table
| Licence Type | Passenger Restrictions |
|---|---|
| P1 (Red P Plates) | One passenger under 21 during curfew |
| P2 (Green P Plates) | No restrictions unless penalised |
Mobile Phone Usage
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Completely banned for all P Plate drivers, including hands-free devices
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Even touching the phone while driving is illegal
Alcohol & Drug Rules
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Zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) allowed
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Random breath testing is common for P Plate drivers
Key Points to Remember
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Follow the Australia P Plate Driving Rules 2025 strictly to avoid heavy fines or licence suspension.
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Understand the speed & night driving laws applicable to your licence stage.
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Keep track of curfew hours and passenger restrictions to ensure safe driving.
FAQs
1. What happens if I exceed the speed limit on a P Plate in Australia?
Exceeding the speed limit, even by a small margin, can result in immediate licence suspension or heavy fines for P Plate drivers under the strict Australia P Plate Driving Rules 2025.
2. Can P Plate drivers use GPS on their phones?
No, P Plate drivers are not allowed to touch their phones, even to operate GPS. They must use a mounted GPS or set it up before starting the vehicle.
3. Are there any exceptions to the night curfew for P1 drivers?
Exceptions are rarely granted, but driving to or from work or emergencies may be considered acceptable with proper documentation.
4. Do these Australia P Plate Driving Rules 2025 apply across all states?
Yes, but some states may have additional restrictions. It’s important to check local regulations for any extra speed & night driving laws.
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